Mysterious SKS Markings - 1951 Tula and others

[fenceline]

Ok, here we go...

It is a 1951 Tula SKS. Appears to be all matching. The stock looks like the serial number had the last two digits over stamped. Was possibly first stamped 1958, then the 58 over stamped 47. There are no refurb markings, and all original cartouches are as they should be. The only other weird marking is a “19 O 60” marking on the left side of the receiver to the rear of the serial number. This is the third Russian SKS that I have seen this on. The first was a 1949 that Westrifle was selling. I saw the marking in the same spot, and they were to send me pics but they sold it before they sent pics, so I’m not sure was the extra marking on the 49 was, although the poor pics were good enough to see it was 4 digits. The second I saw was a 1953 Tula with “1959” stamped in the same fashion as the 49 and this 51. Again, only seen three like this, and I wasn’t about to not grab this one when I could. Just something different, but no idea what or why.

Also interesting, the bayonet has a faded black finish revealing a shiny bayonet. This is a fresh import, I'm the first owner since its arrival, save for the importer themselves.

 

[svt1940]

Strange marking indeed. First, even if there's no refurb mark, doesn't mean that the rifle haven't been reworked. The serial number on stock might have been stamped 58 by mistake than restamped 47,mistakes and irregularities can happen,or the rifle have been reworked and they didn't bother putting refurb marks. Russian arsenal are inconstant sometimes. As for the number after the serial number, first time i see that on a russian SKS, i will try to investigate that tonight for now i have no idea.
Joce

 

[fenceline]

Totally understand that a refurb'd rifle might not be marked as such. This one just doesn't have any obvious ones. No other signs of refurb as far as I can see. No evidence of scrubbing, and all the serial numbers match on the rest of the gun.

I've looked at a lot of SKS rifles, and this is the third I've seen, but first I've had hands on. All came from recent imports out of Westrifle. The 1953 Tula with the 1959 marking was sold on the EE here a couple of weeks ago for $400. Not sure if it was worth that, as this one was $252 all in at Westrifle.

 

[Andurp]

That is quite strange, and a first for me. It's in the same place as the date code would be on an Albanian model, but the Albanians just have the last two digits (ie. 70 for 1970.)

The serial number on the stock also does indeed look re-stamped. There's always something new with the SKS. I'm tagging this as I'm quite curious.

 

[fenceline]

I'm curious where this last batch of SKS that Westrifle has came from. I can't see Russia lending out SKS rifles to some puppet state (where they might have been marked), then having them come back to them for long term storage, then getting sold to us Canadians.

As mentioned...

1949 Tula with "****" (was unreadable in pics)
1951 Tula with "19O60" (is it just me, or does the O look like some sort of stylized sun or something?)
1953 Tula with "1959"

 

[The Kurgan]

First I've seen of it. No comment other than nice looking SKS.

 

[fenceline]

It worked out well. Good details, odd marking and I didn't have a 51 Tula.

I like that its part of a new twist in "what is known". Nothing on google I can find relating either.

 

[Caleb314]

I'm curious where this last batch of SKS that Westrifle has came from. I can't see Russia lending out SKS rifles to some puppet state (where they might have been marked), then having them come back to them for long term storage, then getting sold to us Canadians.

As mentioned...

1949 Tula with "****" (was unreadable in pics)
1951 Tula with "19O60" (is it just me, or does the O look like some sort of stylized sun or something?)
1953 Tula with "1959"

Could they be something like the MO double date stamped mosins because to me it looks like 1960 with a hexagons( who know why) in the middle and you say there's another 1953 made rifle with 1959 on it so who knows really.

 

[Kevt28]

Still looks like a nice SKS. I have a question for you guys. I have seen a lot of Sks's from Westrifle and other dealers that only have the serial number on the stock. No other markings or dates and nothing around the cross bolt. Is this strange or does it just mean that they replaced the stock?

 

[fenceline]

I believe those are refurbs with replaced stocks.

 

[fenceline]

So Ratnik sent me this via PM....

I can suppose that pentagon is arsenal logo, 1960 is year of refurb. But I don't know to what arsenal it belongs. Here is sample of similar style marking at PU scopes. Box with 2 diagonal lines is logo of Saransk arsenal
Box with 1 line is unknown to me also

SO.... although it doesn't have the standard refurb marks that we are all used to, apparently this could be a refurb from an arsenal other that Tula or Izzy. The O pentagon/octogon thing is the refurb mark, and it was refurbed in 1960.

The fact it might be refurbed doesn't bother me at all, still worth it to have an example like this given how unique it (currently) is. Maybe more of this style of refurb will appear.

Now.... to figure out what arsenal the mark is from.

 

[fenceline]

Maybe found a possible already...

Did the East Germans / DDR refurb Russian rifles? If any country were to get the SKS, and then ship them back, I would assume the East Germans would be the most likely candidate. I know the DDR series of Russian made SKS had the serial number on the stock level / parrallel with the line of the barrel, instead of 90 degrees like the standard Russian way, and had the /1\ ahead of the serial number on the left side of the receiver.

Just thinking out loud...

 

[Ratnik]

The fact it might be refurbed doesn't bother me at all, still worth it to have an example like this given how unique it (currently) is. Maybe more of this style of refurb will appear.

Arsenal mark is not equal to refurb mark. In most cases yes, but in some cases it is equal to inspection mark - arsenal proove that gun is in suitable for use condition.
So if there were nothing to repare, gun was left as it is.
I observed arsenal marks at untouched, mint PU scopes.

 

[fenceline]

I'll go with that. "Inspection mark" sounds so much cooler than refurb haha.

 

[dannyd123]

That sun mark looks like a vopo mark. I had the same mark on my G43. East german police. It is an acceptance mark into the Vopo. They may have done a little upkeep to the rifle but nothing major. They most likely stamped it into service in 1960 and may or may not have used it. Heck, my g43 still had grease all over it with a pristine bore. Im guessing they had these rifles on hand but never used them, then were returned to mother Russia when Germany got re consolidated.

You sir have an SKS with more than an average history.

 

[fenceline]

Vopo eh? Time to google as that is the first I've ever heard of them/it.

 

[Matty308]

Nice SKS, weird marking though. I've never seen one like it and its strange that nobody else on here has either. Good find.

 

[The Kurgan]

Whatever it is... it's a very cool looking rifle... so don't get rid of it. If it is E. German, you have one rare little piece there.

 

[fenceline]

Nice SKS, weird marking though. I've never seen one like it and its strange that nobody else on here has either. Good find.

Some one else does have one, it was on the EE less than a month ago. I'm trying to find the photos the member sent me of it.

 

[fenceline]

Whatever it is... it's a very cool looking rifle... so don't get rid of it. If it is E. German, you have one rare little piece there.

Yup, won't be leaving any time soon. While I like the theories so far, it will be fun to try to find evidence to truly figure out what t is, beyond any doubt.