1895 Chileno Question

[462]

I have an all-matching, numbered toward the end of the C block, 1895 Chilean Mauser. Instead of the usual "1895" stamped under the Argentine national crest, on the butt stock, there is an "MF" or a poorly stamped "E" for "ME".

Ball, in his "Military Mausers of the World", 5th edition, seems to be at a loss as to its significance, and I doubt the veracity of what Internet searches uncover.

Anyone know its meaning, or want to venture a guess?

 

[fiver]

probably for some guard unit somewhere.

 

[462]

Stamped at the time of manufacture?

 

[John]

Argentina used Ejercito or Force for it's fighting units. Militario Federal would make no sense. They have also hated Chile, and all things Chilean with a passion since the 1800's. It is a puzzle to me.

 

[462]

Thanks for the reply, John.

You are right about Argentina's hatred of Chileans -- I have to keep the 1891 Argentine well away from the 1895 Chilean, otherwise bullets start flying.