Erfurt 1899/16 Stern Gewehr

[GEM]

I have been recently reviewing posts for Stern Gewehr rifles and decided to post info about one I acquired when stationed in CA in the 1980's. I have always been intrigued by the very early 1899 date.

The rifle is duffle cut with a mm bolt and mm rear sight ramp. The balance of the components throughout are matching to the re-marked receiver SN. Except for the receiver. no parts show evidence of re-marking, The original receiver SN is obscured by peening. Serial number at the stock wrist and barrel channel, and handguard match. The butt plate is marked with a "16", the SN and an "FA" royal cypher indicating Friedrich August III, Saxony (1904-1918).

I have always assumed that this was modified in 1916 from a full rifle - possibly a pre-production troop trial rifle or very early initial issue weapon? My recent research leads me to believe that new parts were used with a recovered or unused receiver.

I am not really up to speed on the nuances of firing proofs, stock markings or revision marking. Hence I would appreciate any help in interpreting this rifle.

Regards and thanks,

George

Apologies for pictures that show upside down. They show correctly on my computer but the gremlins flipped them!

 

[Warrior1354]

That is a Saxon Sterngewehr made up from parts on a very early Gewehr receiver! Great rifle and a fantastic find. Congrats my friend.

Here is another Saxon Sterngewehr too compare your rifle too.

Would like too see what Loewe has too say about this rifle.

http://www.k98kforum.com/showthread.php?5744-The-Saxon-Sterngewehr&highlight=Saxon+Sterngewehr

 

[Loewe]

As Jordan mentioned this rifle is a Dresden made sterngewehr, probably the best maker of these. It is also quite nice, which is a little unusual, - it seems the Saxon's used their rifles harder than most, most Simson's and these Dresden's are pretty rough when found.

I am working on a new article that covers sterngewehrs in detail, though I have had to put it on the back burner as I am a little under the weather lately.. when i get it done I will link to it here. Generally, sterngewehrs are rifles built from surplus components, generally they are made from new made parts, new receivers from Pieper, S&H or one of the normal manufacturers, possibly receivers that needed extra work, but also from salvaged receivers like this. Yours is very early, but several pre-war receivers are known used by Dresden, like this rifle that have been salvaged for parts and the receiver recycled into this program. Generally new components are used for most major parts, most made in surplus by the arsenals to easy parts shortages . - each arsenal specialized in making one key component that they dispersed to others, primarily bolts, TG's, which is why these parts all have the same acceptance regardless of the maker (why it is pointless to trend such features). However, salvaged small components can be found occasionally, probably components from rifles scrapped for the purpose.

Anyway, the Erfurt/99 receiver could have seen service with many units, Erfurt supplied a diverse range of units early on, KM, Colonial and Line Regiments. Which is different than Spandau which most went to Garde or Colonial forces.

 

[feldmütze]

I'm surprised they didn't reverse the disk...

 

[GEM]

Thanks for the responses. Lots of good info. I checked the back of the disk for additional markings. I was blank but with a finished surface and countersunk for the screw.