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Reserve Infanterie Regiment 55 Set (1909 DWM, Unit History, and Post Card)

mauser1908

mauser1908

Senior Member
Here’s a recent set I picked up. I was offered this about a month ago and absolutely could not turn it down. It consists of a pretty scarce 1909 DWM, unit history, and post card from April of 1918.

The rifle itself is rather neat, largely factory but received a wartime rework at Spandau (bands and floorplate have been renumbered). Unfortunately, I can’t get it apart as the action screws have seized so I don’t have much to report about what’s under the woodline.

This gun was likely marked when RJR 55 belonged to the 2nd Garde Reserve Division and probably saw combat during the invasion of Belgium and the following battles: The Marne, Artois, and the Somme. The regiment was eventually transferred at the end of 1916 to the 220th Division following the Battle of the Somme.

Enjoy!

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That's neat as hell. Great grouping.

Me, I'd probably be dripping penetrating oil down in there to see if I could un-stick the action screws, but I can get a bit adventurous when it comes to disassembling things.

Were the capture screws able to come out without drama? Those are the ones that always worry me when they're stuck, easy to shear a head off.
 
Great grouping Sam-- I'm so glad you went for this one. I try to build groupings like this around all of my marked rifles. It just makes it more interesting. Not that I would ever turn up my nose a righteous mon marked rifle!

The rifle on its own merits is great, 09 DWMs are probably the most common 1909 rifle, but that's not saying much considering how rare 09-13 stuff generally is.

As I mentioned to you the other day my 99 Erfurt Depot rebuild has a wartime 55th Regiment ersatz battalion marking.
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That's an awesome grouping, congrats on getting such a nice pre war rifle! The extra post card and unit history really make it a great grouping!
 
Epic grouping Sam, really adds depth to the rifle itself, which is a real stunner having seen so much service.

I would suggest heat if penetrating oil doesn't work. I had a rifle once with extremely stubborn action screws. No amount of torque every loosened them, only bent the bits. I even tried an impact screwdriver, nothing. Took it to a skilled gunsmith and they used a micro-torch to heats the screws up just enough to free them. No damage to the screws or the stock. The money was well spent to cure my obsession on it lol.
 
I wish I coulda afforded that rifle when it popped up but such is life :) and it's in a wonderful home! Can't ask for more than that ever, in this hobby. I don't have any Gewehr 98's either so she woulda been rather lonely and deserves to be around other WW1 Gewehr 98's.
A purely excellent score man. Can't wait to see the next grab ya get.
 
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