Bulgarian M88/90 Mannlicher
Hi all,
Today I have the pleasure of sharing my most recent acquisition a all matching Bulgarian M88/90 Mannlicher. For those that don't know the M88/90 was the main rifle for Bulgaria in the Bulkan Wars and WWI, as well as the main issued rifle for Austria-Hungary until 1916-1917 when M95s finally over took the M88/90 in quantity. Not nearly as commonly seen as the M95s and when they are usually they are in rough shape or altered. This example shall have a nice place in my collection alongside my 3 Bulgarian M95s in 8x50r.
I have always had a bit of a fascination with Mannlicher based firearms, and have to say this is already one of my favourites. Bolt is smoother than pretty much any rifle I have handled and I own quite a few Swiss rifles and have used such things as Krags and Enfields.
In any case here is some photos.
https://www.milsurps.com/vbpgimage.p...9&d=1517958040
https://www.milsurps.com/vbpgimage.p...0&d=1517958047
https://www.milsurps.com/vbpgimage.p...1&d=1517958051
Note the volley sights on the side of the rear sight and the barrel band
https://www.milsurps.com/vbpgimage.p...2&d=1517958055
Note the double serial number, I don't really understand why this is like that, but all the numbered parts are stamped with both numbers.
https://www.milsurps.com/vbpgimage.p...3&d=1517958060
https://www.milsurps.com/vbpgimage.p...4&d=1517958064
Crown 'F' marking is a Bulgarian marking, the other common one being a small lion
https://www.milsurps.com/vbpgimage.p...5&d=1517958069
https://www.milsurps.com/vbpgimage.p...6&d=1517958075
Better view of the rear sight, left hand side is for the standard rear sight, right hand side is for the volley sight. Note the sights are in Schritt which is approximately .75 of a metre.
https://www.milsurps.com/vbpgimage.p...7&d=1517958080
Bolt with both serial numbers
https://www.milsurps.com/vbpgimage.p...8&d=1517958095
Both serial numbers on the stock as well as a faded rampant lion on the stock
https://www.milsurps.com/vbpgimage.p...9&d=1517958100
Unsure of this marking on the stock
https://www.milsurps.com/vbpgimage.p...0&d=1517958105
The other metal parts without serials have this IIQ on them, which as I understand it is a export marker.
