*Swiss, Model 1889 Schmidt–Rubin Rifle, with Model 1889 S.I.G. Neuhausen Bayonet & Scabbard, Sling, Cleaning Kit & Ammo Clip, Rifle Made 1892 at Eidgenoessische Waffenfabrik, Privatised 1907, Regimental Markings, Obsolete Calibre*
Swiss, Model 1889 Schmidt–Rubin Rifle
Serial no: 100639 – Marked on LHS Barrel, Receiver, Magazine, and inside the bolt, 0 639 on sight, 639 on bolt handle
Marked on Stock: 5 (circled) (Canton Arsenal Stamp)
Marked on RHS Butt Stock: Swiss Cross within a Shield
Marked on Rear Sight: Numerous Swiss Crosses. OZ 639 on top of sight and inside,
Marked on top of Barrel: Pressure Proof Mark, *V – the inspectors mark for Major Vogelsang 1879-1912, P07
Marked on front nose: 58V
Marked on nose cap: Swiss Crosses, St
Numerous Swiss Crosses throughout
This a superb example of the Swiss Army Model 1889 Schmidt–Rubin Rifle, with regimental markings and matching numbers. The rifle comes complete with original sling, Model 1889 S.I.G. Neuhausen bayonet & scabbard, ammo clip and cleaning kit. Approximately 212,000 Model 1889 rifles were manufactured between 1891 and 1897 at the Eidgenoessische Waffenfabrik in Bern. In 1892, when this rifle was likely produced, around 90,100 units were made bearing serial numbers from 24,901 to 115000. The rifle bears the mark “*V” – which was the inspectors mark for Major Vogelsang from 1879-1912. The uppercase “P” followed by a 2 digit date stamp “07”, above the six-digit serial number indicates that this was a military rifle privatized in 1907 and issued to a soldier upon discharge. These rifles should not be confused with the separate “Private” series manufactured for export, which had 2 or 3 digit serial numbers prefixed by “P.”
The Schmidt–Rubin rifles were a series of Swiss Army service rifles used from 1889 until 1958. They are characterized by a straight-pull bolt action designed by Rudolf Schmidt and chambered in Eduard Rubin’s GP90 7.5×53.5mm and GP11 7.5×55mm cartridges. Officially adopted on June 26, 1889, the rifle’s production began in 1891 at the state factory, leading to an unusually quick initial delivery. The straight-pull bolt action allowed the shooter to operate the bolt by simply pulling it back to unlock the action, cock the striker, extract, and eject the spent cartridge. This mechanism differed from traditional bolt-action rifles, which require the bolt handle to be lifted before pulling back. The M1889 had a distinctive design with a unique Swiss nose cap/bayonet lug/stacking rod assembly and a receiver gap between the trigger guard and magazine. However, the length of the bolt was a weak point in the Schmidt system. Production of the M1889 ceased in 1897, giving way to the improved Model 1889/96.
Model 1889 S.I.G. Neuhausen Bayonet & Scabbard
Approximate Measurements: 29.5cm, 41.5cm overall
Marked on the Ricasso: Neuhausen, SIG
Marked on Crossguard: 22564
Marked under the Crossguard: Swiss Cross
Marked on the scabbard finial: Swiss Cross
This knife bayonet was originally produced by S.I.G. Neuhausen, a company that later rebranded as Waffenfabrik Neuhausen. It was designed for use with the 7.5mm Schmidt-Rubin M1889 and M1911 rifles and designated the Dolchbajonett Mod. 1889 (Dagger Bayonet Model 1889). As the first bayonet type developed for the Schmidt-Rubin rifles, early versions lacked a rivet or ridge in the fuller. Many of these early bayonets were later modified with a rivet in the fuller, making unaltered originals rare and highly collectible. The bayonets intended for the M1889 and M1911 rifles featured a larger muzzle ring diameter (15 mm or 0.60 in.) compared to those made for the M1911 carbine and M1931 Short Rifle, which had a 14 mm (0.55 in.) muzzle ring. Bayonets were typically issued with the rifle and had matching numbers. Whilst these serial numbers do not match – the bayonet number still fits into the manufacture date for 1892 and so was produced in the same year.
Scabbard with leather tab. The leather tab on the scabbard is for securing the scabbard in the belt frog.
Cleaning Kit
Cleaning Kit marked: Wachter 89 ZIZERS
Manufactured by Wachter, a Swiss company located in Zizers. These cleaning kits were designed for use with the Schmidt-Rubin series of rifles, including the K31 and other variants.
*Condition*
This rifle is in excellent condition. The bolt works and it cocks and dry-fires. It has the expected dings and marks commensurate with age and service. The bayonet and scabbard are in good used condition though the bayonet spine is rough. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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