Koln Depot M91 Mosin

[cj556]

Here’s something a bit different but neat and within the focus of this forum. It’s your standard 1895 Tula Mosin M91 captured by the Germans. The gun passed thru the Koln depot as denoted by the “4” on the buttplate. Buttplate is original matching to the barrel shank too, so that tells me this is the original stock. Right side of stock has the Imperial German Deutsches Reich property stamp. Unfortuatley his one like many has been lightly “Finn’d” with added sling swivels and an SA stamp. The bolt was also renumbered to match likely by the Finns.

 

[Cyrano4747]

That's neat as can be. A Deutsches Reich or AZF Nagant has been on my short list ofr a long time. Not short enough to make it a real priority, but one of those things I'm constantly keeping half an eye out for. They've got great history.

 

[Nobody]

Very Cool. I was unaware that the Germans captured/repurposed any bolt action Russian Mosin's.

I thought it was SVT's, ppsh, etc.

 

[Cyrano4747]

Very Cool. I was unaware that the Germans captured/repurposed any bolt action Russian Mosin's.

I thought it was SVT's, ppsh, etc.

This rifle would have been repurposed during WW1.

That said, they also used captured m91/30s during WW2. You usually see them with local auxiliaries, Hilfspolizei, Ordnungspolizei, etc. I think I saw a pic once of airfield security personnel with them but I can't find it now so take that with a grain of salt.

 

[Nobody]

Yeah, thank's @Cyrano4747. That makes sense, with the rifle mfgr date.

 

[AN-94]

That's a really neat example of a captured M91. Just out of curiosity, what other captured rifles ended up in Imperial German service and were they all marked with the Deutsches Reich stamp?

 

[cj556]

That's a really neat example of a captured M91. Just out of curiosity, what other captured rifles ended up in Imperial German service and were they all marked with the Deutsches Reich stamp?

Thank you. Thus far I've seen Lebels, Berthiers, 1889 Belgian Mausers, Gras rifles, SMLEs & even an RSC1917 with the DR stamp. I've also seen a photo of a German soldier in Belgium with an Albini Bradelin single shot rifle. Not all were given the DR stamping, I saw a Belgian 89/16 carbine a few years ago that was converted to 8mm but lacked the DR marking. Further I've seen an 1892 French revolver with a German unit marking on the grip strap but no other overt signs of German usage.

 

[chrisftk]

Great snag Marc! I like this one..

The regulations (never 100% followed) required a property mark before foreign weapons were used. That "property mark" could take several forms, but most often was the DR eagle on the stock. A "DEUTSCHLAND" marking also pops up sometimes, and I've got foreign bayonets with a Prussian eagle.

Either way, cool one!

 

[cj556]

Thanks gents. It’s also worth noting there are Type 38 rifles (and probably T30s) in Finland with the DR stamp. No doubt Russian used then German captured.

 

[OnlyMil]

Very nice rifle Marc. The buttplate markings are an added bonus. This is a nicer example Finn. A lot I see were run hard and put away wet and as such are in much rougher shape.

 

[AndyB]

What is for me little strange is the crown C on sling ring attached on triggerhouse front part. The rifle was certainly reworked even by russian as Konovalov sights and enforcement in buttstock behind the receiver nut.

 

[cj556]

What is for me little strange is the crown C on sling ring attached on triggerhouse front part. The rifle was certainly reworked even by russian as Konovalov sights and enforcement in buttstock behind the receiver nut.

I didn't notice stamp on the sling swivel. Any idea of its origin?

 

[AndyB]

It could be german, but why stamped on sling ring?? Its strange, there was not reason to stamp a older captured gun this way. The system of inner springs in magazine is too from other weapon as missmatch, but this could realised in war or postwar by Finns.