The Russian Mosin Nagant Forum

Posting this for someone on another group. Can't say that I've seen any of these markings before, anyone have any info? The rifle is a '39 Tula.

Do you have a clearer photo? I would almost say import marking but I can't make it out.

He said it has the Century import mark.

Looks like European proof house marks to me? Bill

zeebill wrote:Looks like European proof house marks to me? Bill

+1

You don't see that everyday....

So you guys think it's proof marks? He is in Italy...

It's really hard to say what these are but they are extremely cool. Have never seen markings like this before. I would trust Bill on this one. If he says European, that's good enough for me.

kworm99 wrote:So you guys think it's proof marks? He is in Italy...

If he is in Italy it is absolutely proofmarks. I have seen these on other rifles shown by folks in Europe. They are modern and don't add to any value. It is like our import marks in that regard.

Thanks guys, I'll let him know.

There were Italian rifles that were used in firehouses and such. Not sure if it was a combined police and fire. IT is possible the marks relate to a firehouse or police station along with proof marks. There was one kind of like this that was posted by a Italian member a long time ago. Im sure Drew remembers that also.

Interesting ...... the bluing was done "after" it was stamped???

desdem12 wrote:There were Italian rifles that were used in firehouses and such. Not sure if it was a combined police and fire. IT is possible the marks relate to a firehouse or police station along with proof marks. There was one kind of like this that was posted by a Italian member a long time ago. Im sure Drew remembers that also.

I remember it. A while back I tried to find that post and never could. There was also one about a fire house one from Estonia or some Baltic country. The OP had some pretty good info to back up the claim if I remember right.

dolk wrote:Interesting ...... the bluing was done "after" it was stamped???

Or it was magic marked while clean and oil free, then bubba the price gouger wipes the rifle with oil and the excess out of the stamping is removed. I almost found out this works the hard way not long ago. Can't trust anyone these days. When I wiped one end of the mark which was partially under the wood line the mark was instantly silver and shiny. I said a few four letter words on that one but I got my money back and he now has a humped rifle to sell. First time I have ever seen or heard of that but I guess you are never too old to learn huh? Bill

I'd probably say a few four letter words myself if that happened to me Bill...