Mannlicher Question Re: A. KLESZCZEWSKI, Berlin W8

Rob

Rob

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The barrel on one of my Mannlicher-Schoenauers, a 1903 M-S FS 6.5mm carbine, is marked "A. KLESZCZEWSKI, Berlin W8"

The rifle has both Austrian and German proofmarks, and also better checkering and better wood than most.

I note that on the internet several drillings and shotguns are mentioned as being marked with this same stamp. Some seem to think its a makers mark...its not. But no other information.

I assume that KLESZCZEWSKI was an importer/retail (wholesale?) store in Berlin. Does anyone have more information on KLESZCZEWSKI?....dates of operation, ownership, perhaps a catalogue, whatever, etc?
 
For any who might be interested, my questions were answered by Alex Eichendorff of Germany on the Mannlicher forum at http://forums.nitroexpress.com

"The company was founded in 1880 by Paul Aegidius Klesczcewski near Metz, Lorraine, from 1870 to 1918 Germany. In 1900 K. made or had made a see-through shotgun cartridge, the case made of celluloid. In 1906 they moved to Berlin W8, Friedrichstr.73. After Paul's death the company was owned by his widow Angela Kleszewski (spellig changed sometime to German habits) and run by his son(?)Witold K. Afaik the company existed until about 1973 as a sport- and photographic shop. Though they called themselves an arms factory, with photography as a sideline, "Waffen und Photo", I suspect they were retailers with some wholesale activities at best.
During the interwar years fancy stock wood and better finish were Steyr factory extra cost options"
 
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That's a beautiful rifle, excellent pictures Thanks for sharing.
My late Father in Law brought a really nice 1903 MS back from Egypt in 1956 and gave it to me before he passed away.
Its a half stock with a single trigger, shoots very well, but not as fancy as yours.
I have been searching for a scope mount for it to no avail, Hopefully I will find one someday.
Thanks again Rob..
 
Kevan said:
That's a beautiful rifle, excellent pictures Thanks for sharing.
My late Father in Law brought a really nice 1903 MS back from Egypt in 1956 and gave it to me before he passed away.
Its a half stock with a single trigger, shoots very well, but not as fancy as yours.
I have been searching for a scope mount for it to no avail, Hopefully I will find one someday.
Thanks again Rob..
Click to expand...

Here you go, Kevan.

No thanks necessary.

http://www.newenglandcustomgun.com/Gun_Services/item_info.asp?Brand_id=4173&ST=EAW%20Pivot%20Mount%20for%20Mannlicher%20Schoenauer%20with%201%22%20Rings#.Uu14PGt5mSM
 
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