The Chatellerault arsenal in France produced M91s under contract for the Russians from 1892 - 1895. Production numbers were (approximate numbers) 22,000 in 1892, 128,000 in 1893, 330,000 in 1894 and 24,000 in 1895. By 1895 the Russian arsenals of Tula, Izhevsk, and Sestroryetsk were able to take over full production of the numbers of M91 needed.
This Mosin was produced in 1894 and ended up in Turkey during or after WWI. Later it was sold to Finland where it was re-stocked in a new Finn finger-groove spliced stock. M91s were used by reserves and other secondary troops in WWII in Finland.
Discussion Section
One of the most interesting features is the rear sight with Arshins overstruck with Turkish numbers. The numbers, from the right seem to be 30, 40, 55, 70, and 85.
The barrel has a mottled appearance, presumably from pitting. The arsenal mark is Ordinance Factory Chatellerault."
The JH mark is an inspector mark, common on the Chatellerault. Also note the boxed SA mark.
The underside of the barrel is in very good condition. The steel on this 1894 Chatellerault is similar in condition to the 1892 M91/38 Chatellerault that I have previously posted.
The tang is typical early Chatellerault without a date mark:
Bolt and floor plate are numbered; the butt plate only has a Tula mark.
This view shows the Finn stock with the nicely centered crossbolt, the meter markings on the rear sight, and the Finn forearm splice.
In addition to the Finn splice, there is a dowel type patch on the buttstock.
Discussion Section