Italian Carcano ?

MIKE WISKEY

I just picked this up and would like any info on it, it's marked 1950 ??. I thought that was 'late' for the Carcano's. over all nice shape with a good bore.

jonk

I agree, it does seem late; Carcano receiver manufacture stopped in 1945. The VIII would refer to the 9th year of Fascist rule, meaning 1930. The octagon barrel also would indicate an earlier piece. I suspect what you actually have is a 1930 produced 91/38 TS carbine, that was either mis-stamped, or re-stamped in 1950 for export, though I'd lean toward the former as the stamping style appears otherwise correct. It also could have been a worn over overly hard stamped die, or the die skipped a bit on stamping; if you consider that the 5 and 3 are similar.

MIKE WISKEY

"It also could have been a worn over overly hard stamped die, or the die skipped a bit on stamping; if you consider that the 5 and 3 are similar.".........this is probably correct. under good light and with magnification it looks like part of the '3' is missing, making the top 'hook' apear to bet a '5'.
thanks

"I am curious why VIII -8- would indicate the 9th year of fascist rule."..........beats me, Italians never were my 'specialty' (Swedes & Germans on the other hand [:p])

He Dog

I am curious why VIII -8- would indicate the 9th year of fascist rule.

jonk

Well that's a good question. VIII is 8, and 1930 is 8 years later, considering 1922-1930... so I'm guessing I just mistyped.