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This was brought back by my great uncle from WWII, it's recently made it's way to me and i'm looking for some advice on keeping the sling and bayonet scabbard from drying out anymore, and maybe a few other things.
When i researched the rifle to figure out exactly what it was, i learned it had a pretty interesting history...
http://www.hungariae.com/Mann43.htm
this rifle has all number matching serial numbers (so aparently was made before the Allied bombing runs and Soviet invasion) and actually has a lower "A" serial than is even on this list
the stock actually seems to be in better shape than most of the online pictures i've found but any advice on the leather or anything else would be appreciated
thanks!
When i researched the rifle to figure out exactly what it was, i learned it had a pretty interesting history...
http://www.hungariae.com/Mann43.htm
In 1943 the success of the G98/40 German contract rifle persuaded the Hungarian Honvedseg to adopt a new rifle along with the 7.92x57mm Mauser cartridge. The 43.M, which had a Mauser-type magazine, was a G98/40 with Hungarian 35.M-style barrel band, nose cap/bayonet lug and sling swivels. The 43M's magazine release had to be operated with a tip of a bullet, while the G98/40 had a thumb-operated button for that purpose. Mannlicher 43.M Assembly Drawing and Parts List
Production data:
1943: 22000 pieces
1944: 54000
1945: 500 or less
1047-48: 15000 post-1945 manufacture is unconfirmed
Total: 91500 manufactured
Production was interrupted several times during the 2nd half of 1944 by the Allied bombers and by the Soviet invasion of Hungary. Half-finished guns and parts and movable machinery were scattered all over the city, setting up a number of gunshops in basements and atticks to finish and assemble as many weapons as possible. Manufacturing continued even after the Red Army surrounded Budapest. Delivery was direct from the assembly line or from the small gunshops to the front until the Soviets took over the weapon factories and gunshops in a street-by-street fight, Heroic street fighting by the Hungarians was continued long after the Red Army declared that Budapest is taken.
this rifle has all number matching serial numbers (so aparently was made before the Allied bombing runs and Soviet invasion) and actually has a lower "A" serial than is even on this list
Prefix - Known or estimated serial number range and Year of Manufacture:
A - 4903 - 22000 1943
A - 22000 - 43270 1944
B - 14641 - 33129 1944
C - ? - 27347 1944-45?
D - ?
E - ?
the stock actually seems to be in better shape than most of the online pictures i've found but any advice on the leather or anything else would be appreciated
thanks!