We need some C&R porn

[tac]

If anybody is interested, I have information giving details of the former owner of my Boer War carbine, and also the amazing coincidences surrounding the Mauser Model B hunting rifle in this little movie.

 

[tac]

NOTE THAT THIS POST IS LONG!!!

Here, with grateful thanks to David C George, writer of 'Carving of the Veldt - Pt 2' is the known history of my carbine's owner -



The image in the book was provided by me. One of the fatalities was the Australians' officer commanding, whose impetuous gungho-ness got him and the others killed and injured for little of no gain whatsoever.

What happened to the gun between May 10th 1901 and it arriving in a firearms auction in Bedford, England in 2005, is a total mystery, and will remain so. I had simply asked a friend - an RFD [FFL to you] - to find me a Boer rifle or carbine for around a thousand pounds, and this is what he came up with for me. Oh, and some change, but not a lot.....

I'm told that many captured Boer weapons were dished out to British and other empire troops - Australians and Canadians - at the cessation of hostilities, and this was obviously one such item. How the example shown by Ian in his movie ended up in the USA must remain a mystery.

Here is an eye-witness account of the events leading up to the whole shebang, if you care to take a few minutes to read it. I've taken the liberty of translating it from Afrikaans [done beforehand, I'll admit, for another forum] since I don't have the English version, so I hold up my paw to any mistales that moy have crupt in.

Please note that the 'pom-poms' mentioned here are NOT body decorations worn by ladies of a certain stage profession, but are what the British call the Vickers or Hotchkiss 1-pounder quick-firing auto-cannon - a carriage-mounted, horse-drawn light artillery. The name is onomatopeic - the 'pom-pom-pom-pom' is the sound it makes. Four and eight-barrelled versions were to be found on most British warships of the WW2 era, right up until the carrier 'Ark Royal' of the fifties.
'
THE WAR IN SOUTH AFRICA.

NEW SOUTH WALES MOUNTED RIFLES.

CLEARING A DISTRICT.

A DISASTER.

(FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.)

KLERKSDORP, May 15.

On Friday last, May 10, the 2nd Regiment of New South Wales Mounted Rifles received its baptism of fire at the hands of one of the Boers' most noted fighting generals, De La Rey, and while the experience gained furnished unmistakable evidence of splendid courage on the part of Colonel Lassetter's men, the result was indeed disastrous. That day we had a lieutenant and three troopers killed, a captain and seven troopers (one of whom died the following morning) wounded, and about 30 of all ranks captured by the enemy, but subsequently released.

It was on Sunday, May 5, that Colonel Williams' column, comprising the 2nd New South Wales M.R., a squadron of Kitchener's Horse, and a detachment of the Coldstream Guards, together with two 15- pounders of the R.A.A. (under Captain Antill), two machine guns (commanded by Captain Jenkins, of the R.A.A.), and a couple of pom-poms*, having completed preparations for trekking, moved out from Klerksdorp. Babington had gone out the previous day with a strong force, including about 200 of the New South Wales Imperial Bushmen, and it was understood that one or two other columns were to co- operate, under Lord Methuen, in what it was hoped would prove a successful movement against some 4000 or 5000 Boers who, comprising half a dozen commandoes, were reported to have occupied a very strong position 30 miles west of Klerksdorp, under the leadership of De La Rey and Smuts. But, as has so frequently happened in the present campaign, the elaborately planned scheme of hemming in was " nipped in the bud," for the Boers, having doubt- less been informed of the contemplated move, suddenly abandoned their position and split up into several smaller parties. Still, everybody agreed that there would be plenty of fighting ere the district was effectually cleared of the enemy, for it is known that the followers of De La Rey and Smuts in particular include many of the bravest and most determined fighters remaining on the side of the Boers.

The first day out we exchanged shots with a small party of the enemy, who incontinently fled as soon as the " bang-bangs " (as Captain Antill's 15- pounders have been christened) had spoken two or three times; and the following morning we approached Hartebeestefontain, a prettily situated village, the hills behind which have repeatedly offered a secure retreat for the Boers. It was at this spot that Babington recently had an unpleasant experience, having to retire before a withering rifle fire which was poured in as he advanced upon the town in the belief that after many hours shelling the hills had been cleared of the enemy. We met with no opposition, though we could plainly hear the report of big guns some miles away on our right, and later on Babington's column marched through the town. This having long been a noted Boer centre, it was decided to remove every man, woman, and child, both white and coloured, and soon a procession of ox-waggons laden with human freight and boxes of clothing, bundles of bedding and house-hold necessaries, was on its way to our camp, while many of the buildings were quickly reduced to ashes. The Boer women and children were most respectfully treated by our fellows, and scores of them readily admitted that they were not by any means displeased at the prospect of being taken into Klerksdorp. They all expressed themselves sick and tired of the war, but not a few proudly declared that they would not have their husbands, fathers, and brothers surrender, and asserted with strong emphasis that the removal of the families and the burning of the homes would cause their men, instead of inducing them to abandon the struggle, hopeless though it might be, to fight all the more determinedly. Said one: "Our troops were in the town last night, and many of them left only a few hours before you arrived. They knew that with the British all round it would be madness to face them; they knew, too, that you were going to remove us ; and so we said " good bye", wondering when we should see each other again. Oh, we do hope that we shall have our dear land back some day." The following afternoon we escorted the " refugees," to the number of some hundreds, into Klerksdorp, where a large camp has been formed for their reception, in accordance with the plan of clearing the whole district of Boer families and Kaffirs, as well as stock, grain, vehicles, and produce of all kinds.

We then trekked two days in a westerly direction, our flank and rear guards each day being sniped at, but without any damage being done. The number of " refugees " was considerably increased, as also were the herds of cattle and flocks of sheep and goats.

Then came our " Black Friday." We moved out from camp at 6.30, the men all in high spirits, for the report had circulated that in all probability an engagement would take place that day. And the expectation was, so far at any rate as some of the troops were concerned, only too fully realised. It was, after all, but a skirmish, yet for us it proved much more costly than many an engagement of real importance. The locality of the fight was a place called Korannafontein, situated between 30 and 40 miles west of Klerksdorp.

IN ACTION.

We had not proceeded very far before the enemy disclosed his presence on a kopje some distance to the left of the main body. Captain Antill put in a few shells, however, with good results, and we hurried on. The Boers opened again from a wooded slope, also on the left, and for a time there was a pretty brisk rifle fire. The number of the enemy at this point was estimated at 200, but their designs on our convoy were frustrated by the splendid work of a couple of troops of C Squadron (under Captain McIntosh), reinforced by a troop of B (under Lieutenant McCall), the whole being under the direction of Lieutenant-Colonel Lassetter, who at last had the pleasure of seeing the burghers hurriedly retiring.

While this little performance was in process of accomplishment Lieutenant Mills (G Squadron) became engaged with another party of Boers on the right front, and Captain McLean (B Squadron) was ordered to advance. Taking two troops — Lieutenant C. Airey's and Lieutenant A. E. Lamb's — he galloped off accompanied by one of the pom-poms, and was joined by another troop under Lieutenant Coyle (D squadron), which was left to guard his left flank. They came to a mealie field, into which the first pom-pom was playing, and Lieutenant Mills's men were firing. The rest of the sad story may be told in the words of Lieutenant Airey, who gave the following version of the unfortunate affair to your representative a few hours later :—

" McLean's two troops were told to clear the mealie field. Lamb was then on my left. We two rode side by side, with McLean in the lead, our men being extended 15 or 20 yards. We went through the field, but found that the enemy had left it. Then an orderly came up with some message about retiring, but M'Lean just at that moment sighted a number of Boers, and sent the orderly back to report to Colonel Williams that the enemy had retired from the cornfield, and he was going on to keep in touch with them. Off we went again, and almost immediately 18 or 20 Boers showed themselves on my right front, between 800 yards and 900 yards distant. Lamb's troop also saw them, and we all dismounted and fired a few shots, with the result that they opened out and galloped ahead at full speed. Quickly we resumed the chase, every man eager to distinguish himself, and our mounts being in very fair condition and lightly equipped we gradually gained on them, occasionally firing from our horses. I thought we were getting rather far away from our supports and reserves, but of course we did not know but what they were following us up. We came to a farmhouse, which I, with a few men, had to search, and had just completed this work when I received a message from Captain McLean to join him at once, and I galloped up in line with Lamb's troops. Just then one of my sergeants, who had been a little in the rear, rode up to me saying, '150 Boers are advancing on us from the right ; they'll be over the ridge in a minute.' McLean gave the order to meet them, and we made a long wheel to the right, but when we reached the top of the ridge not more than 20 Boers were visible among some trees, and they halted some 80 yards away from our left front and opened fire. We dismounted at McLean's word, and replied with two or three volleys, which caused them to retire. We followed them along the ridge, but suddenly they were joined by fully 200, who had swept along the valley unseen by us. ' By George,' remarked McLean, ' If we had gone on we should have got into a hornet's nest.' We halted, and the captain sent back word to the colonel with regard to this latest development. (The messenger was temporarily taken possession of by the Boers, and the despatch never reached the colonel.) At this time, as it subsequently transpired, our little party must have been at least five miles away from where Lieutenant-Colonel Lassetter was engaged on the left, and even farther from where Captain Antill was waiting for the order from Colonel Williams to advance with his guns. Again we opened fire lying in the grass, and holding our horses with the reins over our arms.

A CAPTURE.

" Another crowd of Boers must have worked along the valley and rounded our left front, because Coyle, who was on the left, was completely taken by surprise. Seeing the party coming in his direction he thought they were reinforcements, and almost before the majority of his men realised the true state of things they were entirely surrounded and disarmed. Their horses were then taken from them, after which their captors helped themselves to their money, watches, field glasses, riding pants, hats, and in some cases tunics and boots. Just about the same time the left flank of Lamb's men was attacked. They fought gallantly until almost every round of ammunition had been expended, but of course they were in a hopeless position. Several had their horses shot, and others endeavoured to escape. Lamb's horse was shot dead, but a trooper named Davies pulled up and bravely waited for him to mount behind. Scarcely had he done this before a bullet entered his neck, and he fell, dragging Davies to the ground with him. The latter was at once taken prisoner, and so were seveal others of Lamb's followers. Of course we could not see all this, a slight rise intervening between us, but heard all about it soon afterwards. While it was taking place we were concentrating our attention on the couple of hundred Boers in front of us, and could not understand where the bullets that were falling in rear of us were coming from until we found that we were being fired on from behind. Instantly the place seemed to be alive with Boers — they seemed to be in front, in rear, and on each side of us. Let me pass lightly over the rest. What could we do ? The odds 20 to 1 against us, our ammunition done, and means of escape effectually blocked. Our captain gave the order, ' Files, about !' and a moment or two afterwards fell wounded in the thigh—as game an officer as ever led men into action. Where he fell was not very far from where poor Lamb was killed.

DISASTER.

" I stood helpless, without horse and without ammunition, and when a Boer rode up, saying ' Hands up ! ' I felt all was over. We were in the midst of 300 or 400 Boers. One of them snatched my carbine, another claimed my puttee leggings and spurs, a third took my bandolier, and others distributed my money and various articles of more or less value among them. Very few of us were treated at all roughly, but some of the younger Boers did not hestitate to rob the dead and wounded. I assisted in dressing the wounds of three or four men, and it was my sad duty to say a prayer over the grave of poor young Harker, whom we buried under a tree a few hundred yards from where he was shot.

Then I went off for the ambulance waggons. Trooper Mackay died quickly, and we buried him also. Father Le Mesurier, who had come out with the ambulance, conducting the service. Then we gathered up the wounded, and brought them, with the body of dear old Lamb, back to camp."

This simple yet graphic narrative of Lieutenant Airey is sufficient to give a general idea of the nature of the unfortunate occurrence. Another young fellow named Barker (C Squadron) was killed, and we buried him on top of the ridge close to where the guns were brought along. For the guns were eventually brought up to within a mile or two of where this part of the engagement took place, but although Captain Antill after receiving the order covered the ground in a remarkably short space of time the enemy were miles away by the time he and the supporting squadrons reached the spot. The report given that night was :— Killed, Lieutenant A. E. Lamb and Troopers W. Harker (B Squadron), Trooper Barker (C Squadron), and Trooper Mackay (D Squadron) ; wounded, Captain McLean, Troopers C. Eadie, G. L. Hobson, M. J. Farrell, E. W. Green, H. J. Locke, F. Seymour, and E. C. Webster, all of B Squadron ; prisoners (all of whom were subsequently released and found their way back to camp), 26 — 10 belonging to Lieutenant Lamb's troop, seven to Lieutenant Airey's, and nine to Lieutenant Coyle's, Horses (killed and captured) and rifles, about 35.

Early next morning we buried Lieutenant Lamb close to the camp, Lieutenant-Colonel Lassetter conducting the service, and a rude cross bearing particulars of his death, followed by the Mounted Rifles' motto, " Toujours Pret," now stands at the head of the grave of one who was most highly esteemed by everyone in the regiment of men and officers, with his aye " ever ready " to do his duty under all circumstances, even to the giving of his life — a brave, genial, soldierly comrade. The same day E. W. Green succumbed to his wounds, and his body was interred alongside that of Lieutenant Lamb, Lieutenant-Colonel Lassetter again reading the funeral service.

Next day we commenced our return to Klerksdorp, where we arrived to-day with about 300 Boer refugees, 500 or 600 Kaffirs, and a great quantity of live stock. We were accompanied throughout the trek by General Wilson and General Fetherstonhaugh, and it is reported that henceforward we are to work under the latter.

All the wounded men now in hospital are progressing favourably, including Captain McLean, who we all hope sincerely will ere long be once more at the head of his squadron.

THE WAR IN SOUTH AFRICA.

NEW SOUTH WALES MOUNTED RIFLES.

CLEARING A DISTRICT.

A DISASTER.

(FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.)

KLERKSDORP, May 15.

On Friday last, May 10, the 2nd Regiment of New South Wales Mounted Rifles received its baptism of fire at the hands of one of the Boers' most noted fighting generals, De La Rey, and while the experience gained furnished unmistakable evidence of splendid courage on the part of Colonel Lassetter's men, the result was indeed disastrous. That day we had a lieutenant and three troopers killed, a captain and seven troopers (one of whom died the following morning) wounded, and about 30 of all ranks cap- tured by the enemy, but subsequently released.

It was on Sunday, May 5, that Colonel Williams' column, comprising the 2nd New South Wales M.R., a squadron of Kitchener's Horse, and a detachment of the Coldstream Guards, together with two 15- pounders of the R.A.A. (under Captain Antill), two machine guns (commanded by Captain Jenkins, of the R.A.A.), and a couple of pom-poms, having completed preparations for trekking, moved out from Klerksdorp. Babington had gone out the previous day with a strong force, including about 200 of the New South Wales Imperial Bushmen, and it was understood that one or two other columns were to co- operate, under Lord Methuen, in what it was hoped would prove a successful movement against some 4000 or 5000 Boers who, comprising half a dozen commandoes, were reported to have occupied a very strong position 30 miles west of Klerksdorp, under the leadership of De La Rey and Smuts. But, as has so frequently happened in the present campaign, the elaborately planned scheme of hemming in was " nipped in the bud," for the Boers, having doubt- less been informed of the contemplated move, suddenly abandoned their position and split up into several smaller parties. Still, everybody agreed that there would be plenty of fighting ere the district was effectually cleared of the enemy, for it is known that the followers of De La Rey and Smuts in particular include many of the bravest and most determined fighters remaining on the side of the Boers.

The first day out we exchanged shots with a small party of the enemy, who incontinently fled as soon as the " bang-bangs " (as Captain Antill's 15- pounders have been christened) had spoken two or three times; and the following morning we approached Hartebeestefontain, a prettily situated village, the hills behind which have repeatedly offered a secure retreat for the Boers. It was at this spot that Babington recently had an unpleasant experience, having to retire before a withering rifle fire which was poured in as he advanced upon the town in the belief that after many hours shelling the hills had been cleared of the enemy. We met with no opposition, though we could plainly hear the report of big guns some miles away on our right, and later on Babington's column marched through the town. This having long been a noted Boer centre, it was decided to remove every man, woman, and child, both white and coloured, and soon a procession of ox-waggons laden with human freight and boxes of clothing, bundles of bedding and house-hold necessaries, was on its way to our camp, while many of the buildings were quickly reduced to ashes. The Boer women and children were most respectfully treated by our fellows, and scores of them readily admitted that they were not by any means displeased at the prospect of being taken into Klerksdorp. They all expressed themselves sick and tired of the war, but not a few proudly declared that they would not have their husbands, fathers, and brothers surrender, and asserted with strong emphasis that the removal of the families and the burning of the homes would cause their men, instead of inducing them to abandon the struggle, hopeless though it might be, to fight all the more determinedly. Said one: "Our troops were in the town last night, and many of them left only a few hours before you arrived. They knew that with the British all round it would be madness to face them; they knew, too, that you were going to remove us ; and so we said " good bye", wondering when we should see each other again. Oh, we do hope that we shall have our dear land back some day." The following afternoon we escorted the " refugees," to the number of some hundreds, into Klerksdorp, where a large camp has been formed for their reception, in accordance with the plan of clearing the whole district of Boer families and Kaffirs, as well as stock, grain, vehicles, and produce of all kinds.

We then trekked two days in a westerly direction, our flank and rear guards each day being sniped at, but without any damage being done. The number of " refugees " was considerably increased, as also were the herds of cattle and flocks of sheep and goats.

Then came our " Black Friday." We moved out from camp at 6.30, the men all in high spirits, for the report had circulated that in all probability an engagement would take place that day. And the expectation was, so far at any rate as some of the troops were concerned, only too fully realised. It was, after all, but a skirmish, yet for us it proved much more costly than many an engagement of real importance. The locality of the fight was a place called Korannafontein, situated between 30 and 40 miles west of Klerksdorp.

IN ACTION.

We had not proceeded very far before the enemy disclosed his presence on a kopje some distance to the left of the main body. Captain Antill put in a few shells, however, with good results, and we hurried on. The Boers opened again from a wooded slope, also on the left, and for a time there was a pretty brisk rifle fire. The number of the enemy at this point was estimated at 200, but their designs on our convoy were frustrated by the splendid work of a couple of troops of C Squadron (under Captain McIntosh), reinforced by a troop of B (under Lieutenant McCall), the whole being under the direction of Lieutenant-Colonel Lassetter, who at last had the pleasure of seeing the burghers hurriedly retiring.

While this little performance was in process of accomplishment Lieutenant Mills (G Squadron) became engaged with another party of Boers on the right front, and Captain McLean (B Squadron) was ordered to advance. Taking two troops — Lieutenant C. Airey's and Lieutenant A. E. Lamb's — he galloped off accompanied by one of the pom-poms, and was joined by another troop under Lieutenant Coyle (D squadron), which was left to guard his left flank. They came to a mealie field, into which the first pom-pom was playing, and Lieutenant Mills's men were firing. The rest of the sad story may be told in the words of Lieutenant Airey, who gave the following version of the unfortunate affair to your representative a few hours later :—

" McLean's two troops were told to clear the mealie field. Lamb was then on my left. We two rode side by side, with McLean in the lead, our men being extended 15 or 20 yards. We went through the field, but found that the enemy had left it. Then an orderly came up with some message about retiring, but M'Lean just at that moment sighted a number of Boers, and sent the orderly back to report to Colonel Williams that the enemy had retired from the cornfield, and he was going on to keep in touch with them. Off we went again, and almost immediately 18 or 20 Boers showed themselves on my right front, between 800 yards and 900 yards distant. Lamb's troop also saw them, and we all dismounted and fired a few shots, with the result that they opened out and galloped ahead at full speed. Quickly we resumed the chase, every man eager to distinguish himself, and our mounts being in very fair condition and lightly equipped we gradually gained on them, occasionally firing from our horses. I thought we were getting rather far away from our supports and reserves, but of course we did not know but what they were following us up. We came to a farmhouse, which I, with a few men, had to search, and had just completed this work when I received a message from Captain McLean to join him at once, and I galloped up in line with Lamb's troops. Just then one of my sergeants, who had been a little in the rear, rode up to me saying, '150 Boers are advancing on us from the right ; they'll be over the ridge in a minute.' McLean gave the order to meet them, and we made a long wheel to the right, but when we reached the top of the ridge not more than 20 Boers were visible among some trees, and they halted some 80 yards away from our left front and opened fire. We dismounted at McLean's word, and replied with two or three volleys, which caused them to retire. We followed them along the ridge, but suddenly they were joined by fully 200, who had swept along the valley unseen by us. ' By George,' remarked McLean, ' If we had gone on we should have got into a hornet's nest.' We halted, and the captain sent back word to the colonel with regard to this latest development. (The messenger was temporarily taken possession of by the Boers, and the despatch never reached the colonel.) At this time, as it subsequently transpired, our little party must have been at least five miles away from where Lieutenant-Colonel Lassetter was engaged on the left, and even farther from where Captain Antill was waiting for the order from Colonel Williams to advance with his guns. Again we opened fire lying in the grass, and holding our horses with the reins over our arms.

A CAPTURE.

" Another crowd of Boers must have worked along the valley and rounded our left front, because Coyle, who was on the left, was completely taken by surprise. Seeing the party coming in his direction he thought they were reinforcements, and almost before the majority of his men realised the true state of things they were entirely surrounded and disarmed. Their horses were then taken from them, after which their captors helped themselves to their money, watches, field glasses, riding pants, hats, and in some cases tunics and boots. Just about the same time the left flank of Lamb's men was attacked. They fought gallantly until almost every round of ammunition had been expended, but of course they were in a hopeless position. Several had their horses shot, and others endeavoured to escape. Lamb's horse was shot dead, but a trooper named Davies pulled up and bravely waited for him to mount behind. Scarcely had he done this before a bullet entered his neck, and he fell, dragging Davies to the ground with him. The latter was at once taken prisoner, and so were seveal others of Lamb's followers. Of course we could not see all this, a slight rise intervening between us, but heard all about it soon afterwards. While it was taking place we were concentrating our attention on the couple of hundred Boers in front of us, and could not understand where the bullets that were falling in rear of us were coming from until we found that we were being fired on from behind. Instantly the place seemed to be alive with Boers — they seemed to be in front, in rear, and on each side of us. Let me pass lightly over the rest. What could we do ? The odds 20 to 1 against us, our ammunition done, and means of escape effectually blocked. Our captain gave the order, ' Files, about !' and a moment or two afterwards fell wounded in the thigh—as game an officer as ever led men into action. Where he fell was not very far from where poor Lamb was killed.

DISASTER.

" I stood helpless, without horse and without ammunition, and when a Boer rode up, saying ' Hands up ! ' I felt all was over. We were in the midst of 300 or 400 Boers. One of them snatched my carbine, another claimed my puttee leggings and spurs, a third took my bandolier, and others distributed my money and various articles of more or less value among them. Very few of us were treated at all roughly, but some of the younger Boers did not hestitate to rob the dead and wounded. I assisted in dressing the wounds of three or four men, and it was my sad duty to say a prayer over the grave of poor young Harker, whom we buried under a tree a few hundred yards from where he was shot.

Then I went off for the ambulance waggons. Trooper Mackay died quickly, and we buried him also. Father Le Mesurier, who had come out with the ambulance, conducting the service. Then we gathered up the wounded, and brought them, with the body of dear old Lamb, back to camp."

This simple yet graphic narrative of Lieutenant Airey is sufficient to give a general idea of the nature of the unfortunate occurrence. Another young fellow named Barker (C Squadron) was killed, and we buried him on top of the ridge close to where the guns were brought along. For the guns were eventually brought up to within a mile or two of where this part of the engagement took place, but although Captain Antill after receiving the order covered the ground in a remarkably short space of time the enemy were miles away by the time he and the supporting squadrons reached the spot. The report given that night was :— Killed, Lieutenant A. E. Lamb and Troopers W. Harker (B Squadron), Trooper Barker (C Squadron), and Trooper Mackay (D Squadron) ; wounded, Captain McLean, Troopers C. Eadie, G. L. Hobson, M. J. Farrell, E. W. Green, H. J. Locke, F. Seymour, and E. C. Webster, all of B Squadron ; prisoners (all of whom were subsequently released and found their way back to camp), 26 — 10 belonging to Lieutenant Lamb's troop, seven to Lieutenant Airey's, and nine to Lieutenant Coyle's, Horses (killed and captured) and rifles, about 35.

Early next morning we buried Lieutenant Lamb close to the camp, Lieutenant-Colonel Lassetter conducting the service, and a rude cross bearing particulars of his death, followed by the Mounted Rifles' motto, " Toujours Pret," now stands at the head of the grave of one who was most highly esteemed by everyone in the regiment of men and officers, with his aye " ever ready " to do his duty under all circumstances, even to the giving of his life — a brave, genial, soldierly comrade. The same day E. W. Green succumbed to his wounds, and his body was interred alongside that of Lieutenant Lamb, Lieutenant-Colonel Lassetter again reading the funeral service.

Next day we commenced our return to Klerksdorp, where we arrived to-day with about 300 Boer refugees, 500 or 600 Kaffirs, and a great quantity of live stock. We were accompanied throughout the trek by General Wilson and General Fetherstonhaugh, and it is reported that henceforward we are to work under the latter.

All the wounded men now in hospital are progressing favourably, including Captain McLean, who we all hope sincerely will ere long be once more at the head of his squadron.'

 

[KKG]

tac; While I can't read this right now, I am saving it for later. Thanks. KKG

 

[GOG]

Thanks @tac, great stuff.

 

[MountainBear]

A 1903, 03a3, 03a4, 1917, p14, no. 1 Mk. III, No. 4 Long Branch, M1D, K31, Yugo M48, 1898 Krag, M44 Mosin.

It was a good day at the range.

 

[Watchful72]

Top - 1897 Ludwig Loewe carbine - Mauser's Patent, 7x57.
Middle - 1912 Mauser Model B, 7x57.
Bottom - 1937 Mauser ES35B, .22LR.

View attachment 531536

Hi tac - see your online. we spoke/messaged each other on the ms350b mauser awhile ago. wondering if you visited your friend in England and found out if he 'would give away' one of his ms350b's he lists - just kidding. still trying for the 'holy grail' of a ms350b. picked up a ms420b and another es340b. hope all is well with you. save travels.

 

[tac]

Hi tac - see your online. we spoke/messaged each other on the ms350b mauser awhile ago. wondering if you visited your friend in England and found out if he 'would give away' one of his ms350b's he lists - just kidding. still trying for the 'holy grail' of a ms350b. picked up a ms420b and another es340b. hope all is well with you. save travels.

alas, he is not overly generous with his stock - I think the sun will rise in the West before he gives anything away. Greatly envious of the American ability to just walk into a gun store, say that one, that one and that one, and walk out.

Sure, I could afford to do it, but it would take about a year, a pile of paperwork, and the selling of three guns I already have to accomplish.

 

[Watchful72]

tac, thanks for your reply. as you mention, the process/cost for acquiring one of your friends rifles, from overseas, would be similar to the 'sun rising from the west' comment. it is true, an individual, whether 'sane' or not, can achieve such a task. it is, and has been, unfortunate that this 'freedom' cannot be 'foolproof.' one can only hope this situation can be remedied. TAKE CARE! someday my quest, for a ms350b, will be fruitful - I hope. again, safe travels.

 

[MountainBear]

Soon to be complete c&r porn. I got the stock in for the 1899 Savage in .30-30 and then I bought a new brush and scrubbed the heck out of the bore and it looks much better. Even found an original crescent butt plate for it. Should be lovey.

So finish fitting the stock, properly, so it doesn't crack like the originals, either refinish the metal myself this summer when I get my tanks set back up, or just let velzey tackle it.

Should be interesting.

 

[User 1234]

Some good natured teasing....

 

[MountainBear]

Just because we call other gun owners short caliber bottom feeders?

 

[MountainBear]

Next project up is finally the Savage Model 1899 in .30-30. Made in 1903, which is ironic given my affinity for that particular model of rifle...

The stock fitting began a bit this evening. It will be slow going, but it's going to be a good looking rifle!

 

[Andy54Hawken]

Next project up is finally the Savage Model 1899 in .30-30.

The stock fitting began a bit this evening. It will be slow going, but it's going to be a good looking rifle!

View attachment 594274 View attachment 594275

Thanks man...you will be making my rifle very pretty...
Just kidding...looking forward to seeing this one done for sure.
Andy

 

[Ura-Ki]

Oh My! I think I felt a twitch! That's gonna be one sexy rifle!

Going to do a Schnauble forend?

 

[MountainBear]

Oh My! I think I felt a twitch! That's gonna be one sexy rifle!

Going to do a Schnauble forend?

It originally had one, but the forearm is so worn that it's almost gone. Debating on whether to keep the original or replace. I'm sure I can find one to match the replacement buttstock...

 

[Ura-Ki]

It originally had one, but the forearm is so worn that it's almost gone. Debating on whether to keep the original or replace. I'm sure I can find one to match the replacement buttstock...

How about going a little more fancy and cutting it back at an angle and grafting a nice piece of ebony and carvin that into the Schnauble, No light spacers, and a thin ebony strip between the butt and the stock?

 

[MountainBear]

I have a piece of African Blackwood that might work for what you are talking about. Interesting concept...

 

[MountainBear]

This angle:


This shape:


Maybe...

 

[Ura-Ki]

This angle:
View attachment 594285

This shape:
View attachment 594286

Maybe...

Yes, that's the ticket!

 

[wolfcreed]

Got this from my step dad a few weeks back. It was found up in the attic of a home in eastern Oregon a few years back. It had a lot of surface rust and he rubbed it out using steel wool. Something else would have been better to use, but that's ok. 1922 Model 95 Winchester in 30-06