SOLD - Rare FN Model 1949 - Luxembourg Contract (2103 - 24848)

Description

4/11/23 - The FN49 was designed by the Belgian manufacturer Fabrique Nationale before WWII; however, plans to produce the semi-automatic rifle were abandoned when the Germans occupied Belgium. Many FN engineers fled to England during the war and returned to Belgium when it was liberated by the allies in 1944. With their return to Belgium these engineers revitalized their plans for what would eventually become the FN49, (also known as the SAFN short for “semi-automatic FN”). While the FN49 was high quality in its time, it saw limited production and use because it did not come into production until after WWII and it eventually had to compete with the popular HK G3 and FN FAL rifles which utilized more modern technology. The FN49 was produced for 8 primary contracts. This particular rifle was produced as part of the 4th contract which was for 6,306 rifles for Luxembourg in 1951. The gun is all matching. The receiver shows a proof of a flaming bomb next to the digit '1', but not sure the significance. It has retained about 85% of its black enamel finish. Generally, there is light chipping in the finish throughout, but the majority of the wear is on the barrel and front barrel band. No major damage to the stock, but there are bruises and scratches throughout. There is what looks like a small wood repair on the top edge of the butt stock where it meets the butt plate. Excellent bore with strong rifling.