Civilian Mauser rifle with silver plaque on butt "L. F. Botha Bethlehem". This Sporting Model rifle 1896, known as "Plezier" was probably a captured piece from Boer War. Rare (only a few hundred possibly made and very desirable. A few had silver escutcheon plates engraved). No serial number. Made by Deutsche Waffen-und Munitionfabriken (DWM). This person may be a distant relative of Pieter Willem Botha who was born in Bethlehem in the Orange Free State. BOTHA, Louis Francois (Birth : C 1867) son of BOTHA, George Johan Frederik and WOLMARANS, Dorothea Jacomina Jacoba. He married WOLHEIM, Maria Adele (Birth : C 1869). He would have been in his early 30s at the time of the war. "Plezier Mausers" were beautiful sporting rifles used during the Boer War. They were normally only purchased by the more "well-to-do" or wealthy farmers and burgers - not so much by the 'every day' burgers that went on Commando. They were more expensive than the standard 7 x 57mm long rifles and were also very popular with Boer officers. Most of the owners had their names or initials engraved on the oval silver escutcheon that is inlaid into the butt of every Plezier Mauser. They are scarce and popular with collectors. THIS RIFLE HAS NO ACCESSION NUMBER ON THE 1991 FIREARMS LIST. PARTS REMOVED FOR SECURITY.