SOLD - FN Model 1949 - Egyptian Contract (12576 - 26411)

Description

7/14/23 - This is a very nice example of an FN Model 1949 rifle that was part of an Egyptian military contract. 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 for the second contract which brought 37,641 FN49 rifles to Egypt in 1949.  Many rifles in this contract were used in Suez Crisis in 1956. As with all Egyptian contract FN49s, this rifle is chambered for 7.92x57mm Mauser. Markings, including the Egyptian crest, are sharp and clear on the receiver. The metal parts have retained most of their finish with minor wear on the front band and sides of receiver. The stock has a crack in the front handguard, and a small surface crack/scratch on the right side. The bore has strong rifling but some frost and dirt throughout. It needs a cleaning, and will likely come out grading higher afterward. Comes with a leather sling. No import mark.