[Quailridge]

After several years of hopes and prayers I finally found a Finnish Marked Type 30, and from Proxibid of all places. Late in October I was browsing through Proxibid auctions when I saw this Type 30 going up for sale. Nobody bid on it so I put in the opening bid and ultimately won.

The rifle is in decent shape for 120 years old. It is matching except for the bolt which matches itself. The bore is still pretty dirty but has prominent rifling. The stock is scratched and dented but still very solid. The Civil Guard number is 85,027 and very crisp. If my research is correct that means it was issued in Savonlinna, about 20 miles from the current Russian border.

If only guns could talk I'm sure this one would have some stories to tell.

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What is the probable history related to a rifle of this type? Captured in the Russo Japanese war? Bought by Finland during their revolution? Somehow captured during the Winter War? All the world wants to know. Thanks. Jeff

 

[Quailridge]

At the end of 1916, following small arms were delivered to Russia:
Type 30 rifle 331,000
Type 30 Carbine 25,500
Type 38 rifle 200,000
Mexican rifle 20350
Mexican Carbine 15050

Wow, I wonder if any Mexican arms have ever surfaced that could be attributed to Russian or Finn service. Jeff

 

[Quailridge]

While I'm at it, I'll post a British marked T38 Mexican carbine found in Finland. Look for that thread next.

What a great thread everybody! Jeff