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I have a chance to get this 1918 Hembrug, but as you can see, the muzzle end is quite different from what one usually encounters. Note the different wood coloring, a splice, and is stocked all the way to the muzzle. Different front sling config as well.
So the question is, is this something that was done by Dutch armorers, maybe another nation, or Bubba? I'm leaning towards Bubba, but I've learned to never say never with milsurps. I've never seen a Dutch carbine stocked like this.
I was in the "Legermuseum" a fortnight ago, and neither in the museum nor in the book by Paul Scarlata on "Mannlicher Military Rifles" did I notice anything of the sort. So unless furthe revidence turns up , we must assume that this is a "home-brew".
Mind you, in the museum my attention was captured by the beautiful examples of 4-barrel flintlock pistols, arranged as 2 turn-barrel pairs, but with only 2 triggers. An attendant told me that the mode of operation was that you first the first barrel of a pair. Bringing the cock of the fired barrel back to half-cock then switches the trigger over to the other barrel. Fire that, then rotate the barrels to present the other pair for firing. Amazing pieces of a gunmaker's craftsmanship, but in effect "too good to be used" - they all look mint.
No, they didn't let me take one to pieces to see how it worked!
BTW. the "Legermuseum", formerly in Delft, has been renamed " Militaire Luftvaart Museum" and relocated to Soesterberg, south-east of Hilversum.
I tend to agree.
My vote is Bubba. It would be impossible to fit a bayonet onto that front band. The sling swivel is unlike any Dutch rifle I'm aware of also and they fill the original swivel cut out. Only way I'd buy that is if it were dirt cheap for parts.
Just noticed this as well.....check out the wrist.
Hi Anzac. It looks like it started out as a KNIL cavalry carbine. Approx 10,000 were produced. This was the only colonial carbine to have a magazine fairing. KNIL carbines also had the turned down bolt handle. To confirm this it should have a cut out in the left side of the butt for a ring swivel. I have seen stocks for sale from time to time. It might make a good project. The barrel should measure 431mm from the receiver to the muzzle if it hasn't been cut. The fore sight could be be re-soldered. You don't find many colonial arms with good metal work. if you need further information let me know. Regards Ian
Yep, I suspected a KNIL carbine...it has two gas escape holes, and the turned down bolt as you pointed out. Also it looks as though where the brass unit plate was has been filled in.
Here is a picture of my 1918 KNIL carbine. It doesn't have the wooden skirt around the magazine area, but has the unit plate.
Anzac - the initial photo showing the action makes the blueing appear too good. You might want to check some of the smaller stamps to see if they're blurred. That configuration doesn't ring a bell with me, either. Looks like a nice rifle over all.
I passed on this one...it definitely had been messed with. Have a line on a KNIL carbine that is correct.