Russian Berdan Mk II Infantry Rifle SOLD

Mk II Russian M1870 Berdan Single Shot Infantry Rifle

Distinctive by its long slim profile and short pear-shaped bolt handle The Imperial Russian Berdan Rifle.  The first bolt action rifle issued to the Russian Army and the predecessor of the Mosin-Nagant.  The Berdan saw service in many pre-WW 1 conflicts from 1870 to 1891.  Chambered in 10.66×57mmR cartridge (.42 calibre) A rifle often spotted on the barricades during the Russian Revolution.

There were four slightly differing versions of the Berdan this is the Infantry variant.  It measures a nominal 53″ in overall length.  The round blued barrel is 32.3/4″ long and the trigger pull is 14″.   The short Pear-shaped bolt handle acts as the locking mechanism and rests at a 30 degree angle when closed.  The action is open along the top with a hexagonal receiver.  The top flat is marked with the Double headed Imperial Russian Eagle and a distinctive “II” below and a small crown at the top.  The bolt finished in the white, is numbered to a different rifle; ” 3041″  Cyrillic Russian markings are stamped into many of the components and the rear sights is marked with the old Russian Arshens.  Strangely the adjustable cross bar is missing ( this has been noted on other surviving examples!) The rear sight is also marked in conventional numerals on the LHS.  The rear sight is also marked on the underside with a noticeable “II”  for Mk II.

Arsenal markings are found on the crest of the barrel between the rear sight and the mid-band along with date of production, in this case 1884 and the rifles serial number; ” 8234″  Simple inverted V within a dove-tail block as front sight.  Bayonet lug for socket bayonet to RHS of muzzle.  Steel trigger guard with rear sling swivel around smooth trigger.  Steel butt-plate marked “8234” towards the top and “416” lower down.  A steel turned pin points upward mounted on the LHS of the front barrel band, front sling swivel A/F.

Single piece straight-wristed dark wood stock with dents and dings of a long service life with makers cartouche in roundel on LHS of butt-stock and another on RHS.  Pleasing surface finish. A distinct “H” has been hand carved into the LHS of the wrist by an idle but literate soldier – a nice piece of personalisation.  Cleaning rod A/F. The bore is excellent with strong deep rifling, no misting, but a small patch of surface pitting at approx. 4’oclock, 6″ from the muzzle. A not common find these days in old early breech loaders.

UK Obsolete cartridge – Section 58

£ 1350.   SOLD

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