What am I looking at?

[Alex_Zues]

A friend of mine who qualifies as a gun nut (yet isn't a member here) bought some 8mm mauser ammo at a gun show. He sent me a few photos asking me if I understand the headstamps. I don't and I don't even know what language it's written in. Anyone out there recognize this?

 

[Stevo]

Looks Chinese to me. They used 8mm extensively pre and post WW II.

 

[mokele]

Asked co-worker:
The box is upside down. After I flipped the picture 180 degrees, he read me the printing from the box as following:
Name: 78...unreadable
Diameter: 79 (he does not know what it means)
How many: 25
He said these characters are not used anymore and the print is from WW2 or even before.

 

[Stevo]

Makes sense. "7.9" was commonly used then to describe the calibre.

 

[woodchopper]

I'm going to guess that 671 is the factory code

79 could that be 7.9mm I dont think its a year stamp

52.9 you got me there ?? unless that is the date of manufacture 1952 Sept

 

[Baribal]

You're correct, it's Chinese 7.9mm (8X57IS) factory 671, Sept. 1952.

 

[Alex_Zues]

Thanks for the info. I'll let him know next time I see him.