"Numero Uno" aka: 1886 Spandau 71/84 Serial #1

chrisftk

chrisftk

Moderator²
Staff member
Here's a new addition that I thought would be of interest. I normally don't care about low SN guns, but I've never had the chance to own a #1.

I've always been a fan of this model, but 71/84s seem to have a cult following, rather than of general interest.

According to Storz, the first 71/84 production began in late 1885-- while previously an '85 had not emerged, I would take this rifle as proof that even late '85 production was dated 1886.

The rifle matches except for two screws related to the cartridge lifter and their corresponding blocks, which are likely just assembly numbers. The unit marking is 3. G.G.R.R. 233

Not much else to say other than the condition is excellent (though admittedly many 71/84 are this nice)

IMG_20230604_193050407.jpgIMG_20230604_193319406_HDR.jpgIMG_20230604_193400809_HDR.jpgIMG_20230604_193424564_HDR.jpgIMG_20230604_193431503_HDR.jpgIMG_20230604_193433596_HDR.jpgIMG_20230604_193448452_HDR.jpgIMG_20230604_193456847_HDR.jpgIMG_20230604_193524562_HDR.jpg
 
As I said on Gunboards, VERY NICE!

I am glad I did not see that one, I would have certainly bid you up on it.
 
This is an excellent example and very possibly one of the first made, not sure how to judge such an example to determine the very first made (block) or a subsequent rollover, but undoubtedly super early, - one can assume Spandau production was over 10,000 rifles each year and they serialed with roll overs that have no discernable method (suffix) or identification, but clearly 1886's are a small fraction of the total observed and probably rolled over far fewer times (than subsequent years where so many more numbers exist) before 1887 began, - the unit marking clearly is one of the first issued, 2670 (which is recorded out of sequence) is the only other exact unit known before. 1882 & 1995 are probably latter blocks?? So far 3GRR is not seen after 1886 and was probably the first armed.

Anyway, an extraordinary rifle, though maybe not actually the first rifle made, but this is only because we have no clearly established method of how they were serialed (I find it incredibly improbable that Spandau never rolled over every 10,000 rifles, or made only 10,000 rifles per year, some how they rolled over every 10,000 rifle with no apparent method of identification, - possibly a clue could be had by the acceptance patterns, but this would be conjecture and I suspect time spent with comparisons would prove a waste of time, - though that never stopped me before!
 
Fal Grunt said:
As I said on Gunboards, VERY NICE!

I am glad I did not see that one, I would have certainly bid you up on it.
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Thanks, I am glad it didn't come to that!

Loewe said:
This is an excellent example and very possibly one of the first made, not sure how to judge such an example to determine the very first made (block) or a subsequent rollover, but undoubtedly super early, - one can assume Spandau production was over 10,000 rifles each year and they serialed with roll overs that have no discernable method (suffix) or identification, but clearly 1886's are a small fraction of the total observed and probably rolled over far fewer times (than subsequent years where so many more numbers exist) before 1887 began, - the unit marking clearly is one of the first issued, 2670 (which is recorded out of sequence) is the only other exact unit known before. 1882 & 1995 are probably latter blocks?? So far 3GRR is not seen after 1886 and was probably the first armed.

Anyway, an extraordinary rifle, though maybe not actually the first rifle made, but this is only because we have no clearly established method of how they were serialed (I find it incredibly improbable that Spandau never rolled over every 10,000 rifles, or made only 10,000 rifles per year, some how they rolled over every 10,000 rifle with no apparent method of identification, - possibly a clue could be had by the acceptance patterns, but this would be conjecture and I suspect time spent with comparisons would prove a waste of time, - though that never stopped me before!
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Thank you Paul! It's interesting that some manufacturers were using letter blocks even on 71s, but it looks like Spandau resisted this until the Gew 88. It sure makes life hard for guys like us, but based on CB/your study seems likely to be either 1st or second block of 86 based on the unit.

That brings up an interesting second discussion how rifles were issued., Because you see a lack of continuity in many cases like consecutive serial numbers went to different units-- and units reappear several numbers later. Is it simply because crates were grabbed off the loading dock so to speak and simply a certain number of crates was sent to each barracks? (Which would include crates of not necessarily sequential arms)

Sorry if the question is elementary, it's just something I never put much thought into before.
 
Gerst said:
Is Gunboards a “safe” place to buy rifles and parts?
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It is a wicked place full of sin and debauchery. I would not recommend it.
chrisftk said:
Thanks, I am glad it didn't come to that!


Thank you Paul! It's interesting that some manufacturers were using letter blocks even on 71s, but it looks like Spandau resisted this until the Gew 88. It sure makes life hard for guys like us, but based on CB/your study seems likely to be either 1st or second block of 86 based on the unit.

That brings up an interesting second discussion how rifles were issued., Because you see a lack of continuity in many cases like consecutive serial numbers went to different units-- and units reappear several numbers later. Is it simply because crates were grabbed off the loading dock so to speak and simply a certain number of crates was sent to each barracks? (Which would include crates of not necessarily sequential arms)

Sorry if the question is elementary, it's just something I never put much thought into before.
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I am glad too! If you ever want to get rid of that one, drop me a line.

We know in later times that rifles were crated and shipped non sequentially. From what I have seen, it is arguably back to the early 1890's that this was the process at the time. Rifles were completed in no particular order through processing and were simply crated as they came. It would create an enormous bottle neck trying to always keep the rifles sequential.
 
Congratulatuions on getting this! Obviously it's in beautiful condition and the serial just adds to it. Thanks for the pics!
 
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