FN-49 Egyptian 7.92x57mm Rifle with Eagle of Saladin Crest

Offered for sale is an FN Model 1949, commonly known as the FN-49, chambered in 7.92x57mm Mauser (8mm Mauser) and featuring the distinctive Egyptian Eagle of Saladin crest on the receiver.

Designed by Dieudonné Saive for Fabrique Nationale, the FN-49 represents an important period in the development of the modern military semi-automatic rifle. Development began before World War II, with production occurring after the war. The rifle helped bridge the gap between traditional wood-stock military rifles and later battle rifles such as the FN FAL.

Egypt was one of the most significant users of the FN-49 and adopted rifles chambered in 7.92x57mm, the same cartridge commonly known as 8mm Mauser.

Eagle of Saladin Receiver

This particular rifle is especially interesting because its receiver displays an Egyptian Eagle of Saladin-style crest rather than the crown-style Egyptian crest commonly associated with earlier Egyptian-contract FN-49 rifles.

Eagle-crested FN-49 receivers are associated with later Egyptian replacement/rebuild rifles, and examples encountered in the United States may have been assembled or rebuilt using Egyptian FN-49 components.

For that reason, GunsmithLive is not representing this rifle as an untouched, matching, original-contract Egyptian FN-49 unless additional markings establish that provenance. Buyers should examine the detailed photographs of the receiver, crest, components, and markings when evaluating the rifle.

Rifle Specifications

Manufacturer/Pattern: Fabrique Nationale FN Model 1949
Model: FN-49
Caliber: 7.92x57mm / 8mm Mauser
Action: Gas-operated semi-automatic
Receiver Marking: Egyptian Eagle of Saladin-style crest
Furniture: Wood stock and handguard
Sights: Military-pattern iron sights
Condition: Fair to Good
Firearm Type: Military-pattern semi-automatic rifle

Condition

This FN-49 is in fair to good used condition. The wood furniture displays handling marks, wear, and age appropriate for a military-pattern rifle of this era. Metal components likewise exhibit finish wear and signs of previous use.

Please examine all photographs carefully for the actual condition of the wood, metal finish, markings, crest, and individual components. The photographs are part of the product description.

Unless specifically documented elsewhere in this listing, matching-number status, arsenal history, rebuild history, exact production date, and component originality have not been verified.

Collectible Egyptian FN-49

The FN-49 has become an increasingly interesting military-surplus collectible because of its distinctive design, relatively limited production compared with later service rifles, and numerous national contract variations.

The 7.92x57mm Egyptian configuration is one of the best-known FN-49 variants, while the unusual Eagle of Saladin receiver marking adds another interesting element to this particular rifle.

This rifle should appeal to collectors of FN firearms, Egyptian military rifles, 8mm Mauser rifles, Cold War firearms, and historic semi-automatic military rifles.