Non-Finn Austrian capture 1915 Izhevsk M91 (Poorly advertised auction)

[lthilsdorf]

I placed a bid on this rifle rifle and somehow won it at only $275 + auction fees. It was very poorly advertised, but appears to be a World War I original Austrian captured M91. I see a nice "W" stamp on the stock, Austrian sling swivels, and no clear Finn markings. The auction house took just enough photos to give me a good clue what it was. When it arrives I'll get some better photos. After buying only Arisaka's for the last few months, it's nice to find a good Mosin.

Just have the auction house photos for now. Any thoughts?

[lthilsdorf]

UPS just dropped the rifle off. It's an overcast day here, but I went out and took some photos. It's an interesting rifle, no doubt!

The sling swivels are clearly Austrian in origin. That along with the "W" on the top of the buttstock seems to solidify that the stock is at least WWI Austrian in origin. There is a faint cartouche on the side, but I can only make out the Imperial eagle and the "19". Seems lightly sanded perhaps (very smooth) but the finger grooves are still very strong. The graffiti on it is clearly very old.

Ok, as for the barreled action here is what I've determined. It's a 1915 Izhevsk with no Finnish marks on it. There is also no import mark. I cannot get the barrel out of the stock as someone buggered up the rear barrel band screw and I don't dare mess with it more. There is also a small screw keeping it from moving, but it is not Finnish in origin.The bore is a mess, with dirt and cobwebs and little rifling showing. It's clearly sat around unused for a long time. The only real unknown marking is the "T" on the receiver right under the Imperial eagle.

All the parts on this rifle are correct WWI era as far as I can tell. Several are Chatellerault marked, but none are WWII era that you'd expect on an M91 that was left in the Communist block post-WWII.

Is there any idea on the sling? It's ratty, but I'm not sure if it's military or civilian in origin. There are no markings at all on it.

So what's the overall opinion? I'll post this on the World War I forum as well. In any case I'm glad I was able to pick it up at the price I did. First rifle I've used my new C&R license with too!

[steelbuttplate]

SWEEET

[redspoon]

Well the old war horse has a lot going on, I like it. Pretty neat mag swivel or what's left of it. I've seen that T on the receiver or barrel shank before but can't remember the details, sorry. Congrats it was a good score.

[lthilsdorf]

Evidently the sling is an Austrian M95 sling, which are very rare to come by. Certainly it must be original to the rifle. I had a feeling but wasn't 100% sure on that. That sling style is what necessitated the added sling swivels on most of these Austrian issued Mosin Nagants.

[ffuries]

Evidently the sling is an Austrian M95 sling, which are very rare to come by. Certainly it must be original to the rifle. I had a feeling but wasn't 100% sure on that. That sling style is what necessitated the added sling swivels on most of these Austrian issued Mosin Nagants.

That is pretty cool and interesting information on the sling. Awesome rifle by the way, I like it a lot, would have jumped on it also.

[Junk Yard Dog]

Cool rifle, it's cool to me, but all that matters is it's cool to you, who cares what anyone else thinks. I bought lots of rifles like this back when issued looking Mosin 91's were looked down on as old Rooskie junk. These type rifles are my favorites in the collection, the most interesting, every mismatched part, scrape, ding and crack has a story behind it.

[bunkysdad]

I really like this. Looks fresh off the battlefield. No replacement handguard, cool trench art, man this one probably has a lot of secrets. Good score.

[Longcolt44]

Great example.

[NLMosin]

I'll trade you for my Last ditch bringback

Yea, I already know the answer to that one...

Nice one!

[shoto2758]

I don't think i have seen marks that big on a rifle before,makes it unique.
I like it.