Kar71 CGH Suhl Carbine

[PJ1946]

Just won this in an auction so waiting for it to be delivered. Here are the pics from the listing. The Pros - Its all matching. The Cons - Stock cut back and missing nose cap bushing and saddle ring. I think it should be an interesting restoration if I take my time. I have already found a nose cap from a company that is casting them. That will have to do until I can find an original one (If ever). I am thinking from the wood side to cut back to under the barrel band and replicate a duffle cut. I am lucky in that I already have an all original carbine to model from. Not sure what wood the stock is though.
The Unit designation seems to be very interesting and I hope someone can help identify. B.2.T.F.6.39 Looking at the sticky there seems to be not too many from this manufacturer. More info to come once I get it in hand.

 

[Loewe]

The carbines are a little elusive it seems, though it may be a product of limited observations. While i doubt many were brought here, not too many follow them closely. Very tough finding research on the subject. Outside of Storz, which leaves a lot to be desired, there is very little detailed research available.

The unit marking, according to Jeff Noll's book, suggests the unit is a Bavarian Train Battalion, on page 106 he lists a VCS/1877/5483 with a similar unit marking. (B.2.T.F.3.34.) In his section of deciphering unit markings, he translates the T.F. = Transport Pool Column of a Service Corps Battalion. Who the hell knows what that means exactly, but supply column essentially.

In time I will add Jeff Noll's observations to the thread. Both the 71 & K88 threads.

 

[8x57mauser]

I'll add that you may have difficulty attaching your new nose cap as it looks like you are missing the threaded lug on the bottom of the barrel that it screws on to.

 

[Spartaner545]

he translates the T.F. = Transport Pool Column of a Service Corps Battalion. Who the hell knows what that means exactly, but supply column essentially.

Hello,

they way i understand is that B.2.T.F.6.39 will "translate" to the, "Bayerisches Train-Bataillon Nr. 2, Fuhrpark-Kolonne Nr. 6, Karabiner Nr. 39.
or in english 2. bavarian supply battalion, vehicle fleet collumn no. 6, carbine no. 39.

Basically these guys would provide vehicles and drivers for the military supply units.

I hope this will help a bit.


With kind regards

Vincent

 

[PJ1946]

Many Thanks for the info. There are a fair number of pictures on line of these supply trains (Oxen pulling carts) One would hope that the rifle did not see much use. Just a shame it was cut. Yes I think the threaded bushing will be the challenge it can probably be silver soldered on. Depends what is left of the original. We do have a local gunsmith that specializes in the old stuff so I may get him to set that. As I said I do have one carbine already so measuring the placement should be easy.
Hard to believe that I was the only bidder on this. It had been up for a month on GB. Trouble was in the listing title. "Suhl 11mm Model71 Black Powder Bolt Action Rifle". My search only hit it by accident when I just typed in 11mm looking for ammo and forgot the Mauser part. And there is was. I passed it by once because of the cut stock then came back to it and thought. "Darn that is a bent bolt. Must be a mismatch". Then I looked and saw the matching numbers, pulled mine out of the safe and sat there comparing and then realized it was a carbine. They just called and said it shipped today so be interesting to see what arrives.

 

[8x57mauser]

its defeintely a nice looking one. that bushing shouldn't be too difficult, could even probably use a two part epoxy to attach a new one.

 

[PJ1946]

Thank You. Yes I was amazed at the condition. I consider myself very fortunate to have stumbled onto it. I was really looking for another 71/84 at the time. I just love the ones with the unit marking. Make them very interesting.

 

[8x57mauser]

I just recently found my first Kar71 after a decade of searching. 1884 dated Spandau example.

be sure to post pictures as you restore it.

 

[PJ1946]

I sure Will. Yes I followed your post re your Carbine. Very nice example. I posted my tale of the carbine that I already have. How it sat in the store for several years and each time I picked it up and put it back. Then finally bought it. It must have been about 3 years it sat there. Amazing.

 

[PJ1946]

Nose Cap Arrived

Received the Nose cap in the mail today. Turns out the the little company making them is on the West Coast of Florida so fast shipping. They use a wax investment casting. Needs to be finished off and the pouring stem ground off. Plus some fitting and the hole drilled for the screw. Looks like a bit of filing to fit as well but overall for $20 I am overjoyed to stumble on this. Pictures show it against the real nose cap from my other carbine.

 

[8x57mauser]

They dont by any chance make kar88 nose caps do they?

 

[PJ1946]

Kar 88 Nose Cap...Did not see one but they have 1871 cleaning rods and a bunch of neat stuff for Brown Bess Muskets and other old rifles. I PM'd you with the web site.

 

[PJ1946]

Rifle arrived today

All seems in good shape, nice bore and matching numbers. will be a great shooter I think.

 

[PJ1946]

more pics

More Pictures

 

[PJ1946]

More Pictures

More Pictures

 

[UVF Gew.98]

So....many...matching...numbers....!!

Again I am in love with another one of your rifles. They really are coming to you! I had to search far and wide for my K.71 and now you have two!!

I really want a Suhl example.

I have seen what you can do, and I know this rifle is in the best of hands. Cannot wait to see the transformation

 

[PJ1946]

Project Complete...Apart from a visit to the range.

Quite a long journey but well worth it for the experience. Took dozens of pictures along the way so I think I could repeat the task. In the end I silver soldered the threaded bushing on to the barrel. Matching the wood color was tough but I think I got pretty close. The grain is close but you can't replicate the patina of handling and age. All in all I am pretty satisfied. I have another blank roughed out in case I come across another cut down carbine. If there are pictures anyone is interested in please let me know and I will post them. I stuck in a couple of "Before" pictures. Thanks again for your help.

 

[8x57mauser]

Looks good, I'd say a pretty good match on the stock

 

[UVF Gew.98]

And so the collection grows! She is definitely a keeper. Very, very neat work makes me very happy to see her restored!