I know, I know. This ain't no Mosin, but it paved the way therefore I thought this the best spot for this post. Here is a really rare one to gaze upon.
It is my Berdan II manufactured in 1883 at the Sestroretsk factory. Yes, that is rare enough but this one is all matching even the cleaning rod! The stock is like new with only minor scuffs and the barrel looks unfired. Most of these (if you can find one!) are mismatched and really beat up. I don't know how this one managed to remain pristine but it is by far the best I have seen anywhere! In reality this rifle was even better before some owner (read that
"idiot" ) attempted to loosen the band stews by turning them the wrong way! (Berdan II and M91 bands have reverse threaded capture screws) 
