Swiss, 1912, Schmidt Rubin Modell 1911 Infantry Rifle, Service Bolt Action Rifle, Deactivated with Inerts

This rifle, with a serial number indicating production in 1912, was likely refurbished in 1926, as evidenced by the marking "N26" beneath the serial number. "N" stands for "Neuinstandgestellt," meaning refurbished. The rifle has matching serial numbers on key components: barrel, receiver, bolt, and magazine. The sight, sight adjuster, and sight base bear the numbers 704, which are manufacturing numbers and not expected to match the weapon number. Swiss proof marks are visible throughout. Key features include a 30-inch barrel, a graduated tangent sight starting at 300 meters, a bayonet lug, a metal buttplate, and sling rings. The rifle also bears the following marks: the Eagle over N (West German definitive proof mark, pre-1977), the Antler with 71 (Ulm Proof House inspection mark from 1971), and "HE GE 7.5," the West German calibre designation for 7.5x55mm Swiss.

Historical Context:

• Initial Service (1912): Manufactured and issued in 1912, likely to a member of the Auszug (active service). By 1926, it was returned to the army, possibly as the original soldier transitioned to a reservist role or a new unit, receiving a Kar 11 in exchange.

• Refurbishment and Reissue (1926): Refurbished and reissued, it likely served another soldier until the individual transitioned out of service, either receiving a Kar 31 or reaching the end of their military obligation. If called up in 1926, the second soldier would have finished service around 1966, given the 40-year service period for the Landsturm. However, with the reduction to a 30-year service period in 1961, service likely ended by the late 1960s.

• Civilian Market Transition: This rifle lacks a privatization stamp, indicating it was likely returned to army stockpiles rather than retained by the soldier. Deemed obsolete by the 1960s, it was part of the liquidation of surplus rifles, beginning around 1968. The rifle was then exported to West Germany, proofed at the Ulm Proof House, and sold on the civilian market.

About Schmidt-Rubin Rifles:
The Schmidt–Rubin series served as Swiss Army rifles from 1889 to 1958, with production beginning in 1891. Distinguished by Rudolf Schmidt's straight-pull bolt-action design and Eduard Rubin's 7.5x55mm cartridge, these rifles underwent various improvements over their service life. The M1911, an evolution of the original 1889 model, strengthened the action by moving the locking lugs to the middle of the bolt, accommodating a more powerful cartridge. Manufactured between 1913 and 1919, the M1911 is known for its craftsmanship and exceptional accuracy.