Strange Rifle - Balloon Observer

[Brad Posey]

This is a photo from an album I have from a balloon observation unit. I need help to identify the weapon this observer is holding. I am able to look a little behind the photo and it says this photo was taken in Berlin during an exhibition (Ausstellung) on 27 January, 1917.

Thanks,

Brad

.

[Ammersee]

It's an anti-tank rifle. Here's a pic of one that may be like it. Brand unknown. Gary

[morel5000]

I disagree. The Anti tank Mauser is 1.69 m. The gun the guy is holding is not that large.

Best regards,
Michel

[Brad Posey]

That is not a Tankgewehr 18 - this photo was taken in 1917...

What is it??

Brad


.

[joeimwalle]

almost

it almost looks like the rifle this guy is holding in a trench on the eastern front that i have a album of.
but it's not totally the same as it does not have the added wood hand holds..
its in the pics down toward the bottom of the page.


http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...263057&page=41


sorry it's not much help.
but that gun looks pretty cool for the time.

joe

[Alan Smith]

I believe that the rifle shown is a Mauser M1916 semi-automatic rifle in 8mm.

BTW: If you post this firearm-related inquiry in the Firearms section of the forum you will likely get more feedback.

Nice photo - thanks for sharing.

[Alan Smith]

Also - the rifle shown in the original photo is for sure not one of the Mauser M1918 T-Gewehr. Here is a T-Gewehr in my collection; I am 6' 3" tall, so you can get an idea of how big the T-Gewehr is (plus it looks nothing like the M1916 semi-auto rifle).

[Hoss]

As Alan points out
It looks very much like the Mauser Selbstlade-Karabiner 1916 or some people refer to it as the Flieger-Selbstlade-Karabiner 1915.
It,s been modified with a custom stock and hand grips.

Regards
Eric

[Gran Sasso]

As Alan points out
It looks very much like the Mauser Selbstlade-Karabiner 1916 or some people refer to it as the Flieger-Selbstlade-Karabiner 1915.
It,s been modified with a custom stock and hand grips.

Regards
Eric

Agree: