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The mere presence of this carbine, coupled with such an exotic and enigmatic set of markings, is ipso facto assurance that the collector of military rolling block firearms can expect no foreseeable end of variety in the near future. This Cambodian example once again proves that this now highly specialized field of collecting is chock full of ample, unlimited potential.

THE EL SALVADOR MODEL 1902: A RARE ROLLING BLOCK RESPONSIBLE FOR A NICKNAME

Mexico and El Salvador are so far the only Latin American nations of the smokeless powder era to have their national crests roll stamped over the receiver ring, including the only known variant having the words “MODELO 1902” marked at the bottom. They are seldom encountered in any quantity due to smaller production numbers. Those that are found are often in very rough, well-used condition.

The 1901 El Salvador contract, which actually commenced delivery the following year, is undoubtedly responsible for creation of the popular and widely used term “Model 1902.” Essentially a deja vu of Mexico’s “special order” of three years earlier, the Republic of El Salvador was the first quantity purchaser of this new, “improved” Model 1897. Unlike Mexico’s earlier contract of 14,000-plus Rifles and carbines, El Salvador’s New Model Small Bore Military Rifles were equipped with the Albert Day-patent, automatic rotary extractor of October 22, 1901. In addition to the national crest, the Salvadoran Model 1902 was equipped with a very unique hand guard that has a longitudinally grooved inlet extending from the front of the receiver ring to the middle barrel band. Those who may discover one of these in very good or better condition, together with an unblemished national crest, should consider themselves very fortunate, as the bulk of surviving examples display excessive wear. This variation is also an important addition to any collection of post-1900-era military rolling block rifles.