I don’t own a notable old rifle other than my grandad’s .22. It dates back to the 1930’s. I don’t know the brand.
My most notable weapon is the Ruger single 6 revolver. My dad bought it around 1959. I inherited it after he passed away.
https://goo.gl/images/DO6Jkw
This was my Dad’s. I always knew it meant something to him (we always carried it in the camper whenever we went out), so I treasure it. Beautiful piece.
But nobody “downstream” of me has any interest in it. Quite the opposite, actually.
I’ll note your interest and maybe PM you some time in the future. I’d like to see it end up with someone who would appreciate it.
I’m getting into “shedding” lately. Too much stuff, and nobody to love it.
I actually own an old rife that I’ve never seen.
My grandfather owned dozens of firearms and after he died, quite a few cousins were given one by my grandmother. My family was excluded because my grandfather disliked my father.
One cousin who had received a rifle died young. He was an only child and his mother offered it to me.
Since keeping guns is illegal both in Japan and Taiwan, my aunt is holding the gun for me.
This reminds me, I should find out what kind of gun I own.
I have a rifle and a shotgun that belonged to my grandfather. All I know about them is that they were made sometime between 1900 and 1910. I was surprised to be unable to find any kind of identifying info on them - these days just about everything has the manufacturer’s name stamped on it somewhere.
I’ll give you book value and sing your praises on that day. I will also nickname my vintage GI Joe “Gatopescado” and display him with his carbine.
Oldest I have is the red eagle Ruger Mk 1 I’ve mentioned here before. Shoots better than I do, and it’s not that much of a PITA to clean.
I do have a relative who’s gotten into the C&R thing head-first, with an entire bedroom filled with, (est) about 75 or so various military surplus bolt rifles. Nothing I saw too drool worthy at first glance, but I think he has fun with the whole thing.
The M-1 carbine is about the easiest, most fun rifle to shoot in my limited experience. Something about the ergos just works with that gun. Easy for even newbs to pop cans within 25 yards, and they usually don’t mind the noise or recoil.
Congrats on your new Mauser, Tranquilis.
EDIT: romansperson, link a picture or two of the rifle/shotgun in question and post them here. We have a few knowledgeable firearms historians among the commentariat and I’ve been surprised before at what they can dig up with only the slightest of leads.
I’d make sure and slug the bore; those 1880s/1890s Mausers came in multiple variants of “8mm”, and beyond that, you’ll probably need to use the cooler M88 style ammo, not the spitzer bullet 1905 style rounds that most 8mm Mausers fire.
I believe I said in another thread but I have and shoot both a G-88 and a K-88 carbine. They are fun and both really good shooters.
As for old, being into muzzleloaders since way before it became popular I’ve and and shot a lot of seriously vintage stuff. Back in the day all the international competition was required by the rules to be with originals since in some countries the ownership of repros is treated in the same harsh manner as ownership of modern firearms. The oldest in my safe right now is a fusil/fowler made in 1797 by a Hugh Rippy. It gets shot now and then and I carry it hunting now and then. Yeah – I know the risks. But between regular inspections (including x-ray) and all, I’m fine taking them.
I’ve 4 worth mentioning (well, 3 rifles and a shotgun).
1903 Springfield Mk 1. The receiver is, anyway. It’s a CMP gun, so it was rebuilt.
M1 Garand. Another CMP rifle. Yeah, there are millions of 'me out there, but mine has a 6 digit serial number, and the first digit is a 1. Built in Feb 1941 as near as I can tell, so likely saw action in WW2. Again, no other original parts. Serial #1 is at the NRA museum, and I’ve seen #99 at a gun show. I’ve not seen another 6 digit SN, but I’m sure they’re out there somewhere.
Remington Model 12 .22, probably from mid to late 1920s. It was my grandfather’s, and is what I learned to shoot with.
An old hardware store ‘your name here’ 12ga single shot shotgun. Belonged to my g granddad. Probably the cheapest gun I have, and the last I’d ever sell
‘There are many like it, but this one is mine.’ 
Too funny - I was also looking up some auto parts when I typed the post and had JC Whitney on the brain! Of course I meant the rifle is a JC Higgins. My grandmother worked at Sears in the 50’s and bought it for my dad.
Some of the Higgins/Ted Williams Sears stuff was pretty darn good. I’m pretty sure it was all major-brand-made just slightly clunkier/bulkier versions with less fancy finishes. I always liked it better than Western Field but that stuff wasn’t bad either.
Next time I drive to New Jersey to visit my folks, I’ll probably bring back my dad’s Springfield Model 1896. I have no idea when it was last fired (certainly it’s been decades, maybe over half a century), but it seems (to this amateur) basically sound. It will definitely go to a gunsmith when I bring it home.
At some point, the hardware for the sling was removed. Also, I think it might be a carbine (I’m going by the picture in my head), although I seem to remember looking up the serial number once and it was consistent with the full-sized rifle.
So, who knows?
More than one old military rifle had the full-length stock cut down in an amateur attempt at sporterizing.
During and prior to the 70’s Sears was THE place to buy everything, including a house. It’s sad to see how far they’ve fallen.
The guns were all made by major manufacturers. Scroll down to “Models”.
I LOVE Krags! I have several of the models, both full military and sporterized and they are fun shooters. The carbine is my favorite but I have a weakness for anything carbine.
Them and Monkey Wards. Our congregations first church came from the latter.
We’ve since figured out that the shotgun came from Montgomery Ward’s, which for some reason I find amusing. Don’t know much more than that at this point. The rifle is still a complete mystery. Here’s some pics of that, including the serial number.
Your rifle is a Savage model 99 with what are, I believe, aftermarket Lyman peep sights. The schnabel forearm does indicate a pre-WWII vintage.
Ah…i see your pics can be zoomed. The aftermarket sight is a Redfield, not a Lyman.