Karabiner Modell 71 Spandau 1879 2671

[PrayingMantis]

Recently picked up this Kar 71. Thanks to Clay and Chris for getting it to me. This is another one I’ve wanted for a long time, but doubted a good opportunity would come up. I’m fortunate to have such great collector friends.
Overall a solid example. It’s all matching and marked to the 5th Kurassier regiment. Made in 1879 but issued in 1888. There is one very close in the study, both in manufacture and issue:
1879-1888 Spandau 2266 (K. Mod.71) unit: 5.K.2.134. (buttplate tang-top)
Whereas this one is:
1879-1888 Spandau 2671 (K.Mod.71) unit: 5.K.2.38. (Buttplate tang-top)

 

[PrayingMantis]

Barrel and trigger guard.

 

[PrayingMantis]

Stock and metal.

 

[PrayingMantis]

More stock and metal.

 

[PrayingMantis]

Bolt Part One.

 

[PrayingMantis]

Bolt Part Two.

 

[cj556]

Beautiful Kar71 Cyrus, glad you were finally able to get it. Anyhow this is still a 71 not a 71-84 as it’s still single shot. The issue date is indeed 1888 which is rather late for one of these.

 

[Nick S]

Very nice carbine! I have two Kar 71’s issued to the 5th Kurassier Regiment and I know Craig Brown also had one issued to the 5th. The one in the study you refer to may have been his. Interesting that so many carbines from this unit are around. The one I posted a little while back was also issued in 1888. Storz says in his book that the Kurassier regiments weren't issued Kar 71’s till 1888 when they ceased wearing the kurass in the field. I find that curious because my other carbine has an issue date of 1881.

 

[Nick S]

The information I referenced is on page 182 of German Military Rifles Volume 1 by Dieter Storz.

 

[PrayingMantis]

Very nice carbine! I have two Kar 71’s issued to the 5th Kurassier Regiment and I know Craig Brown also had one issued to the 5th. The one in the study you refer to may have been his. Interesting that so many carbines from this unit are around. The one I posted a little while back was also issued in 1888. Storz says in his book that the Kurassier regiments weren't issued Kar 71’s till 1888 when they ceased wearing the kurass in the field. I find that curious because my other carbine has an issue date of 1881.

Great information, thanks, Nick! I need to read up on these more. It really is interesting to see so many from the same regiment. I’m fortunate to have two Amberg 71s, from the same company, you just don’t see that much with later Models.

 

[PrayingMantis]

Beautiful Kar71 Cyrus, glad you were finally able to get it. Anyhow this is still a 71 not a 71-84 as it’s still single shot. The issue date is indeed 1888 which is rather late for one of these.

Thanks, Marc!

 

[Loewe]

A great report, the most extensive examination so far recorded, - and as Nick stated 2266 was CB's carbine, so not a great deal of detail is known. The only picture is Amoskeag's shot and text, plus CB's report which is only essential details.

Amoskeag text and photo of 2266

serial #2266, 11x60mm, 20" barrel with a very good mostly bright bore that shows some light pitting for about 1/3 of its length. The in-the-white, receiver, bolt, triggerguard, lower tang and buttplate of this 1879 vintage carbine show scattered oxidation staining and the buttplate has the initials "FL" upside down and inscribed on both top and bottom. The blued barrel and bands have turned a dull brown patina showing scattered freckling. The nicely figured walnut stock rates very good plus with an armory added oil finish, crisp Imperial cartouches, the letter "F" inscribed on right side of butt, scattered dings, handling marks, scratches and moderate abrasions. All visible serial numbers are matching and there is an issue date of 1888 on the receiver. The buttplate appears to be marked with a rack number 6 and a unit marking which reads "5.K/2.134" A nice example of these early German bolt action carbines. (207879-232) {ANTIQUE} [Craig Brown Collection] (800/1200) SOLD FOR $862.50

 

[Loewe]

What makes this carbine interesting is the detail provided, no other report is this comprehensive, - not even close, though three or four others are good examinations, mostly from flippers (which I give a lot of latitude to because they serve such an important role in research... besides I really have no problem with someone pursuit of profit, not even "unfair" profit, which is subjective and too reminiscent of the far left to carry any weight as an moral argument... ). However none show the bolt lower flat and I can't quite agree with myself on what this character is here. I was going to add bolt acceptance patterns to the research thread, as i have done with some of the others, but anyone have an opinion on this character? (crowned letter under the bolt handle, the lower flat)

** generally we deal with maker-date, serial ranges and unit markings, but in my trends I tend to examine other features, barrel, stock and bolt patterns especially. While in a forum setting this is less practical as I use sheets for each pattern and here we must do with one sheet carrying all features, I think adding bolt patterns can be profitable as they do not add more "clutter" than their potential value. (though on second thought when dealing with such a rare rifle, I doubt a pattern will be developed in years... this is clearly more important to more common variations, Modell88 & Modell98's

 

[Spartaner545]

Very nice carbine! I have two Kar 71’s issued to the 5th Kurassier Regiment and I know Craig Brown also had one issued to the 5th. The one in the study you refer to may have been his. Interesting that so many carbines from this unit are around. The one I posted a little while back was also issued in 1888. Storz says in his book that the Kurassier regiments weren't issued Kar 71’s till 1888 when they ceased wearing the kurass in the field. I find that curious because my other carbine has an issue date of 1881.

Starting in 1880 the prussian cuirassier regiments were already issued a number of carbines per squadron for drill and training purposes. As you already stated in 1888 the cuirasses were taken out of fieldservice and now all ranks swaped their revolvers with carbines.

With kind regards

Vincent

 

[Nick S]

Starting in 1880 the prussian cuirassier regiments were already issued a number of carbines per squadron for drill and training purposes. As you already stated in 1888 the cuirasses were taken out of fieldservice and now all ranks swaped their revolvers with carbines.

With kind regards

Vincent

Vincent,

Thank you for that information! That makes perfect sense now.

 

[PrayingMantis]

However none show the bolt lower flat and I can't quite agree with myself on what this character is here. I was going to add bolt acceptance patterns to the research thread, as i have done with some of the others, but anyone have an opinion on this character? (crowned letter under the bolt handle, the lower flat)

Thanks, Paul, you certainly know how the study behind these motivates me to collect. Unfortunately I lost the good light this morning, but here are some additional photos of the bolt acceptance. I believe it is a c/U, which seems consistent with the rest of the bolt.

 

[Loewe]

Cyrus, I will go with C/U, we are in no danger of developing an error with a database of one example! We have to start somewhere...

 

[chrisftk]

So glad you score this Cyrus. It's a damn solid example. It was hard to hand it over to you. Lol

 

[mauser1908]

Great example Cyrus!

 

[heavy_mech]

Really nice piece and great photo spread! I'm starting to get an appreciation for these earlier carbines.