Price check! Rare 1930 Swedish Weapon's Officer M1896 rifle & M94 carbine set

[mkrnel]

After having enjoyed this set for awhile now I'm thinking of passing on it to others to enjoy and am entertaining selling my extremely rare and unique 1930 made Swedish Weapon's Officer M1896 rifle & M94 carbine matching set, this set is a one of a kind and the only known matching M1986 rifle and M94 Carbine set in known existence!

I would like to see what everybody here thinks is a fair listing value on it! Keep in mind that it is only known set in existence and the only known examples of either a Swedish Weapon's Officer rifle or carbine in Canada and are in almost like new condition! and are possibly the best examples in the world of Swedish Weapon's Officer rifles! It also did not come cheap to me as well!

Having this set would bump anyone's Swedish Military firearm collection up to world class standard!

They have never been shot since made in 1930 by then Swedish Weapons Officer Lieutenant Per Mats Björlin of the Royal Swedish Artillery and beside some minor stock handling markings they are as they left the Carl Gustav Government arsenal in 1930, 85 years ago!

"Per Mattias Björlin was born 24th of February 1894 in Stockholm. Married 1919 with Karin Dagmar von Schéele. They had 4 boys (Claes-Henrik 1921, Per-Gösta 1923, Mats 1924 and Ulf 1933).

Per Mattias (with nickname Mats) became a Second-Lieutenant in the Royal Svea Artillery regiment in 1917. Lieutenant in 1922, Captain in 1932 and finally Major in 1942.

Per Mats Björlin was also a rather good painter, especially portraits. He is represented at the National Museum in Stockholm and you can search for him here http://emp-web-22.zetcom.ch/eMuseumPlus?service=ExternalInterface&module=artist&objectId=5346&viewType=detailView He died in 1986 at Stockholm."

The set is in very good to excellent condition with all having excellent bores having still never been fired and are still filled with factory grease except for their bores (boy it was a task to get the original 80 year old grease out of the bores to check on their condition).

Any well thought out valuations appreciated!

Here is the Swedish Weapon's Officer M1896 rifle & M94 carbine matching set with a couple other Swedish rifles -

 

[LeeEnfieldNo.4_mk1]

No Idea about value, But those are some absolutely fantastic looking rifles.

I have taken an Interest in the Swedish rifles lately, and in particular the 6.55 Swede round. If I had the money I would pick those up from you immediately.

 

[buffdog]

.
I am not going to venture to put a price on this set of firearms. However, as a Swedish Rifle enthusiast, I can recognize and appreciate just how unique these are. Being on CPP and OAS as an income, I do know that I can not afford them, although I can dream.

To those who are not aware of the value of these, first of all, Weapons Officers rifles OR carbines are very scarce. In the Swedish Military, only a few chosen men were selected to become Weapons Officers. They were thoroughly trained in Inspecting and MAKING these rifles and carbines. And, when I say MAKING, they did just that---EVERY part. At the end of their assignment, they were REQUIRED to make either a RIFLE or a CARBINE and this firearm was then examined by the Instructors. If it passed their inspection, then the Weapons Officer graduated, and usually was assigned to an Arsenal or Tygstation (Repair Depot.)

These firearms were not assigned a serial number, but were stamped with the Weapons Officer's name. Also, certain other markings were put on them that are not found on ordinary issued rifles. (The "cross" is one of these markings.)

ONE rifle or Carbine was required. Weapons Officers firearms are RARE-------------- TWO OF THESE ARE SUPER RARE, especially when one is a rifle and the other is a carbine.

Now, we come to the DATE. The Swedish Carl Gustafs State Arms Factory shut down production in 1926. A small run of rifles were done in 1929, only a few hundred. ANYTHING dated after 1929 is a RARITY IN ITSELF.

When we see an ORDINARY matching M/94 Carbine going in the $1500-$2000 range and an excellent M/96 rifle in the $300 to $500 range, that is $2000 alone. Add to this the 1930 date, and the fact that these are WEAPON'S OFFICER firearms, a matching set, and the rarity of such firearms, it is like standing at the bottom of Niagara Falls and looking upward.

And, that is the reason why I decline to put a value on these two firearms. Thanks for showing them.

 

[mkrnel]

Thanks Wayne, I know it is very hard to assign a value to this truly unique and extremely rare set! I am in that same position myself, they make any Lee Enfield No.4 mk1 Snipers look like everyday common milsurp rifles when you consider their rarity, condition and uniqueness (Weapons Officer set)! And we know how much collectors are willing to pay for them (Snipers)?

Probably the only markets to get a true fair valuation would be the US or European ones as this set is probably a bit too unusual for the usual Canadian collector to be able or want to pay fair value!

 

[desporterizer]

You could ask on gunboards but what it worth & what somebody is actually willing to pay is not the same thing.. How many folks are THAT interested in swede mausers & have deep pockets?

 

[koldt]

Why don't you tell us about the Krag on top

 

[mkrnel]

Why don't you tell us about the Krag on top

Sure, It is a very nice Steyr made Norwegian 6.5x55mm M1894 Krag rifle and according to a source in Norway who accessed government records their it was part of the first batched of Krags ordered from Steyr in 1896-7 and remained un-issued and in military arsenal storage up until 1940, it was then selected at the Government Kongsberg arsenal for conversion (Fitting of a new heavier target barrel, M1930 sniper trigger and M1930 sniper/target sights) to be offered for sale to a member of the civilian sharpshooters who then used it in government approved competition shooting. Not many of these full wood Steyr's exist and this previous statement covers why this one is all numbers matching in such nice condition with excellent bluing and no rust for a 117 year old rifle.

Also I no longer own it, having sold it to another CGN member!

 

[Andy]

Here is what an American friend of mine who is very knowledgeable about Swedish Firearms (he travels there every year and has owned both a m/39 and m/40 rifle) has to say:

"WOW! They may truly be the only set known! I just sold my 94, 96 & 38 weapons officer guns to a collector in Ohio. They were not made by the same man and I got $1200 each for them."

It depends of course in finding someone who wants them. If you can find that individual, they might fetch $10K (Canadian) IMO.

 

[mkrnel]

Thanks Andy, I was thinking that they are probably fairly valued at around at least $6000 Canadian! Especially when you factor in the fact that they were both made in 1930, are like new, never shot, and made by the same Weapons Officer and a complete matching set!

 

[Gryphon Energetics]

These would look great next to my museum-grade Dutch Mannlicher.

 

[Andy]

Thanks Andy, I was thinking that they are probably fairly valued at around at least $6000 Canadian! Especially when you factor in the fact that they were both made in 1930, are like new, never shot, and made by the same Weapons Officer and a complete matching set!

Please know that it's simply IMO, based on prices paid elsewhere for something different.

Rare does not always equal valuable. Most people (myself included) do not have sufficient interest to pay a premuim for guns like yours and others would not have the means. It's a tiny market you're playing in, and as always, it's only worth what someone out there is willing to pay. You'd need to advertize far and wide and be patient to get the most from them.

 

[mkrnel]

Please know that it's simply IMO, based on prices paid elsewhere for something different.

Rare does not always equal valuable. Most people (myself included) do not have sufficient interest to pay a premuim for guns like yours and others would not have the means. It's a tiny market you're playing in, and as always, it's only worth what someone out there is willing to pay. You'd need to advertize far and wide and be patient to get the most from them.

I have already been told by 2 members that if I want to sell them for that much they will take them, I know if I listed them in the USA on Gunbroker I might get as high as $10,000 or more! I still have not fully decided to sell them yet, and would prefer if sold that they did go to somebody who would appreciate them! Some people in Canada do not consider $6000 too high for a very nice matching LE No.4 sniper and case which are not anywhere as rare or unique as this pair!

 

[midnightpossum]

Very nice, and out of my league on owning such a beautiful set of Sweds, however could you possibly take some hi res pics in a outdoor setting with natural light.. would be great for a wallpaper or reference. Not to often do we see such rare pieces in that condition.


Not knocking your photos.. just the lighting.

I lack proper lighting equipment too…

 

[LeeEnfieldNo.4_mk1]

You should see if you can get a hold of id64. His firearm photography is fantastic. Might be worth it to see if he is willing to take some fine photo's of these fine rifles.

 

[mkrnel]

Very nice, and out of my league on owning such a beautiful set of Sweds, however could you possibly take some hi res pics in a outdoor setting with natural light.. would be great for a wallpaper or reference. Not to often do we see such rare pieces in that condition.


Not knocking your photos.. just the lighting.

I lack proper lighting equipment too…

Unfortunately it has been in the minus 20's and 30's most days this year so far and while I took these with my wife's little point and shoot camera in my solarium I agree they would show much better with better lighting and camera equipment!

 

[Mike Webb]

I have already been told by 2 members that if I want to sell them for that much they will take them, I know if I listed them in the USA on Gunbroker I might get as high as $10,000 or more! I still have not fully decided to sell them yet, and would prefer if sold that they did go to somebody who would appreciate them! Some people in Canada do not consider $6000 too high for a very nice matching LE No.4 sniper and case which are not anywhere as rare or unique as this pair!

Nice and really unique group of rifles. You might get more selling in the U.S. but the type of collector that would buy them is not going to want import stamps on the rifles either.

 

[mkrnel]

A US arms dealer of collectable firearms has contacted me about these and I asked about the import marking, he said it is not problem as he has a micro engraver (I think he said lazer) that is barely noticeable but meets the letter of the law there and he also marks it on the bottom of the receiver under the wood so collectors there never see it.

 

[Mike Webb]

A US arms dealer of collectable firearms has contacted me about these and I asked about the import marking, he said it is not problem as he has a micro engraver (I think he said lazer) that is barely noticeable but meets the letter of the law there and he also marks it on the bottom of the receiver under the wood so collectors there never see it.

I was told by Joe Salter some time ago that it had to be visible. He imports quite a few Winchesters purchased here and the Winchester guys stateside really loathe the added markings. He usually puts them on the bottom side of the barrel but they are visible. I guess if the item is unusual enough a true collector will want it regardless of markings added.

 

[samsplacci71]

.
I am not going to venture to put a price on this set of firearms. However, as a Swedish Rifle enthusiast, I can recognize and appreciate just how unique these are. Being on CPP and OAS as an income, I do know that I can not afford them, although I can dream.

To those who are not aware of the value of these, first of all, Weapons Officers rifles OR carbines are very scarce. In the Swedish Military, only a few chosen men were selected to become Weapons Officers. They were thoroughly trained in Inspecting and MAKING these rifles and carbines. And, when I say MAKING, they did just that---EVERY part. At the end of their assignment, they were REQUIRED to make either a RIFLE or a CARBINE and this firearm was then examined by the Instructors. If it passed their inspection, then the Weapons Officer graduated, and usually was assigned to an Arsenal or Tygstation (Repair Depot.)

These firearms were not assigned a serial number, but were stamped with the Weapons Officer's name. Also, certain other markings were put on them that are not found on ordinary issued rifles. (The "cross" is one of these markings.)

ONE rifle or Carbine was required. Weapons Officers firearms are RARE-------------- TWO OF THESE ARE SUPER RARE, especially when one is a rifle and the other is a carbine.

Now, we come to the DATE. The Swedish Carl Gustafs State Arms Factory shut down production in 1926. A small run of rifles were done in 1929, only a few hundred. ANYTHING dated after 1929 is a RARITY IN ITSELF.

When we see an ORDINARY matching M/94 Carbine going in the $1500-$2000 range and an excellent M/96 rifle in the $300 to $500 range, that is $2000 alone. Add to this the 1930 date, and the fact that these are WEAPON'S OFFICER firearms, a matching set, and the rarity of such firearms, it is like standing at the bottom of Niagara Falls and looking upward.

And, that is the reason why I decline to put a value on these two firearms. Thanks for showing them.

Thanks for posting these up. Wayne has taught me a few things about Swedes. Wow, just wow... Amazing finds and beautiful rifles! I have 5 Swedes, I used to have 8....suffice to say, finding a nice M94 in whatever configuration is truly very rare up here!!!

 

[mkrnel]

I was told by Joe Salter some time ago that it had to be visible. He imports quite a few Winchesters purchased here and the Winchester guys stateside really loathe the added markings. He usually puts them on the bottom side of the barrel but they are visible. I guess if the item is unusual enough a true collector will want it regardless of markings added.

I know that the Molet concern in Russia laser etch their import markings on M91/30 rifles under the wood!