Breda and Beretta Garand production for Denmark

purple

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The general consensus is that Breda and Beretta both produced approx 10,000 Garands for Denmark in the 1954/55 period. These rifles can be ID'd by the unique manufacturer's markings on the left side of the receivers as well as by the s/ns on the receiver heel; PB for Beretta and BMR for Breda.

A good percentage of these rifles were imported into Canada in the 1990s and many are owned by CGN members. I'm curious how many folks own one with s/ns higher than 10,000. The highest Breda that I've seen is BMR10187. The highest Beretta that I've seen a pic of is PB9186.
 
Weren't they also made for Indonesia as well as Italy?
I have one of each. Both are absolutely beautiful keepers. I'll have to go diggin now to look.
 
Yes, Beretta made them for Indonesia and several other countries as well. These have separate s/n ranges. The Beretta and Breda rifles for Denmark are distinctively marked on the receiver heel wi the Danish Crown/FKF/and either PB or BMR with the s/n.
 
"FKF" is a Danish military property mark. I believe the "Nr" to mean number, but maybe a Danish speaker can confirm this.

I also have a 2 digit Beretta. It is one of the ones that the Danes modified with 2 welded on brackets on the left side of the receiver for mounting a night vision sight.
 
I had a 3 digit PB... was one of the nicest M1's I have ever had. Fit and finish was perfect, but in a moment of being a "purest" I sold it. Had only paid $150 for it.... what was I thinkin' ! :bangHead:
 
When are you guys going to start sharing those Garands with a New generation of Canadians, born in "that" century, tempered by (anti-gun) war, disciplined by hard and bitter peace.cou:

Put me on the list please.:agree:
 
Continuing with my interest in the highest numbered Breda and Beretta Garands built for Denmark. Unofficial surveys peg the number of each maker @ around 10,000.

I've got Breda BMR 10187, the highest I'm aware of. Another report of Berretta PB92XX. Any higher numbers turned up yet?
 
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