No5 Mk1 notches in the butt

[RobD]

I have a collection of 14 Boer rifles and have had a similar number through my hands over the years, and examined literally hundreds of other examples. I have never seen or heard mentioned "kill notches" on any Boer rifle, until I read an article on Boer Mausers in the HBSA journal - an article which was, incidentally, peppered with errors. I have read every Boer diary published, and without exception the burghers write of killing khakis with the greatest regret. Ron Bester's definitive work on Boer rifles, and Dave George's 2 volumes on carved Boer rifles, make no mention of "kill notches". Glorifying "kills" is completely contrary to the Boer spirit of those times. In my humble opinion, any notches on a Boer rifle will have another explanation altogether.

[bigstick61]

I have a collection of 14 Boer rifles and have had a similar number through my hands over the years, and examined literally hundreds of other examples. I have never seen or heard mentioned "kill notches" on any Boer rifle, until I read an article on Boer Mausers in the HBSA journal - an article which was, incidentally, peppered with errors. I have read every Boer diary published, and without exception the burghers write of killing khakis with the greatest regret. Ron Bester's definitive work on Boer rifles, and Dave George's 2 volumes on carved Boer rifles, make no mention of "kill notches". Glorifying "kills" is completely contrary to the Boer spirit of those times. In my humble opinion, any notches on a Boer rifle will have another explanation altogether.

Interesting. I wonder if perhaps they may have beenfaked as well, since I did see photos. Perhaps someone thinking it would up the value or something. I am quite willing to accept that something simply caused marks of this type, as it seems very plausible.