After the introduction of the Schmidt Rubin Model 1889 the Swiss realized they would need a shorter rifle for their cavalry. Attempts to shorten the 1889 proved difficult and by 1893 the Swiss had begun trials for a new carbine in the GP90 (7.5×53.5 Swiss) caliber. Of the designs submitted the straight pull Mannlicher action won the contract. The Cavalry Carbine was produced from 1895 to 1905 with approximately 8,000 produced.
Despite its small size and smooth action the rifle was not very well regarded by the troops. This was mostly because of the difficulty in stripping and reassembling the bolt. There were also claims of poor accuracy. Given these complaints it would be replaced quickly by the Schmidt-Rubin Model 1905 Short Rifle.
This Swiss Model 1893 Cavalry Carbine was made by S.J.G. Neuhausen (SIG Neuhausen). The first four thousand of this model were made by SIG between 1895-96 then Waffenfabrik Bern until 1905. The lower serial number on this puts it most likely in 1895. The serial numbers on this rifle appear to be all matching. Given the year and caliber, GP90 (7.5×53.5 Swiss), this rifle is classified as ANTIQUE.
This rifle is in excellent condition. The wood of stock and hand guard shows no splitting or cracking. There is one small chip at the back left tang. There are a number of small dings and scratches common to surplus rifles of this age. The overall finish is excellent showing only minor wear.
The finish on the metal is excellent. There is very minor pitting in some spots under the finish. There is a small scratch on the bottom of the magazine but otherwise the metal parts are only showing minor wear. There is a very small hint of rust inside trigger guard at the magazine release but other than that no other signs of rust. From its appearance this may have been an arsenal refinish done sometime before it was privatized. That or this was simply kept on the rack most of the time.
The receiver is exceptionally clean with only the most minimal signs of wear. The bolt face is extremely clean with only a very small sign of grime from oil. The action is very smooth and all mechanical parts (bolt, safety, trigger) function as they should. It should be noted that when activated the safety is extremely tight and takes great pressure to get back to fire position. The bore is excellent, 4/5, shiny with crisp rifling and only the most minor of wear. This rifle has not been test fired by us.
This rifle includes a leather sling that is accurate to the time period. Whether it was original to the rifle is unknown. The sling is in good condition with minor wear and no tears and minimal cracks.
Overall this is an exceptional example of the Swiss Model 1893 Cavalry Carbine. As only about eight thousand were ever made they are rare. This rifle being made by SIG is from the first year of production making it more so. Numbers appear all matching. This is a must have for any Swiss collector and a unique addition to any collection.
DISCLAIMER ON SHOOTING
This rifle is chambered in GP90 (7.5×53.5 Swiss). IT IS NOT SAFE TO ATTEMPT TO FIRE GP11 (7.5×55 Swiss). Under no circumstances should GP11 (7.5×55 Swiss) be used.
