Great War Rifles

[bert.f]

Hello.Steve

http://www.armsregister.com/articles/articles_documents/46_october_2014.pdf

https://forum.odkrywca.pl/topic/764917-kgl-gewehrfabrik-danzig/

[AndyBsk]

The bayonet was later refurbished by Portuguese so that could be not by UDF and not with that rifle. There should be prefix letter in front of serial number of bayonet. Or it was aquired in postwar period.

Edited 18 January , 2022 by AndyBsk

[Terrylee]

I have no knowledge of the bayonet's history.  It did not come with the rifle, but was acquired in South Africa.

[JackyFisher]

On 14/01/2022 at 08:41, Steve1871 said:

Hey JackyFisher

I am a trucker, living on the road. No have access to my collection, but as far as I know, there would be no difference in the barrel diameter at the muzzle, bayonet lug should fit the bayonet just fine. There was only one bayonet for the rifle,carbines, not a separate carbine bayonet
 

As for the smokeless ammo, the rifles were not converted, simply, they used the same case, not sure if they changed the bullet weight, but used smokeless powder in them, the rifle was thought to be strong enough for the extra power. There are several web sites that would go into detail if you search. I have read that it was hated in Africa because the rifles took so much abuse from the climate and handling, and being just 8mm, with black powder, they would foul quickly. Firing smokeless ammo in worn out rifles would make it’s own problems. If I ever get any ammo made, For 130 year old rifles,I would reduce the load by 10 percent and would love to shoot them. Smokeless

Thanks so much for your insight and knowledge! Stay  safe

[dman]

C&RSENAL video on Portuguese Mauser-Verguerio

 

 

[Steve1871]

Rifle #29.          
1/24/22

I.G. 71. Mauser

Date 1877 made.     1877 issue.      
Maker.   Amberg. 
serial #  12851. Matching.  Except 1 screw ( buttplate)
Unit   B.2.R.11.84.     Bavarian 2nd Infantry Regiment, 11company, waff 84

Overall very nice, wood still light color, just minor scratches from a century or more, no rust, brass nice mellow age. Good to have a Bavarian. Only odd marks are the 2 good clear crown stamps on front of trigger guard and the thin base plate in front of it. Same crowns. Stamping usually loose some of their clarity over time. And an above average amount of bluing left

[AndyBsk]

Excellent condition Bavarian proofed IG71.interesting doubble date 1877.

[Steve1871]

Rifle #30.         
2/6/22

I.G.71. Mauser

Date.       1880, single date so made/issue same year
Maker.     Erfurt
Sn:           1331       
Unit.         No pic of butt plate, no think unit marked.     
 

Here in U.S., the most common maker had always been Amberg, follow by Spandau.  The British  made are rare, so are Soemmerda. The Suhl and Erfurt are very scarce to rare. I only seen 2-3 Erfurt every 5 years or so.  
 

May be little interest, But I collect the whole M.71 family, there are 2 odd markings. A “ 40” on right side of barrel. And a “ 19” on underside of stock , I never have seen before. Anybody have any ideas??stock has it’s share of dents/ gouges, but still pretty good overall 

[AndyBsk]

Nice rifle, about the production i dont known much, but from later production is confirmed that Erfurt made short carbines in majority.unit could be on second ring.

[trajan]

On 25/01/2022 at 10:20, Steve1871 said:

Rifle #29.          
1/24/22

I.G. 71. Mauser

Date 1877 made.     1877 issue.      
Maker.   Amberg. 
serial #  12851. Matching.  Except 1 screw ( buttplate)
Unit   B.2.R.11.84.     Bavarian 2nd Infantry Regiment, 11company, waff 84

 

That is in superb condition! Never seen such clear makers and inspections marks before!

Julian

[AndyBsk]

I personally would preferr the bavarian modell, anyway is interesting that the front ring with bayonet adapter on any of the rifles has no visible serials?  as many screws are serialed is possible that Steve didnt made photos of that areas?

[Steve1871]

Andy, the Bavarian is in better shape, yes, even more bluing left. As for the nose cap, or front ring as you call it, I am not trying to hide anything. If a rifle is mismatched, nothing I can do about it. Looking at the rifles I posted. Have showed the left, bottom,right, and with the Brit., the top of the nose cap. Maybe they were not serialed. I have a lot more rifles, will have to look at the others to see if any others were numbered? I simply did not notice. I was in a rush as always in trying to photograph my collection last time I was home

[AndyBsk]

I known You do excellent job here as presented the super rifle collection, i only say that is little strange that a large part is not serialed or its not good visible. As the French Gras 1874 have ever serialed a bayonet adapter nut brazed on barell. Strange because lower and middle ring are serialed, the upper ring bayonet adapter could be serialed from front visible from muzzle part, or maybe hidden by cleaning rod inside? even the screw head is on this part serialed and the area of bayonet adapter is inspector proofed.

Edited 8 February , 2022 by AndyBsk

[Steve1871]

Will have time this afternoon to check my photos, these rifles and the rest of them

[Steve1871]

Rifle #31.      
2/13/22

I.G. 71.   Mauser

Date.      1881 produced - 1882 Issue date 
Maker.       Amberg
Sn:           90784.        
Unit.        B.L.R.6.64       Bavarian Landwehr or Leib??  Infantry Regiment, 6th Kompany,weapon 64

I think 3 screws and butt plate are mismatched, even though buttplate is from another rifle, since the butt plate screw is matching, I believe was from same unit, repairs, are common in training and all.

On dates of these I.G.71 rifles ( whole family) There are typically 2 dates. The standard/ larger stamp is the Production Year, while the smaller date was the issue date. When issued the same year, they usually just use the single  production date, but once in awhile, we find double dated with same year, do not see that very often. This piece has a scarce two digit date instead of the usual full year

The stock is nice and light, but has the usual small nicks/ dings, The stamps on side are some of the best I have on the standard M71 rifles.  A deep stamped “W” on stock, I have no idea

Edited 15 February , 2022 by Steve1871

[AndyBsk]

Bayern Leib Regiment would be real in that case. the serials looks like matching. When the unit is on buttplate and the piece is missmatch is real the rifle was different, as 1882 is too late probably for 1871 rifle by Leib Regiment, or it was replacement for damaged piece.

[Steve1871]

Sorry, forgot to add that last pic of butt plate, just put it in. 

[AndyBsk]

As You could see on Your other bavarian rifle is there full serial 12xxx on buttplate of unit B.2IR, so i assume the B.LeibRegiment as first regiment in Bayern Army was earliest armed with Gew71, so the production is 357 of the real year, that we dont known what it was 1875/6. only the screw is here from the 90784.

[Steve1871]

Rifle #32.          
2/21/22

I.G.71 Mauser

Date         1874 production date & Issue date
Maker       Oesterr.Waffeges.  Steyr.       
Sn:             8048

Add a little variety here. The rifle was issued and used by Germany, 
        Now this piece was sold off surplus , The country of Honduras purchased a small number, perhaps a few hundred at best,the I.G.71 rifles from exporters in Hamburg in the 1890’s, so the script “H” was done by Honduras. Just rare to have a obsolete rifle serve 2 countries. The script “H” is stamped 4 times, above the chamber, receiver, bolt head and stock

 

[Steve1871]

Rifle #33.       
2/21/22

I.G.71 Mauser

Date.        1882 made. 1885 issued.   
Maker.       Spandau 
Sn:             7723. 
 

The finish is worn off on this one. Spandau’s seem to be scarce here in the states. Had a couple replaced screws.small chip by butt plate but the interesting thing about this piece is the Steel trigger guard. As I have said before, At beginning of the Great War, there was a small effort to gather these rifles and take the brass trigger guards for the brass, the war effort. Shown one already. But this one is different in that the steel guard is a little thicker, broader and shorter in front. The two screws are unmarked, but identical to each other. I am thinking they could have been added with the guard

[AndyBsk]

The rifle 32 is nice as made by austrian Steyr (Oesterreichische Waffenfabriks Gesellschaft) for Germany, the full serial is 8048  O, and the H could be denoting as You mentioned the Honduras proof? there is E.N on buttstock which could be stand for army?. 

The rifle 33 looks more like refurbished in 1885, and produced 1882, some missmatch parts on bolt and i assume the trigger guard got a new screws in special place.

[Steve1871]

Rifle #34.            
2/25/22

I.G.71

Date       1879.  Made and issued.        
maker.    Danzig.           
Sn:          8279

First off, the bolt mismatches the rifle. The stock is great. The reason I included this piece, is in hopes some of you Sleuth’s out there may help a nagging question. 
 

On the bolt, by handle you see small s n over small crown. And below the Sn# is the crossed pole arms, halbards or maces with tiny crown to left.   These are also on my British made rifle and no others. Now the Sn# is 1073 e, the British contract never got so high to produce so many series on Sn#’s..  I know I have seen this type of markings on some other British gun before , but it is simply a puzzle for me. Any of you recognize the markings??

[Steve1871]

Rifle #35.           
2/25/22

Family portrait a simple pic, not too cluttered 

Top to Bottom.     
 

S.71 standard with scabbard /Frog

S.60/71  Fusilier with scabbard

I.G.71  with last style muzzle cover

Very rare barrex ( cleaning) Rod

Two early type Muzzle covers, coller type.    
and longer type with “ handles” for leather strap

S.71mS saw backs with scabbard and frog

S.71PFM, scabbard, frog

S.71 PFM Wurttemberg. Scabbard, frog

Kar.71

original Tan M74 cartridge boxes,leather inserts

Smaller one in center is M85 (1885), most call an N.C.O.  But no know that for sure,         
next with the tall loops in back is Naval model and last is what I ( think) is model 88 ( 1888) which has the waxed cloth inserts 

[Steve1871]

Rifle #36.         
2/25/22

I.G.71

date.           1880.      
maker.         Danzig.        
Sn               5108r

One of my many projects to clear. Looks to be half patina and half dried grease. Looks like an ugly dog now but should clean up fairly well I hope. Has two really nice cartouches

Edited 26 February , 2022 by Steve1871

[Steve1871]

I found out by German post cards, units in 1914 AND 1915 used the 71 Mauser in training,I sure not too many, will post soon