Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice antique gun, the Model of 1870, manufactured in Russia in 1879. Obsoleted in 1895 after the adoption of the M-1891 Mosin-Nagant Rifle, they are now very hard to find on the market. This extremely scarce Imperial Russian Berdan M.II Single Shot Infantry Rifle, Dated 1879 on the receiver, is a very impressive Imperial Russian infantry bolt action rifle designed by US Army General Hiram Berdan.
Hiram Berdan was one of the demigods of American rifle lore. During the American Civil War he organized Berdan's Sharpshooters, one of the first specially trained sniper units. But after the war he was an influential weapon and ammo designer. But like so many inventors during the late 19th century, he was virtually ignored in his homeland and found success and fame abroad. The 10.75mm round he developed featured the first modern centerfire rifle primer, which became the standard European primer pattern (by contrast the American Boxer primer was invented by a British Army officer who was equally ignored in his own country). The round and the bolt action single shot rifle that accompanied it were adopted by the Imperial Russian Army in the late 1860s, and these remained in service until the late 1890s.
The model of 1870, or Berdan II, is a single shot bolt action with a distinctive short, pear-shaped, bolt handle. The bolt handle serves as the only locking lug for the action, and when closed, points upwards at a 30 degree angle, rather than horizontally. The Berdan II was produced in four variants: an infantry rifle, the lighter and slightly shorter dragoon rifle, a Cossack rifle with a button trigger and no trigger guard, and a cavalry carbine. Infantry and dragoon rifles were issued with quadrangular socket bayonets. Initial production of the Berdan II was at Birmingham Small Arms in England. The rifles were later manufactured in large numbers by Russian factories at Tula, Izhevsk, and Sestroretsk. Estimated total production of all models is over 3 million. The rifle was known for its accuracy, simplicity and reliability.
The rifle was patented in USA in 1870, and was adopted as a service weapon by only two states, Russia and Bulgaria. At the time, Berdan II was among the most powerful service rifles in the World. Berdan rifles were still in use during the World War One, as a secondary weapon. Many Berdans were captured by Austro-Hungarians and Germans, and consequently, were reissued to their armed forces.
The rifle is 1350mm long, indicating that this is truly an Infantry rifle. condition is good, showing wear and past oxidation on the exterior, which has removed many of the markings, or made them very faint. There have also been additional arsenal markings added when the rifle was serviced, which often covered up previous markings, making the history of the rifle hard to trace.
The left receiver facet is marked ФА 1879, giving the original year of manufacture. The serial number and Russian Imperial crest are unfortunately worn away. Serial number 32278 is stamped on both parts of the bolt, which also has crossed out number, and the butt plate is marked with serial number 15214. This rifle was most likely serviced at arsenal several times. There is also the "Bow and Arrow" marking of Tula arms factory on many parts, probably where it was service when parts were replaced. No serial numbers are present on all the remaining parts, as is correct for this model of rifle.
The barrel still has a partial maker marking on top, which begins with 1883г Сестроре́цк and ends with serial number 11299. The rest of the writing is worn away, but we can tell that this is for the Sestroretsk Arsenal, one of three that produced the Berdan Rifles.
All metal parts are fine light gray patina in overall very good condition, with light pitting visible overall. Bore is in good condition with visible rifling, though it is quite dark from fouling and oxidation. The action is strong and functions correctly, though it is finicky, as these always were. The bolt does not "lock" closed like most bolt action rifles, so it is relatively easy to open the bolt when it is cocked. There is also a gap at the front of the bolt before the chamber. Both sling swivels are present and correct.
The stock is in good condition, and is a lovely piece of wood, with some great curl and flame in the grain. There is a crack in the butt stock through the toe, most likely from being dropped long ago, an easy repair. The included bayonet shows a lot of weathering, and is the first example that we have had. The bayonets for these rifles are extremely rare, most having been disposed of or melted down long ago.
In fine collector's condition showing field use, definitely a rifle with a history. A very hard rifle to locate today.
Specifications (Rifle):-
Year of Manufacture: 1879 & 1883
Caliber: 10.75×58 mmR
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 33 Inches
Overall Length: 53 Inches
Action type: Bolt-Action
Feed System: Single Shot
Specifications (Bayonet):-
Blade length: 20”
Blade Style: Cruciform Socket
Overall length: 23”
NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these.
- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey
This product is available for international shipping.
IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.
These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers". Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.
Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services.
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