1915 Schmidt-Rubin M1911 7.5mm Rifle

History:

During 1913-1919, a total of 126,700 M1911 rifles were built at Eidgenossische Waffenfabrik, Bern. This particular M1911 was one of 22,000 produced in 1915. The markings on the rifle support an interesting provenance:

*Matching full serial number 392850 on barrel, receiver, bolt, and 6-round magazine.

*Matching “850” partial serial number on trigger guard and underside of butt plate.

*“785” on bottom of sight-blade slider, with “+N9” on sight body.

*”30” on receiver indicates reissue of the rifle in 1930 after arsenal repairs.

*Two “Swiss shield” cartouches are stamped on right side of stock wood.

*Additional stampings indicate pressure proof test passed, shooting test passed, and shooting test mark.

*Inspection marks by Major Muhlemann (served 1913-1941) and Major Hauri (served 1942-1946).

*“Swiss cross” stampings throughout rifle.

*“P” stamp on barrel indicates rifle was released gratis to private ownership of the released citizen-soldier, post-1964 since no year stamp accompanies the “P”. Thus this rifle was in military service for at least 50 years (from 1915)!

Condition:

This Schmidt-Rubin exhibits the patina of a 111-year old rifle that had a half-century of Swiss military service, but was never fired in anger due to a lack of enemies. Primarily used in training exercises and target practice. Otherwise probably resided in its assigned citizen-soldier's home closet. The wood is a symphony of small dings and scratches accumulated over the years, but without significant damage. The metal is in good condition. The straight-pull bolt (a bit stiff due to disuse) and trigger still operate with Swiss precision. The bore appears to be bright, in very good condition. Length: 51.6” Barrel: 30.7” Weight: 10.3 lbs

Accessories:

The rifle is accompanied by an original Swiss leather sling marked: “S. Reutemann / 18 Sattler 94 / Neuhausen”. It also comes with the muzzle/front sight protector. Also included is the standard reference book: “Swiss Magazine Loading Rifles – 1869 to 1958”, by Joe Poyer, 2nd Edition 2010, North Cape Publications (235 pages).

Prefer a simple face-to-face cash sale in Aiken, SC, on a standard SC Gun Bill of Sale. More photos available. No interest in trades.