Carl Gustafs Model 1896 Infantry Rifle…… (F 1102) SOLD
Created on June 20th 2023
Fine Model 1896 Swedish Infantry Rifle
By the Swedish Maker Carl Gustafs, chambered in the superb 6.5 x 55mm Swedish calibre. Straight-arm bolt action rifle with an internal magazine which can be charged by clip. The full length Infantry rifle measures 49.1/4″ overall. The round blued barrel is 29″ long with stepped muzzle to accept the all steel bayonet. Trigger pull is 14″ to centre. This is a fully matching high quality, high grade finish rifle which I suspect may at some time been a prize rifle. The stock is of an attractive dark coloured walnut which would have been selected for its good looks and there is evidence of a prize plate having been attached at some time. Also the rifle is little used by condition of the bore and the state of the stock. Rifles were often used as prizes in shooting competitions within the military and the Landstormen, the civilian defence force attached to different sectors of the army in Sweden.
There are two tiny holes either side of the bore condition disk for the fixing of an engraved prize plate, the surface which was under that plate has remained slightly less polished than the balance. If you look very carefully it is possible to see the outline of the plate possibly caused by its harder than timber edge- it looks to be a horizontal oval. Otherwise a superb dark walnut stock, not stained and with grasping grooves and a half length hand guard over the barrel. The stock is original to the weapon as during strip-down and clean the matching number is seen stamped into the woodwork.
The round blued receiver is marked with ” Swedish Crown over CG gothic logo / CARL GUSTAFS STADS /GEVARSFAKTORI / 1917″ All the markings are clear , full depth and undamaged. On the outer wall of the action are the final inspectors initials “H.K.” for Helge Kolthoff where he was Besiktningsofficer at the factory from 1912 to 1923, followed by the full serial number of “441055.” If one checks serial numbers against date at that factory they correspond perfectly with the date on the receiver. The bolt carries the last three digits on all numbered components “055” All other components are matching correctly. Brass stock disc providing information on barrel condition is in place on the RHS of the butt-stock.
The finish on the rifle is a strong consistent military blue which all appears to be original. The steel butt-plate seems to have lost the most finish and is now just grey. The barrel and action still show the best finish with minor high edge wear about the muzzle. The full length cleaning rod is stored under the barrel – not numbered. All the crown inspection marks on every component of the rifle are the correct horizontal Carl Gustafs type. Two small Swedish crowns also are seen behind the trigger guard on the underside of the stock – very clear. Ladder-type rear sights graduated 3 to 600 meters in the flat position and then further marked from 7 to 20 on the rear of the ladder. The spring which acts upon the sight still shows its nitra-blue finish very strongly. All the sight components are numbered “055”. Attached to that rear sight is an extra unit designed to help add finer adjustment to the standard sight known as the Vasteras micrometer sight. A revolving wheel allows for fine adjustment. Simple blade on block for front sight.
Very clean strong bore – no pitting or misting. Action very smooth and mechanically fine. These rifles are still a delight to shoot. The engineering and attention to detail in honing in parts to provide just such an action, are things of the past, crafts and expertise now lost to the acceptance of mediocrity and our throw away society. This is a rifle from a completely different age and testament to the skills of the craftsmen that worked on them, is that they still, to this day perform as they did on the day they came out of the factory. And that Gentleman (and of course Ladies) is why By Sword & Musket will always stick with these excellent old items as the backbone of our business!
This is a special rifle, freshly CIP proofed for nitro this year.
FAC Required; Stock No’ F 1102
£ 1165. (Reserved)
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