Original Antique Imperial Russian Mosin-Nagant M1891 Three-Line Infantry Rifle serial 192193 – dated 1897 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. These are so very rare, and this is the first example that we have seen in quite some time. A real pre-1898 Antique Russian Mosin-Nagant M1891 Full Length Rifle, more officially referred to as the “Three Line Infantry Rifle, Model of 1891.” This example was never converted to the 91/30 standard, and is still in the original full length. It does have the stock cross bolt for use with the heavier “Spitzer” bullets used, and has the sling slots in place of swivels, though it was retrofitted with swivels inserted in the slots for some reason, which could easily be removed. It has lots of issue markings, as well as mostly matching serial number 192193, which is on all parts except for the butt plate, which is non matching.

The Russian “Mosin-Nagant” bolt-action rifle is arguably the most-produced rifle in history, with around 37 million being produced in various versions in several different countries. This number easily surpasses the Lee-Enfield, Mauser GEW98 and Mauser K98K in number produced. The reasons for this are multiple, including both the size of Russia and later USSR, as well as the long service life of this design, which is still in use today in some locations.

The history of what is known as the “Mosin-Nagant” rifle begins in the late 19th century in Russia, following the Russo-Ottoman war. During the course of the war, it became apparent that Russian troops needed a modern bolt-action rifle to compete with the rest of the world, so they started evaluations in 1889 on what would become the general issue rifle for infantry troops. Three designs were submitted, and at the time in Russia bullet diameter was measured in “line”s, where one line was 1/10 of an inch. This is what gave rise to the official name of the rifle, the “3-line rifle, Model 1891”, as it was in .30cal, or 7.62mm. The name “Mosin-Nagant” is in reality somewhat of a misnomer, as the design chosen was designed by Mosin, not Nagant. However due to legal issues with Nagant over certain design aspects of the rifle, his name was attached to the design as well, leading to the name used in most of the world, the “Mosin-Nagant Model 1891”. Three other models would subsequently be put into service prior to WWI: the M1891 Dragoon, the M1891 Cossack, and the M1907 Carbine.

The official designation of this model is 3-линии пехотная винтовка образца 1891–го года which translates to “Three Line Infantry Rifle, Model of 1891”. It has the cross bolt to reinforce the stock against recoil, and the rear sight correctly goes up to 3200 arschini, an archaic measurement used by Russia through the first world war.

The Markings on the receiver are:

(Imperial Eagle)
Л К
ИЖЕВСКІЙ
Оружейньійзаводъ.

1897г.
192193

(Bow & Arrow)

These indicates manufacture in 1897 at Izhevsk arsenal, a major producer of Mosin-Nagant rifles and carbines. The factory itself was founded in 1807 at the request of the Czar, and continues to manufacturer small arms do this day. Other parts of the rifle are marked with the Bow and Arrow proof of Izhevsk, Czarist markings which were discontinued following the Russian revolution and subsequent civil war.

Condition of the rifle is very good, especially considering the age and amount of service it must have seen. The stock is in good condition, though there is a hairline crack on the left side of the wrist, and the butt stock is either two piece, or had the toe and bottom 1/3 entirely replaced at some point. The metalwork is in good shape, mostly a worn blued finish with a bright steel bolt. It still retains the original cleaning rod, which is in good shape, and the rifle cycles well, with a crisp dry fire.

The bore shows clear lands and grooves, though there is definitely some wear and oxidation from corrosive powder. The muzzle has also been counter-bored in about 3/8 of an inch, possibly to increase accuracy.

A wonderful piece of Russian and Firearms history! Ready do display.

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1897
Caliber:  7.62×54mmR Russian
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 31 1/2 Inches
Overall Length: 51 1/2 Inches
Action type: Bolt Action
Feed System: 5 Round Internal