*Swiss, Model 1889 Schmidt–Rubin Rifle, Made 1896 at Eidgenoessische Waffenfabrik, Privatised 1931, Obsolete Calibre, Regimental Markings, Matching Numbers*
Serial no: 204037 – Marked on LHS Barrel, Receiver, Magazine, and inside the bolt, 37 on sight
Marked on receiver: Swiss Cross P31/204037
Marked on Stock: 5 (circled) (Canton Arsenal Stamp), DA+CZ (for Canton Zürich)
Marked on Butt plate: 329
Marked on rear sight: Inside 7 37, sighted 300-2000. Numerous Swiss Crosses.
Marked on Barrel: Pressure Proof Mark, *V – the inspectors mark for Major Vogelsang 1879-1912
Marked inside bolt: Swiss Crosses, P, OA
This a superb example of the Swiss Army Model 1889 Schmidt–Rubin Rifle, with regimental markings and matching numbers. Approximately 212,000 Model 1889 rifles were manufactured between 1891 and 1897 at the Eidgenoessische Waffenfabrik in Bern. In 1896, when this rifle was likely produced, around 12,500 units were made bearing serial numbers from 195,501 to 208,000. 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 “31”, above the six-digit serial number indicates that this was a military rifle privatized in 1931 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.
*Condition*
This rifle is in excellent condition though it is missing the nose cap. The bolt works and it cocks and dry-fires. It has the expected dings and marks commensurate with age and service. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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