Byf 43 "a" block in Maple

K

K98 Fan

Well-known member
Hey guys, Lets' keep this going with another rifle. This one is pretty cool and has a bit of a story. Maple stock and all matching byf 43 in the “a” letter block. (See, you guys have me putting in more details!) When the previous owner originally got this rifle, he said it still had light shrapnel stuck in the right side of the stock where you can see damage. Didn't want to cut his hand so he pulled it out. I know, a story is a story, but I’m just sharing what I was told.

Anyways, he also mentioned that it was named under the butt plate to the guy that brought it back from Europe. Sure enough, it says Douglas H. Stewart Italy Sept 15, 1944 and a serial number K37474. I started doing research in 2010 and could not find anything in the US archives. I finally figured out that the serial number was actually Canadian. I sent away to a researcher in Canada and he shows that the serial number was issued to the British Columbia Regiment. The researcher believes that Stewart was in the regiment and was transferred to the Royal Canadian Armored Corps. They were equipped with Sherman Tanks. The regiment landed in Italy on 19 December 1943 as part of the 5th Armoured Brigade, 5th Canadian Armoured Division. I am renewing my search on this Canadian soldier and hope to add shortly. Not easy to get soldiers info out of Canada if you are not a descendant... 20250322_074721[1].jpg20250322_074835[1].jpg20250322_074853[1].jpg20250322_074904[1].jpg20250322_074928[1].jpg20250322_075024[1].jpg20250322_075110[1].jpg20250322_075212[1].jpg20250322_075301[1].jpg20250322_075320[1].jpg20250322_075424[1].jpg20250322_075449[1].jpg
 
What a gorgeous rifle! And even better provenance trail waiting to be discovered. Abit like my 1899 Spandau Gewehr 98M that has a name and service number stamped into the buttplate. (Most likely US Navy veteran brought it back)
 
Once again.... I don't know alot about these and I can prove it! I'm trying to get with the program. It was great meeting many of you at the SOS conference room.
 
Very nice example in walnut. The stock stamps look great as is expected on these. These show up sometimes with an elm stock which is extremely hard to find. So strange to see the full serials on the parts. We are usually so accustomed to the typical serializing. The OP has a really nice collection so far! Congrats
 
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