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This Mauser M 03 is dominated by African wild cats. A total of six felines are found on this weapon: from the king of beasts – the lion engraved on the pistol grip-style cap – to the genet cat on the back of the sleeve bridge.
Two cheetahs lurk on the magazine as they watch for prey, and the leopard picks up the scent on the rifle's trigger guard. Both cats are also depicted on the surface of the sleeve demonstrating fine craftsmanship and love of detail. The caracal, or desert lynx, is recognizable by its characteristic triangular peaksand is part of the medium-size cat family that includes the shown serval, a black-spotted, medium-sized cat with a small head.
The Mauser's overall appearance does this elegant cat proud by using a contrasting grade 7 wood stock, which displays the beautifully crafted coats of these cats. Almost all of the metal parts depict landscapes featuring African trees, the preferred habitat of many wild cats. These elegantly crafted engravings give the M 03 "Cats of Africa" the same sleek look and ease with which the cats in Africa leave their tracks behind.
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