Superb Swiss Repeating Carbine Model 1911………………(F 1189)

Fine Swiss Schmidt-Rubin Model 1911 Carbine

A very fine condition K11 Schmidt-Rubin Carbine in wonderful condition throughout. Possibly refinished but to a very high standard.  Serial number “21327/P”  The positioning of the “P” stamping is a very clear indicator that, this particular rifle, was sold to the trooper who used it as his weapon during service and was allowed to keep afterwards.  Carbines are notoriously difficult to age exactly, as a total of  212100 were made between 1914 and 1933.  Add to that, the Swiss in their efficiency converted and rebuilt from earlier rifles to cut back on wastage.

If the reference charts are consulted, this particular weapon falls just outside the official known numbers for the main batch, which is considered to start at 30,000.  However, it does not also fall into either of the two other model serial number batches which, they are supposed to come from.  That’s the trouble with stating something in print; as soon as you make the statement, something pops up to disprove that rule.  The closest I can pin it down to (and I immediately find it hard to beleive!) is that it started life as a Model 1889 Schmidt-Rubin rifle from, the first year of manufacture!  Then you look at it and your first reaction is, how can that be because the first year of true manufacture was 1891? Where they range in serial number, from 1 to 24,000.  If so, it is in increadible condition!  There is one last issue to think about and that is the ordenance inspection marks – the little cross.  If any of the parts were replacements, that cross would be applied slightly tipped to the side – none of these are. From that we can conclude that all the parts on this rifle are original as none are “tipped”  So, it must be an originally manufactured carbine, even though it falls outside the serial number range!  Complicated – isn’t it!

The carbine is chambered in 7.5 x 55mm with a 6-shot detachable box magazine.  It has the long action of the early Schmidts with the three flutes on the outside and a red bakelite handle.  The bolt is correctly finished in the white and numbered to the rifle.  The main markings on the breech and the first stage of the barrel (covered) are the serial numbers which are the same.  Then, much smaller, are the following, centrally placed, on the receiver centre line;- intwined “BP” mark of the principle federal inspectors stamp. The single Swiss Cross or “EinschieBstempel” which is the shooting test mark. Finally the boxed “cross / V” which is the Federal Inspectors mark for Major Vogelsang who held that position from 1879 until 1912.  An interesting point to note; during the By Sword & Musket strip to clean and proof process, matching serial numbers were found on all the woodwork components.

Overall the carbine is 43.1/2″ long.  The round blued barrel is 23″ long and the length of Pull is 12.5/8″ to center.  The muzzle  has that strange hang-over from the Vertelli rifles of a shallow “V-shaped” crown.  The idea is that this will protect the lands and grooves from damage as they emerge from the muzzle.  All parts match and are correctly numbered to the rifle. Side mounted sling bar and loop on midband. Bayonet mount and stacking hook on hinged front band.  Front sight guarded with protective ears.  Rear sight graduated from 100 to 1500 meters.  European Walnut, high polished semi-pistol grip stock with handguard. The forend has 5″ long finger grooves placed at equal distances on either side.  The later K31 staggered the groves. Only the last 2.3/3″ of barrel is exposed.  Very few visible dents and no scratches to speak of over the surface of this fine stock.  All the blueing on the surfaces of the metalwork is of a very high grade with a deep polish – including the steel butt-plate.  This finish has not deteriated at all in any areas or high spots, which would have occurred with time.

This is a high grade example of a Swiss carbine with an extremely fine four-groove bore.  The carbine building phase only lasted until 1933, to think that the barrel could be 92 years old is almost impossible to believe – but it is – I can say no more! Mechanically fine, proofed upon import from the USA in 2024 and ready to join a collection or be exercised on the range. This is the best K1911 that has passed through our hands to date.

Stock number F 1189 – FAC required

£ 795.

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