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LOT 441
Scarce World War I French Tulle RSC Model 1917 Semi-Automatic Rifle - Serial
no. 45314, 8 mm Lebel cal., 31 1/2 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. The RSC Model
1917, designed by Ribeyrolles, Sutter and Chauchat, was the first semi-automatic rifle adopted
by France, as formally adopted in May 1916. The Model 1917 rifles entered into mass
production from April 1917 until the end of World War I in November 1918. There were
approximately over 85,000 manufactured as well as 4,000 of the subsequent Model 1918 carbines.
The Model 1917 was widely distributed among French infantrymen in the trenches during 1918, who
found that the gas port required extra attention to cleaning due to powder fouling. The Model 1917
and the updated Model 1918 were phased out in the mid-20s after seeing service in the Rif War, with the majority being stripped of their gas hardware
and converted to straight-pull repeaters (this example escaped this modification) for issue to colonial forces, often in North Africa. Additionally, a number
found their way into the hands of the German Volksturm as last-ditch weapons during World War II. Blade front and folding ladder rear sight, with “MA
T1918” (Manufacture d’Armes de Tulle) maker and date markings on the right breech area of the barrel, and “MA T Mle1917” marked on the left of the receiver.
The straight wrist buttstock is stamped with the matching serial number to the rifle on the left, a “1918” dated circular stamp on the right, and a flat steel buttplate.
Matching visible serial numbers on the barrel, bolt, trigger assembly, forearm, and buttstock.
CONDITION: Good, retains traces of original blue finish with mostly brown patina and some areas of gray patina, and scattered light pitting and oxidation indicative of some
period trench use. Wood is also good as sanded and re-oiled, with clearly legible stamp on right side of buttstock, numerous scattered dents and scratches, and a few small stress
cracks visible on top of the wrist directly behind the receiver tang. The safety lever is slightly bent but functional. Mechanically fine.
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
LOT 442
Exceptional World War II British BSA
Shirley No. 4 Mk I (T) Bolt Action Sniper Rifle
with Matching Scope - Serial no. G36967, 303 cal., 25 inch round bbl., parkerized/
black finish, walnut stock. Manufactured by B.S.A. Shirley in 1944 and subsequently selected for completion as a No.4
Mk I (T) sniper rifle during factory tests. Features winged blade front and “S.M.” marked folding ladder peep rear (battle peep removed)
sights, “M47C/1944/G36967/TR” marked on the left of the receiver socket, “T” marked on the left and “S” marked on the right side of the receiver,
“M/47C” marked safety, and a central sling swivel secured by the king screw. Matching visible serial numbers on the bolt handle and magazine. Fitted
with an un-numbered walnut forend marked “J.C./N22/broad arrow” on the underside, “N.67” marked walnut front handguard, ribbed walnut rear handguard, and
“SL”/N/74” walnut butt with screwed on hardwood cheek riser, Holland & Holland “S51” conversion stamp on the underside, zinc trapdoor buttplate, and “365” serial
number stamped on top of the wrist. Topped off with a No. 32 Mk 2/1 telescopic sight marked “TEL: STG: No32. Mk 2/1./U.T.C. C.S. 1400G.A./No365” on the tube with a standard post-and-
cross-hair reticle and thumb screw mount with matching “G 36967” serial number to the rifle stamped on the left side. Includes a pair of leather lens covers and a khaki web sling.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine as factory converted into a No. 4 Mk I (T) sniper rifle, retaining 90% arsenal parkerized and black finishes with some light edge wear, light cycling wear, some dried grease,
a few minor areas of thinning, and minor handling marks. The furniture is very fine with some minor handling marks, rich oil finish, and clear stampings. Mechanically excellent. Scope is very fine with
minor handling marks and clear optics.
Estimate: 2,500 - 3,750
LOT 443
Historic Vietnam War Captured Chinese Type
53 Mosin-Nagant Bolt Action Carbine with Bullet Hole
Wounded Stock, Bayonet and War Trophy Paperwork -
Serial no. B3545, 7.62x54 R cal., 20 1/2 inch round bbl., blue
finish, walnut stock. “1960” dated breech area of the barrel with
a triangle enclosed “26” factory mark and the serial number.
The Chinese Type 53 carbine was effectively an exact copy of
the Soviet M44 Mosin-Nagant carbine. As China adopted more
advanced SKS and AK pattern rifles, the older Mosin-Nagant
based longarms ended up in second line service, as well as being
slated for export, with many becoming part of North Vietnam’s inventory. The accompanying War
Trophy Registration and American Embassy of Saigon export documents list this carbine by make,
model, and serial number as captured May 4, 1966 by U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Dale R.
Worst, active in the Southeast Asia (Vietnam) theater between July 17, 1965-July 17, 1966. Hooded
pin front sight and notched tangent rear sight. Fitted with a side-folding bayonet.
CONDITION: Good, with unmistakable signs of combat use, retaining half of the original blue finish
with areas turned to a smooth brown patina, scattered spotting/pitting, and a dented section
on the left of the magazine housing. Stock is good with an open bullet hole wound that entered
from the left below the rear sight area leaving a keyhole shape and exited out the right side, and
numerous scattered dents, scuffs, and jungle scars. Mechanically excellent. The sling has a well used
appearance. For a collector of combat used weapons, this Vietnam War captured Chinese Type 53
carbine is a must have!
Estimate: 2,000 - 3,000
LOT 444
Rare “Spade” Pattern
Bayonet for the Mexican
Contract SIG Mondragon Semi-Automatic Rifle
- A companion piece to the then radically advanced
Mondragon Rifle, this bayonet appears to follow a
similar design philosophy to the U.S. “trowel” bayonet,
using a spade-like blade that could be used as both a
weapon and an entrenching tool. Briefly a trend in North
American weapon design, which in theory would reduce
the combat load of the individual soldier, such hybrid
weapons had a relatively short life. The short life of the trowel-style bayonet as a
genre and the relatively limited importation and deployment of the Mondragon
in Mexico due to internal strife made for relatively few of these bayonets to be
manufactured; few survive in any condition, let alone as nice as this example.
Measuring 15 1/2 inches overall, the blade is 10 3/4 inches long and 2 1/2 inches
wide, with a broad spear point, a prominent fullered rib running the full length, and “HIERRO.”/”MADERA.” marked along the
sides of the rib. The guard has a roughly semi-circular profile, with “REPUBLICA MEXICANA” on the underside, and a vent hole
on either side of the muzzle ring, and smooth hardwood grips. Included with the bayonet is an unmarked, blue finished
iron sheath.
CONDITION: Fine overall. A small dent is visible on the left edge of the otherwise very fine blade, which is bright overall with
minor scratches and spotting. The hilt has turned a mixed brown and gray patina, with some rust patches and dings on the
grip panels. The sheath retains most of the original blue finish with some noticeable dents and surface rust. Writer cannot
recall another example in recent times. An extremely rare bayonet!
Estimate: 9,500 - 14,000