Izhevsk arrow - factory logo (post 1928)
Collectability:
3
/10
Rarity:
1
/10
Collector Notes:
Possibly the most common Mosin marking, the Izhevsk arrow + triangle is found on millions of Mosin barrels, as well as parts like bolts, extractors, and magazines
Indicates shooting adjustment made post-refurbishment
Collectability:
3
/10
Rarity:
1
/10
Collector Notes:
This marking, what looks like an 'n' in a box, is a very common marking to see on refurbished 91/30 rifles and M44 carbines
Izhevsk factory logo (post 1928)
Collectability:
3
/10
Rarity:
1
/10
Collector Notes:
Possibly the most common Mosin marking, the Izhevsk arrow + triangle is found on millions of Mosin barrels, as well as parts like bolts, extractors, and magazines
'K' in circle - accuracy proof
Collectability:
3
/10
Rarity:
1
/10
Collector Notes:
This marking was added at the factory, indicating that it passed the initial accuracy requirements. This marking should not be found on sniper rifles, so this is a great way to tell if a "sniper rifle" is a fake
Arsenal #1 refurbishment marking - Balakleya
Collectability:
3
/10
Rarity:
2
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
1944 Izhevsk receiver tang
Collectability:
2
/10
Rarity:
2
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
Arsenal #7 refurbishment square - Riga, Latvia
Collectability:
3
/10
Rarity:
2
/10
Collector Notes:
This "square" is a very common marking to see on barrels of refurbished 91/30 rifles and M44 carbines
Triangle 25 Central Artillery Armament Base - Omsk, Russia
Collectability:
3
/10
Rarity:
3
/10
Collector Notes:
This is a less common refurbishment marking that is found on some 91/30 rifles. This specific facility would use orange paint on the rear sight graduations, many examples of which still exist
Black powder proof mark
Collectability:
3
/10
Rarity:
3
/10
Collector Notes:
Black powder proof testing was used on Mosins for many decades before finally being phased out before WW2
1933 Tula receiver tang
Collectability:
3
/10
Rarity:
3
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
1905 Tula receiver tang
Collectability:
3.5
/10
Rarity:
3
/10
Collector Notes:
Post 1899 receivers are quite common on Finnish Mosins, but can also be found elsewhere. This receiver actually comes from an 8mm Mosin converted by Belgium!
Tula factory logo (pre 1928)
Collectability:
4
/10
Rarity:
3.5
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
Finnish 'D' - chamber adjusted for the D166 projectile
Collectability:
5
/10
Rarity:
3.8
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
Tula factory logo (post 1928)
Collectability:
5
/10
Rarity:
4
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
Imperial Tula Weapons Factory
Collectability:
4
/10
Rarity:
4
/10
Collector Notes:
These barrel markings read "Imperial Tula Weapons Factory", and were used on M1891 rifles from 1892 up until WW1
C13 'Tombstone' - Arsenal #2 refurbishment acceptance - Kiev
Collectability:
4
/10
Rarity:
4
/10
Collector Notes:
This marking comes from an R Guns 1944 Izhevsk PU Sniper, which was previously used by Ukranian police forces
Izhevsk Weapons Factory
Collectability:
4
/10
Rarity:
4
/10
Collector Notes:
These barrel markings read "Izhevsk Weapons Factory", and were used by the Izhevsk factory from 1892 - 1928. These markings can be found on 91/30s, M1891s, Dragoons, Cossacks, and 1907 Carbines
'SA' in box - Finnish army property
Collectability:
5
/10
Rarity:
4
/10
Collector Notes:
SA stands for Suomen Armeija, which just means property of Finnish Army. Finland started using this stamp in 1942
1898 Izhevsk receiver tang
Collectability:
7
/10
Rarity:
4.5
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
1897 Tula receiver tang
Collectability:
7
/10
Rarity:
4.5
/10
Collector Notes:
This marking can commonly be found on Finnish Mosins that have been re-barreled. Tula is the most common manufacturer of pre 1899 Mosin receivers
1895 Tula receiver tang
Collectability:
7
/10
Rarity:
4.5
/10
Collector Notes:
This marking can commonly be found on Finnish Mosins that have been re-barreled. Tula is the most common manufacturer of pre 1899 Mosin receivers
M39 stock cartouche
Collectability:
5
/10
Rarity:
5
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
Serial number found on the buttplate of Finnish M28 rifles
Collectability:
5
/10
Rarity:
5
/10
Collector Notes:
The last two digits of the serial number were stamped on the buttplate of many M28 and M28/30 rifles. This helps indicate if the stock is original to the rifle, which will increase the collector's value
Hungarian crest - 1950s
Collectability:
5
/10
Rarity:
5
/10
Collector Notes:
Found on Hungarian 48.m rifles
Tula imperial eagle - WW1
Collectability:
6
/10
Rarity:
5
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
Type 53
Collectability:
6
/10
Rarity:
5
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
Finnish '9' depot marking
Collectability:
6
/10
Rarity:
5
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
Part produced by Hungary
Collectability:
5
/10
Rarity:
5
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
Tikkakoski factory marking (Pre 1938)
Collectability:
6
/10
Rarity:
5
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
VKT (Valmet) factory logo (1935)
Collectability:
6
/10
Rarity:
5
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
M39 Sako stock cartouche
Collectability:
6
/10
Rarity:
5
/10
Collector Notes:
Found on the right side of M39 stocks produced by Sako from 1941 - 1945. This is not found on Civil Guard M39s, and can also be found on early straight stocks
New barrel installed - Izhevsk during WW1
Collectability:
5
/10
Rarity:
5
/10
Collector Notes:
There is misinformation that says this is a Bulgarian marking. Instead, this seems to be an Izhevsk factory stamp which indicates the receiver has been re-barreled. When you find this stamp on the barrel, that will usually indicate the receiver date differs from the barrel date
Pre WW2 Refurbishment - Arsenal #21 in Novocherkassk
Collectability:
5
/10
Rarity:
5
/10
Collector Notes:
A less common example of a refurbishment marking from before WW2! Almost all refurbishment markings are from the Cold War era
Warsaw Pact country code for Hungary
Collectability:
5
/10
Rarity:
5
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
Westinghouse 'X'
Collectability:
6
/10
Rarity:
5
/10
Collector Notes:
The X indicates an affiliate of Page-Storms Drop Forge Company. This marking was found on an M91 bayonet produced by New England Westinghouse
Izhevsk factory crest (pre WW1)
Collectability:
6
/10
Rarity:
5
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
Hungarian inspector mark
Collectability:
5
/10
Rarity:
5
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
Tula factory inspector marking - late 1920s
Collectability:
6
/10
Rarity:
5
/10
Collector Notes:
Found on the matching stock of a Tula dragoon rifle produced in 1929
Izhevsk factory hammer and sickle on receiver (1919 - 1928)
Collectability:
6
/10
Rarity:
5
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
Tikkakoski factory marking (Post 1938)
Collectability:
6
/10
Rarity:
5
/10
Collector Notes:
If the Tikkakoski login is inside a circle, that means the marking is from 1938 or later!
Finnish sight graduations in meters
Collectability:
5
/10
Rarity:
5
/10
Collector Notes:
After gaining their independence, Finland standardize the process of re-marking the sight bases of Russian Mosin rifles in meters. This was typically done on the right side of the sight base, since most Mosin sight bases were originally stamped with the Arshin unit of measurement on the left side from 1894-1931
ABV #38 Moscow Military District - Pavlovska Sloboda
Collectability:
5
/10
Rarity:
5
/10
Collector Notes:
There is a common misconception that the 'M O' marking indicates "Russian Ministry of Defense'. Instead, it simply indicates refurbishment at ABV #38
Izhevsk factory logo (pre 1928)
Collectability:
5.5
/10
Rarity:
5.5
/10
Collector Notes:
The bow and arrow marking was the primary marking of the Izhevsk factory until 1928
Tula stock produced in 1896 - Found behind buttplate
Collectability:
5.5
/10
Rarity:
5.5
/10
Collector Notes:
The 'Г' marking is an abbreviation for 'Гoд', which is Russian for 'Year'. It seems that early Tula stocks will have this neat marking that indicates when it was made. I do not believe other factories had such a marking but I would love to be proved wrong! Make sure to check the back of Finnish M91 stocks, since sometimes the rear portion was re-used and spliced with a new frontend
Westinghouse 'E'
Collectability:
6
/10
Rarity:
6
/10
Collector Notes:
Found on bolts produced by the East Springfield Plant, which was purchased by New England Westinghouse in May 1915
Westinghouse 'M' - Russian inspector mark
Collectability:
6
/10
Rarity:
6
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
Westinghouse 'H'
Collectability:
6
/10
Rarity:
6
/10
Collector Notes:
Indicates production at the Stevens Hill Plant in Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts. This plant was leased by New England Westinghouse in June 1915
'C' in circle indicates sniper grade barrel - Izhevsk factory
Collectability:
8
/10
Rarity:
6
/10
Collector Notes:
Starting in 1942, the Izhevsk factory would begin dedicated sniper barrel production on a separate production line. The letter 'C' inside a circle was stamped on the barrel shank of these barrels. Sometimes these barrels were used on regular infantry rifles due to overruns or supply chain issues, and these are often called "accuracy rifles". The Tula factory did not use this marking
Westinghouse 'W'
Collectability:
6
/10
Rarity:
6
/10
Collector Notes:
Indicates production at Meriden Firearms Company in Meriden, Connecticut. This company was purchased by New England Westinghouse in August 1915
Tula hammer (1892 - 1928)
Collectability:
7
/10
Rarity:
6
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
1913 Izhevsk receiver tang
Collectability:
6
/10
Rarity:
6
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
English order - Westinghouse marking
Collectability:
7
/10
Rarity:
6
/10
Collector Notes:
This marking is found on left side of the stocks of American contract New England Westinghouse Mosins that were produced at the East Springfield plant and the J. Stevens Arms and Tool Company, Hill plant. It reads 'English Order', because these rifles were actually brokered through the British Purchasing Commision
Sako factory logo
Collectability:
7
/10
Rarity:
6
/10
Collector Notes:
Sako factory gear marking
Finnish factory high pressure test firing performed by Eriksson
Collectability:
6
/10
Rarity:
6
/10
Collector Notes:
This is a Finnish marking that indicates the rifle passed a pressure test that utilized a high pressure cartridge
Izhevsk cavalry marked rear sight - used on Dragoon and Cossack rifles
Collectability:
6
/10
Rarity:
6
/10
Collector Notes:
We associate this marking with Dragoon rifles, but it is also possible it was used on Cossack rifles as well. This would not have been used with M91 rifles from the factory. This marking was exclusively used by the Izhevsk factory during WW1, but a variant was later used by Tula after the war since they started to produce Dragoon rifles as well
'F' - indicates chambering for 7.62x53r on Finnish M27 rifles
Collectability:
6
/10
Rarity:
6
/10
Collector Notes:
This should not be confused with the Swedish company 'Fagersta Bruks AB', which supplied steel to Finland for barrel production
Serbian serial number marked on stock
Collectability:
5
/10
Rarity:
6
/10
Collector Notes:
This marking is found on the stocks of M91 rifles that saw use in the Balkans during or after WW1
Sako extractor marking
Collectability:
6
/10
Rarity:
6
/10
Collector Notes:
Due to supply chain issues, the Sako factory would produce a handful of Mosin parts during the Continuation War. This would include extractors and cocking pieces
Remington factory crest (1916 - 1918)
Collectability:
6
/10
Rarity:
6
/10
Collector Notes:
Indicates the receiver was produced in America by Remington during WW1
Tula Hammer on Receiver (1919 - 1925)
Collectability:
7
/10
Rarity:
6
/10
Collector Notes:
Located on the top of the receiver
Finnish M24 barrel produced by Bohler
Collectability:
6
/10
Rarity:
6
/10
Collector Notes:
This barrel was purchased by the Finnish Civil Guard from Venus Waffenfabrik in Germany
Finnish Civil Guard acceptance marking
Collectability:
6
/10
Rarity:
6
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
Tula star factory marking on stock
Collectability:
6
/10
Rarity:
6
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
Tula factory crest (WW1)
Collectability:
6
/10
Rarity:
6
/10
Collector Notes:
The crest with the two 'x' characters was used by the Tula factory during WW1
Finnish inspector marking of Kosti Eakola
Collectability:
6
/10
Rarity:
6
/10
Collector Notes:
Kosti Eakola was a Finnish firearms inspector and quality control expert at the SAKO (Suojeluskuntain Ase- ja Konepaja Oy) factory in Riihimäki, Finland
Westinghouse 'E'
Collectability:
6
/10
Rarity:
6
/10
Collector Notes:
Found on many different components produced by the East Springfield Plant, which was purchased by New England Westinghouse in May 1915
Production year found on the bottom of SIG M28 barrels
Collectability:
6
/10
Rarity:
6
/10
Collector Notes:
If you remove a Finnish M28 from the stock, this marking can be found at the bottom of the barrel, at around the 6 o'clock position
Westinghouse 'M'
Collectability:
6
/10
Rarity:
6
/10
Collector Notes:
Indicates production at Meriden Firearms Company in Meriden, Connecticut. This company was purchased by New England Westinghouse in August 1915
Finnish Civil Guard district number
Collectability:
6
/10
Rarity:
6
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
Sako pressure test - 3,600 BAR (52,214 psi)
Collectability:
6
/10
Rarity:
6
/10
Collector Notes:
Indicates the rifle passed the factory high pressure test. Found on barrels produced by Sako
Finnish M24 barrel made by SIG
Collectability:
6
/10
Rarity:
6
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
Remington 'R'
Collectability:
6
/10
Rarity:
6
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
'SYT' - M28 stock created from M91 stock
Collectability:
6.5
/10
Rarity:
6.2
/10
Collector Notes:
Quite often found on M28 stocks, as well as some M28/30 stocks
Indicates Spanish Civil War use
Collectability:
7
/10
Rarity:
6.5
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
Sestroretsk factory logo (1893 - 1918)
Collectability:
6.5
/10
Rarity:
6.5
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
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SY - Finnish Civil Guard
Collectability:
6.5
/10
Rarity:
6.5
/10
Collector Notes:
SY is an abbreviation for Suojeluskunta, or 'Civil Guard'. This marking is only found on the barrels of Finnish M28 rifles. These barrels were made by SIG unless there is a 'T' marking underneath the SY, indicating the barrel was produced by Tikkakoski
Westinghouse Final Acceptance Stamp
Collectability:
6.5
/10
Rarity:
6.5
/10
Collector Notes:
This marking is a circle that contains the Russian letters "пк" which stand for "Proof Commision". This would be the final stamp added at the factory, indicating the rifle is ready for issue. This was found on a bolt produced by New England Westinghouse, and I have never seen this marking used by the Remington factory
New England Westinghouse barrel markings
Collectability:
6.5
/10
Rarity:
6.5
/10
Collector Notes:
New England Westinghouse produced M91 rifles under contract for the Russian government between 1916 and 1918. Unlike their Remington counterparts, all Westinghouse barrels are marked with the year 1915, regardless of their actual year of production
Izhevsk factory sniper scope serial number
Collectability:
7.5
/10
Rarity:
6.5
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
WW1 Era Tula barrel markings
Collectability:
6.5
/10
Rarity:
6.5
/10
Collector Notes:
These are a less common variety of barrel markings that can be found on M91 rifles produced by Tula between 1915 and 1917. The Czarist eagles are almost always defaced on these rifles because most of the remaining examples came from Romania. A smaller quantity of these rifles also ended up in Finland
Unknown Balkan II sight base marking
Collectability:
4.5
/10
Rarity:
6.5
/10
Collector Notes:
This marking is typically found on the right side of the side base of M91 rifles made between 1914 and 1917. It is likely a Romanian marking, and may indicate a 200 meter setting for the rear sight
1901 Sestroretsk receiver tang
Collectability:
6.6
/10
Rarity:
6.6
/10
Collector Notes:
The Sestroretsk factory would use a two digit date code on the right of the arrow to indicate the year of manufacture. This was done post 1899
Asevarikko (Depot) 3 - Kuopio, Finland
Collectability:
6.5
/10
Rarity:
6.6
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
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Sestroretsk Weapons Factory (1893 - 1918)
Collectability:
7
/10
Rarity:
6.8
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
'T' in oval - button cut rifling
Collectability:
6.8
/10
Rarity:
6.8
/10
Collector Notes:
This marking was used by the Izhevsk factory, mainly during 1941. Mosin rifling was historically manually cut with a cutting tool, but by 1941 the Izhevsk factory was utilizing button cut rifling in large quantities. At first it was not clear how quickly these barrels would wear, so this marking was used as an indicator in case premature wear occurred. This particular marking was found on the barrel of a 1941 M38 carbine with a low wall receiver. It can also be found on the stocks of some rifles as well
Finnish civil guard shield
Collectability:
7.5
/10
Rarity:
7
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
Mosin converted to the M93 Austrian 8x50r cartridge
Collectability:
7
/10
Rarity:
7
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
Westinghouse US government inspector marking
Collectability:
7
/10
Rarity:
7
/10
Collector Notes:
Acceptance marking of the Ordnance Inspection Division
Finnish Civil guard district number
Collectability:
7
/10
Rarity:
7
/10
Collector Notes:
'SS' prefix means transferred from army to Civil Guard in the mid 1930s
Bulgarian pinecone - found on M91 stocks
Collectability:
7
/10
Rarity:
7
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
Serbian 'C'
Collectability:
7
/10
Rarity:
7
/10
Collector Notes:
This marking is thought to indicate Serbian use. However, it was likely added after WW1 since this marking is not seen on Mosins that were acquired by Finland
WW1 Serbian contract
Collectability:
7
/10
Rarity:
7
/10
Collector Notes:
This marking is typically found on rifles produced by Tula before 1916, and it indicates the rifle was sent to Serbia. This marking was found on the buttplate of an M91 rifle that saw Balkan use
Finnish civil guard marking
Collectability:
8
/10
Rarity:
7
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
Sestroretsk factory crest (1895)
Collectability:
7
/10
Rarity:
7
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
Remington Armory
Collectability:
7
/10
Rarity:
7
/10
Collector Notes:
During WW1, the Russian government was in need of millions of rifles. They would contract with Remington to produce the M91 Mosin in America from 1916-1918
Early cocking piece with serial number
Collectability:
6
/10
Rarity:
7
/10
Collector Notes:
The Russian arsenals at Izhevsk, Tula, and Sestroretsk would stamp the serial number on the cocking piece until around 1900. The Chatellerault factory did not stamp the serial on the cocking piece
Izhevsk factory military representative final acceptance marking
Collectability:
5
/10
Rarity:
7
/10
Collector Notes:
This marking was stamped on the stock during 1941. This particular example was found on a Finnish captured M38 carbine
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'п' in oval - Podolsk factory
Collectability:
7
/10
Rarity:
7
/10
Collector Notes:
It is a little-known fact that the Podolsk factory produced Mosin parts during WW2. Their factory marking looks like the letter 'n' but is actually the Cyrillic letter 'п' (or 'p' in Latin). It is not something you see very often but can occasionally be found on parts from a refurbished 91/30. This particular marking was found on the front sight of a Refurbished 1942 Izhevsk 91/30
Finnish Civil Guard cartouche
Collectability:
7.5
/10
Rarity:
7
/10
Collector Notes:
This is the correct stock cartouche for M39 rifles with the SKY marking on the barrel. This cartouche was also used on the stocks of M28/30 rifles later on in production
Pre-1900 Izhevsk assembly number
Collectability:
7
/10
Rarity:
7
/10
Collector Notes:
Antique Mosins produced by the Izhevsk factory will have an assembly number stamped on the bottom of the barrel and the receiver. The Izhevsk factory was the only factory to do this, and this marking can be found on M91s, Dragoons, and Cossacks
Austrian Stock Marking
Collectability:
7
/10
Rarity:
7
/10
Collector Notes:
Very likely an Austro-Hungarian capture marking. This can be found on stocks of rifles that made it to Finland, as well as M91 rifles from Romania
'C H' indicates sniper grade barrel on Tula 91/30 rifles (1942 - 1944)
Collectability:
8
/10
Rarity:
7
/10
Collector Notes:
These markings are likely an abbreviation for the Russian word "Снайперская", or "Sniper" in English. Sometimes these are found on 91/30 rifles that were never drilled for a scope mount, and these are called "Accuracy Rifles"
Westinghouse flaming bomb
Collectability:
7.5
/10
Rarity:
7.5
/10
Collector Notes:
Indicates US government acceptance marking. Found on the left side of the receiver on the stripper clip guide
Finnish Mosin with sleeved barrel
Collectability:
8
/10
Rarity:
7.5
/10
Collector Notes:
'P' stands for 'Putkitettu' which means 'sleeved'. These rifles utilized the Italian Salerno method for re-rifling old, worn-out barrels. This was also done on barrels that were previously converted to the Austrian 8x50r cartridge
Indicates WW1 Austrian issue
Collectability:
8
/10
Rarity:
7.5
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
Artillerie Zeugs Fabrik (AZF) - Austro-Hungarian arsenal in Vienna
Collectability:
8
/10
Rarity:
7.5
/10
Collector Notes:
One of the most well known capture markings, AZF was a massive workshop in Vienna that repaired and modified Mosin Nagants during The Great War
Finnish "Christmas tree" - Approved Sako ammunition only
Collectability:
8
/10
Rarity:
7.5
/10
Collector Notes:
Marking used to indicate the rifle is chambered for a specific load from the Sako factory. It is almost always found on the barrels of M24 rifles, but can also very rarely be found on Russian M91 barrels
Finnish AV1 Depot
Collectability:
7
/10
Rarity:
7.5
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
Tula hammer on stock - early 1920s
Collectability:
7.5
/10
Rarity:
7.5
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
WW1 German capture marking
Collectability:
8
/10
Rarity:
7.5
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
Adapted to the M93 Austrian 8x50r cartridge
Collectability:
8
/10
Rarity:
7.8
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
CZ Factory marking found on Czech reworked guns
Collectability:
7
/10
Rarity:
7.8
/10
Collector Notes:
Typically found on the receiver of 91/38 carbines at the 12 o'clock position
Chatellerault 'C' in shield
Collectability:
8
/10
Rarity:
8
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
'E' inspector marking found on stock produced by Chatellerault in 1894
Collectability:
8
/10
Rarity:
8
/10
Collector Notes:
This is likely a marking from a French inspector during 1894
1894 Chatellerault receiver tang - serial N324825
Collectability:
8
/10
Rarity:
8
/10
Collector Notes:
Chatellerault did not start stamping the production date on the receiver tang until serial number ~350,000
Chatellerault 'C'
Collectability:
8
/10
Rarity:
8
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
Chatellerault 'C' in circle
Collectability:
8
/10
Rarity:
8
/10
Collector Notes:
This was found on a firing pin that was produced by Chatellerault, likely in 1894
Chatellerault 'R' in a shield
Collectability:
8
/10
Rarity:
8
/10
Collector Notes:
Found on the inside of the magazine, where it meets the bottom of the stock
Chatellerault 'D' in circle
Collectability:
8
/10
Rarity:
8
/10
Collector Notes:
This marking is found on the rear sight leaf spring of early M91 rifles produced by the Chatellerault factory. It can sometimes be found on Finnish Mosins since they relied heavily on recycled parts
Chatellerault 'M' - steel supplier
Collectability:
8
/10
Rarity:
8
/10
Collector Notes:
This marking indicates steel production at Compagnie des hauts-fourneaux, forges et aciéries de la Marine et des chemins de fer. This was located in Saint-Chamond, Loire
Chatellerault star over 'P' - found on the bottom of Chatellerault receivers
Collectability:
8
/10
Rarity:
8
/10
Collector Notes:
This marking was found on the bottom of an 1894 Chatellerault reciever at the 6 o'clock postion. The reciever had no tang markings
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Chatellerault 'B' on stock end cap
Collectability:
8
/10
Rarity:
8
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
Chatellerault 'H'
Collectability:
8
/10
Rarity:
8
/10
Collector Notes:
Found on bolt parts
1894 Chatellerault receiver tang (Unknown serial number)
Collectability:
8
/10
Rarity:
8
/10
Collector Notes:
Sometimes you found old French receivers in strange places. The Russians actually rebuilt this rifle during WW1 using an Izhevsk M91 barrel!
Chatellerault 'R' found on buttplate
Collectability:
8
/10
Rarity:
8
/10
Collector Notes:
This is quite a small marking that can often be filled in with grease or other debris, making it easy to overlook!
1895 Chatellerault receiver tang - serial N474575
Collectability:
8
/10
Rarity:
8
/10
Collector Notes:
These markings are actually from a barrel that was stamped 1895, making it a very late production
Chatellerault Star over 'C'
Collectability:
8
/10
Rarity:
8
/10
Collector Notes:
We are currently researching this marking more, waiting for access to more information on French markings!
'8' found on Chatellerault stock end cap
Collectability:
8
/10
Rarity:
8
/10
Collector Notes:
An extremely small marking that can be often overlooked!
Chatellerault 'L'
Collectability:
8
/10
Rarity:
8
/10
Collector Notes:
Found on the bolt parts
Chatellerault 'J H' - steel supplied by Jacob Holtzer
Collectability:
8
/10
Rarity:
8
/10
Collector Notes:
This marking can also be found on the barrels of Model 1886 French Lebel rifles
Chatellerault 'L' in shield
Collectability:
8
/10
Rarity:
8
/10
Collector Notes:
Any letter in a shield with this style is indicative of the Chatellerault factory
Chatellerault 'C' in a circle (1894 - 1895)
Collectability:
8
/10
Rarity:
8
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
Chatellerault Weapons Factory
Collectability:
8
/10
Rarity:
8
/10
Collector Notes:
The Chatellerault factory produced 503,539 M91 rifles between 1892 & 1895
Chatellerault 'S' - found on ejector
Collectability:
8.1
/10
Rarity:
8.1
/10
Collector Notes:
Chatellerault ejectors exhibit several different types of markings. A subset will have a simple letter inside a circle
Izhevsk ex PEM sniper - welded holes in receiver
Collectability:
8.5
/10
Rarity:
8.3
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
German Crown over 'W'
Collectability:
8.5
/10
Rarity:
8.3
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
Tula 'M' factory inspector mark (1893)
Collectability:
8.3
/10
Rarity:
8.3
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
Chatellerault factory serial number
Collectability:
8.5
/10
Rarity:
8.3
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
Checkering found on the floorplate of magazines produced at the Tula factory from 1891-1893
Collectability:
8.7
/10
Rarity:
8.5
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
Checkering found on the floorplate of magazines produced at Chatellerault from 1892-1893
Collectability:
8.7
/10
Rarity:
8.5
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
1895 Chatellerault receiver tang
Collectability:
8.5
/10
Rarity:
8.5
/10
Collector Notes:
Very few Mosins were produced in 1895 by Chatellerault, so this is quite rare. I should also note that the first Chatellerault Mosins which were actually stamped 1895 on the barrel still used recievers which were stamped 1894, making this receiver marking even rarer. This particular marking was found on a Finnish M28 ski trooper rifle
Chatellerault 'V' - found on ejector
Collectability:
8
/10
Rarity:
8.5
/10
Collector Notes:
We are currently researching this marking more, waiting for access to more information on French markings!
Czecho-Slovak Province
Collectability:
8
/10
Rarity:
8.5
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
'S2.' - Reissued by Austro-Hungarian Empire
Collectability:
8.6
/10
Rarity:
8.6
/10
Collector Notes:
This marking is typically stamped on the center of the barrel and indicates re-issue by Austria-Hungary
1895 Chatellerault receiver crest - serial N474575
Collectability:
8.7
/10
Rarity:
8.7
/10
Collector Notes:
This is a very unique crest that indicates the receiver was produced in very late 1894 or 1895 by the Chatellerault factory in France. The tang markings on this receiver are actually from 1894, making it one of the last recievers to be produced that year
Japanese markings on Remington training rifle
Collectability:
9
/10
Rarity:
8.7
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
Meiji University marking on Remington rifle
Collectability:
9
/10
Rarity:
8.7
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
PE scope mount Tula factory assembly number (1932 - late 1933)
Collectability:
8.7
/10
Rarity:
8.7
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
Russian 'Arshin' sight graduations on the right side of the sight base (1892 - late 1893)
Collectability:
8.7
/10
Rarity:
8.7
/10
Collector Notes:
It is quite unusual to find a Mosin this early, but sometimes you will come across one that has the sight graduations on the right side of the rear sight base. This is quite significant, since these markings were moved to the left side of the sight base in 1893. You can occasionally find a Mosin rebuilt in Finland that has a pre 1894 rear sight base like this one. This particular example comes from a Balkan captured 1893 Chatellerault M91
WW1 German property
Collectability:
9
/10
Rarity:
8.7
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
OEWG Steyr
Collectability:
9
/10
Rarity:
8.7
/10
Collector Notes:
WW1 Austro-Hungarian rework marking. Typically indicates the rifle was converted to the Austrian M93 8x50r cartridge
Japanese Remington training rifle - 270
Collectability:
9
/10
Rarity:
8.7
/10
Collector Notes:
Markings from a Mosin that was brought back from Japan by a US service member after WW2 ended
E.A.IX - Austro-Hungarian production marking
Collectability:
8.9
/10
Rarity:
8.9
/10
Collector Notes:
This is an abbreviation for Erzeugungs Abteilung 9 (Production Department 9). This was most likely a production department within the massive facitily of AZF at Vienna, which can still be visited to this day!
WW2 German capture marking - Feldluftpark Riga
Collectability:
9
/10
Rarity:
8.9
/10
Collector Notes:
An extremely unusual marking that is often hard to see since the Soviets re-blued the rifle. Can be found on refurbished 91/30 rifles
Sig M28 Commercial Sales Contract
Collectability:
9
/10
Rarity:
9
/10
Collector Notes:
l highly uncommon marking that indicates a commercial sales rifle. Only found on Finnish M28 rifles
"Épreuve de Liège" (ELG) - Liege Proof House, Belgium
Collectability:
9
/10
Rarity:
9
/10
Collector Notes:
These markings were found on a Berdan 2 that was converted to 7.62x54r by Léon Nagant. It is technically possible to find these markings on a Mosin Nagant, and if you do, please email pictures to the Mosin Museum!
Cartouche of M91 stock made by Chatellerault in 1894
Collectability:
9
/10
Rarity:
9
/10
Collector Notes:
Few original Chatellerault walnut stocks still exist, and very few of those still exhibit the original cartouche in legible condition, making this very collectible
Refurbishment marking found on Polish 91/98/26 - completed in August of 1934
Collectability:
9
/10
Rarity:
9
/10
Collector Notes:
This marking is likely only found on Wz 91/98/26 carbines
Polish Eagle - marked on rifles re-worked by Poland
Collectability:
9
/10
Rarity:
9
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
Unknown marking on Austro-Hungarian stock
Collectability:
5
/10
Rarity:
9
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
St. Petersburg Cavalry Carbine unit marking
Collectability:
8
/10
Rarity:
9
/10
Collector Notes:
Since the St. Petersburg Cavalry Carbine is actually of Romanian origin, this marking is also likely associated with a Romanian cavalry or genderme unit
Polish Armory - Lviv, Ukraine (Lwow)
Collectability:
9
/10
Rarity:
9
/10
Collector Notes:
Very rare marking that reads "ARMA LWOW". Found on the left angled side of the reciever on Polish 91/98/26 Mosins, which are rechambered for 8mm Mauser
Artillerie Depot Graudenz (Grudziadz, Poland)
Collectability:
9.1
/10
Rarity:
9.1
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
Liege proof markings on 8mm Mauser 'Blindee' conversion
Collectability:
9.1
/10
Rarity:
9.1
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
Belgian 8mm Mauser 'Blindee' conversion
Collectability:
9.1
/10
Rarity:
9.1
/10
Collector Notes:
Blindee translates 'Full Metal Jacket'
Tula Weapons Factory - 1919 Tula Hammer
Collectability:
9.5
/10
Rarity:
9.2
/10
Collector Notes:
One of the most collectible markings due to scarcity. This marking was only applied for a short time in 1919. Very few Mosins were produced in 1919 due to the Russian Civil War, making them a collector's dream
Johann Springer's Erben - Austrian gunmaker for the imperial court
Collectability:
9.5
/10
Rarity:
9.3
/10
Collector Notes:
JSE is a rare Mosin Austrian capture marking from WW1. They are a famous gunsmith in Vienna that refurbished Mosin Nagant rifles, and also converted some into the M93 8x50r cartridge. JSE still exists today! This marking is rare becuase it was usually stamped on the barrel, and most of these were rebarreled in Finland after WW1
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Chinese - "Platoon who is led by Xi"
Collectability:
9.5
/10
Rarity:
9.5
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
WW1 German proof mark
Collectability:
9.5
/10
Rarity:
9.5
/10
Collector Notes:
This marking was found on a WW1 German bayonet adapter made for the Mosin Nagant
M91 stock produced by Tula in 1891. Found on back of stock behind buttplate
Collectability:
9.6
/10
Rarity:
9.6
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
Cossack rifle
Collectability:
10
/10
Rarity:
10
/10
Collector Notes:
More info coming soon!
Japanese army property markings - Russo-Japanese War
Collectability:
10
/10
Rarity:
10
/10
Collector Notes:
A one of a kind stamp found on a Russo-Japanese War captured M91. They indicate property of the Imperial Japanese Quartermaster at the Liadong Peninsula
Monogram of King Nikola I of Montenegro
Collectability:
9
/10
Rarity:
10
/10
Collector Notes:
Montenegro was given 10,000 M91 rifles by Russia in 1909. These rifles still retained the early flat rear sight, and had a stamp on the barrel at the 12 o'clock position with King Nikola's monogram. These are extremely rare today, with a few surviving examples coming out of Romania
173 Markings
Last Updated:
10/1/2026
