Back in the 1950s I acquired a small folding bayonet and metal scabbard at an "old time" army surplus store. It was 40 years later with the advent of the Internet that I found out the little bayonet fit the Italian Model 1938 Carcano and I naturally had to have the rifle that fit the bayonet (at least thats what I told my wife).
I bought this little rifle at a gun show back in the 1990s. A previous owner had used a wood filler to cover all the markings, graffitti and blemishes before sanding and staining the woodwork. After I stripped the finish back to the bare wood and stained the surfaces with True Oil this is the result:
The rifle is 7.35 mm and dated 1938 XVII. It has the Finnish SA ordnance mark.
There are some faint markings to the left and right (Rack Number?) of the recess for the sling bar. The rifle was missing the sling bar and screws and I'm still trying to find the proper replacements. I've tried Gun Parts and Springfield Sporters without success and would appreciate any info about a source for these missing parts.
Don't know who E K was but his initials can be found in two different locations on the stock.
E K again alongside a swastika (must have been carved by a Finlander since the swastika is a mirror image of the Nazi symbol):
Bayonet with sheath removed and folded into recess cut in stock:
Unfortunately, the bayonet was heavily sharpened on an emory wheel and you can see what appears to be some type of wood putty repair on the forstock:
The only other missing parts are the "door" and retaining spring for the opening in the butt plate that provides storage for the cleaning kit.
Again, I would appreciate any suggestions for a source for the missing parts for the rifle
