Absolut
Senior Member
In the last few days prior to Brexit I finally got ahold of a purchase that I did in the UK with an auction company. I remember when I first saw the rifle put up for auction I mailed the two pictures of it (not even showing everything of the rifle) to Wolfgang who then replied he does not like what he can see - but I had requested additional pictures, and when I got them I forwarded them again to Wolfgang who then changed his mind to that it looks very promising! I hated the auction for being a silent auction, but really wanted the gun so I placed a high bid on it and turned out to be successful.
Wolfgang was also kind enough to educate me the rifle would originally had carried a 3x scope made by R. Fuess which is painted green. The rear scope ring has a single conical shaped pin whereas at the front it has two claws. The whole scope sits offset to the left of the action. The locking lever on the rear is swepped bottomside and even has spring held depression holes to lock it either in open or closed position. Also note the original assembly number on bottom of the front base. I really wonder if the scope bases are only soldered, or are also held by screws which were filed off to disappear. Wolfgang by the way also told me that according to the pictures it should be a Spandau 1915 dating rifle - but that was based on still not the best pictures from the auction company. Maybe the pictures that are attached to this thread can confirm or change this evaluation, maybe Paul can also give his opinion?
The rifle itself is all matching numbers. The stock however originates from a different rifle, but was period restamped to match the serial number of this rifle. You can still make out the original rifle serial number on the stock, the new serial matching to the metal parts was stamped atop with a different font. Interesting detail, I took off the handguard to check it - turned out the handguard was also restamped to match the rifle on the inside, as well as that the handguard originally matched to the original stock serial number as well!
It still is full of dirt and rust that I will carefully remove when I find time to do this, maybe even during Christmas Holiday. I thought a few pictures in advance however are of interest, to show how it turned up and get a few opinions in advance. The stock I already wiped down with oil soaked clothing to wipe off grease, dust and dirt, I won't do more with the stock. And basically my intention is also to only clean the rifle so that it will retain as it is now, to avoid further rust damage.
Wolfgang was also kind enough to educate me the rifle would originally had carried a 3x scope made by R. Fuess which is painted green. The rear scope ring has a single conical shaped pin whereas at the front it has two claws. The whole scope sits offset to the left of the action. The locking lever on the rear is swepped bottomside and even has spring held depression holes to lock it either in open or closed position. Also note the original assembly number on bottom of the front base. I really wonder if the scope bases are only soldered, or are also held by screws which were filed off to disappear. Wolfgang by the way also told me that according to the pictures it should be a Spandau 1915 dating rifle - but that was based on still not the best pictures from the auction company. Maybe the pictures that are attached to this thread can confirm or change this evaluation, maybe Paul can also give his opinion?
The rifle itself is all matching numbers. The stock however originates from a different rifle, but was period restamped to match the serial number of this rifle. You can still make out the original rifle serial number on the stock, the new serial matching to the metal parts was stamped atop with a different font. Interesting detail, I took off the handguard to check it - turned out the handguard was also restamped to match the rifle on the inside, as well as that the handguard originally matched to the original stock serial number as well!
It still is full of dirt and rust that I will carefully remove when I find time to do this, maybe even during Christmas Holiday. I thought a few pictures in advance however are of interest, to show how it turned up and get a few opinions in advance. The stock I already wiped down with oil soaked clothing to wipe off grease, dust and dirt, I won't do more with the stock. And basically my intention is also to only clean the rifle so that it will retain as it is now, to avoid further rust damage.
