SOLD - Rare FN Model 1949 - Luxembourg Contract (3118 - 27996)

Description

12/4/23 - 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 has matching numbers on barrel and receiver, but there's a mismatched number on the stock. The receiver shows a proof of a flaming bomb next to the digit '1' and another next to a digit '3', but not sure the significance. It has retained about 70-80% of its black enamel finish. Generally, there is some thinning on the barrel and receiver edges, with finish loss on the magazine and trigger guard. No major damage to the stock, but there are bruises and scratches throughout. Comes with a canvas sling. The bore has strong rifling but notable frost throughout and could benefit from a thorough cleaning.