Identification Details

[R005t3r]

This for people who may be new to the milsurp game or to update existing enthusiasts. A photo of the receiver ring stamp or barrel shank stamp goes a long way to identify and value a rifle.

So often photos, if you're lucky, are of every angle of the rifle except for that important piece of information. I understand we aren't all Annie Leibovitz.

 

[DiMP]

What do people usually use (I've seen photos on here and on the EE) where all the stampings and markings are bright white against the blueing? Do they just rub something like chalk in them then wipe off the surface with a rag?

 

[AntiKhaos]

What do people usually use (I've seen photos on here and on the EE) where all the stampings and markings are bright white against the blueing? Do they just rub something like chalk in them then wipe off the surface with a rag?

I've used chalk before, it comes off real easily.

If you wanted something a bit more lasting I think people use grease pencils.

 

[ArtyMan]

Chalk works very well, and also comes off without any issues

 

[BlackPowderBurner]

This for people who may be new to the milsurp game or to update existing enthusiasts. A photo of the receiver ring stamp or barrel shank stamp goes a long way to identify and value a rifle.

So often photos, if you're lucky, are of every angle of the rifle except for that important piece of information. I understand we aren't all Annie Leibovitz.

Your second rifle started life as Mosin 1891 rifle either infantry rifle or dragoon. It looks to have multiple sets of rearsenal markings, these rifles saw heavy use. Post a full size photo of the rifle please, the stock wood looks beech from that angle which would be unusual for a late soviet rebuild I can also see the hint of a bayonet cutout for an M44. Possible Czech 91/38 if cut down and sitting in a Polish M44 stock. Better pics will tell the full story.

What do people usually use (I've seen photos on here and on the EE) where all the stampings and markings are bright white against the blueing? Do they just rub something like chalk in them then wipe off the surface with a rag?

It’s a vestige of black and white photography where markings needed contrast to stand out when amateur professional gun photographers were documenting collections. It still provides useful contrast for older eyes. I use a white china marker when the mood strikes, comes off easy with ballistol and a toothbrush.

 

[Cottage Hill Bill]

In the 60s it was not uncommon for some collectors to fill the markings with white paint. I expect to see more of those guns coming back on the market as collectors from the 50s and 60 age out of the game.

 

[R005t3r]

Thank you for making my point. I wasn't looking for identification but appreciate your input. It was the utility of proper identification these markings provide and the failure of many to provide them when asking for evaluation. Let alone selling milsurps.
I sold that example but kept the KA3.

Your second rifle started life as Mosin 1891 rifle either infantry rifle or dragoon. It looks to have multiple sets of rearsenal markings, these rifles saw heavy use. Post a full size photo of the rifle please, the stock wood looks beech from that angle which would be unusual for a late soviet rebuild I can also see the hint of a bayonet cutout for an M44. Possible Czech 91/38 if cut down and sitting in a Polish M44 stock. Better pics will tell the full story.



It’s a vestige of black and white photography where markings needed contrast to stand out when amateur professional gun photographers were documenting collections. It still provides useful contrast for older eyes. I use a white china marker when the mood strikes, comes off easy with ballistol and a toothbrush.

 

[Horilka]

This for people who may be new to the milsurp game or to update existing enthusiasts. A photo of the receiver ring stamp or barrel shank stamp goes a long way to identify and value a rifle.

x10000!!!!
My fav is "it's a [insert caliber] - what do you want to see?"

 

[flying pig]

Some rifles are different too. Ross military rifles it’s the right side of the butt that matters. The receiver will almost always wind up with a blanket model: IE the big M-10 confusion.