Original Antique Italian Fucile di Fanteria Modello 1891 Carcano Infantry Rifle Serial AI 1854 – Dated 1895 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This M-1891 Carcano Rifle was at the start of a massive manufacturing run of similar Models ordered by the Italian Government. The series of rifles is probably most well known for being used in the assassination of President John F. Kennedy by Lee Harvey Oswald, who used a Fucile di Fanteria Modello 91/38 (Model 1938 “infantry rifle”). However aside from that, the rifles were in service in front and rear line service for close to 90 years and Italy, and continue to be used to this day.

The design itself was introduced in 1891, and was chambered for the rimless 6.5×52mm Carcano cartridge (Cartuccia Modello 1895). It was developed by the chief technician Salvatore Carcano at the Turin Army Arsenal in 1890 and called the Modello (model) 91 or simply M91. Successively replacing the previous Vetterli-Vitali rifles and carbines in 10.35×47mmR, it was produced from 1892 to 1945 in various configurations. The M91 was used in both rifle (fucile) and shorter-barreled carbine (moschetto) form by most Italian troops during the First World War and by Italian and some German forces during the Second World War. The rifle was also used during the Winter War by Finland, and again by regular and irregular forces in Syria, Libya, Tunisia, and Algeria during various postwar conflicts in those countries.

Although this rifle is often called “Mannlicher–Carcano”, especially in American parlance, neither that designation nor the name “Mauser–Parravicino” is correct. Its official designation in Italian is simply Modello 1891, or M91 (“il novantuno”). The magazine system uses en bloc charger clips which were originally developed and patented by Ferdinand Mannlicher, but the actual shape and design of the Carcano clip is derived from the German Model 1888 Commission Rifle.

This is a fine example of the earliest version of the Carcano Rifle, the Fucile di Fanteria Modello 1891 (infantry rifle Model 1891), which used a standard detachable blade bayonet. Later versions would experiment with bayonets that had folding blades, with limited success. The barrel nocks form is marked on the side with serial number AI 1854, and on the top it is marked TERNI, indicating that the rifle was produced at the Terni Arsenal in Central Italy. There are some other markings on the other facets of the barrel. The under side of the receiver is stamped with date 1895, which requires that the stock be removed to see. There are no markings indicating that the bore was ever “Tubed” to refurbish it.

The bolt is also marked with serial number AI 1854, as is the stock, however the stock number was struck over a previous number, indicating replacement at arsenal. The metalwork has lots of the original blued finish, with just a bit of wood line rust and wear from service. Both sling swivels are present and move well, and the rear sight is intact and works great as well. The original cleaning rod is unfortunately missing. The rifle cycles well and dry fires, though we have no way to test to see if the magazine still feeds. There is some slop in the action due to wear. The bore shows clear lands and grooves with a mostly bright finish. There is some wear, and also areas of fouling and light oxidation.

The stocks are in very good condition, with a great color and no major damage or other issues that we can see. They have however been arsenal reconditioned, which has made the original inspection cartouches on the left side faint. We can also see that two different cartouches were applied, one hexagonal, and one circular.

Made BEFORE 1899, so Federally considered an Antique. A very nice example of the earliest type of Carcano Rifle, ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1895
Caliber: 6.5×52mm Carcano (Cartuccia Modello 1895)
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 30.7 inches
Overall Length: 50.6 Inches
Action type: Bolt-Action
Feed System: 6 round internal magazine loaded by En-Bloc clip