This is an absolutely ultra rare, "1936" dated, First Production/Prototype Model 1891/30 Mosin-Nagant bolt action rifle that is ALL original and unaltered. This is an unbelievable find for the WWII military or Russian Arms collector. This rifle appears to have been used handled sparingly as it currently retains ALL its original "matching" numbered part to include the original hardwood stock and handguard. The model 1891/30 was the main stay rifle for the Russian Army from 1891, throughout WWII and well into the early 1950s until the formal adoption of the AK47 and SKS rifles. They could still be found in numerous Soviet block countries well into the 1970s. This fabulous example has its original all blue exterior metal finish with the inside of the receiver/action and bolt assembly still in the white as it left the TULA factory, with all original factory numbered parts. The top of the breech end of the barrel is stamped with the "Arrow inside a Star/1936/01" indicating that this was the first production rifle, that was manufacture at the Tula Arsenal in 1936. The right and left sides of the barrel are stamped with the various small factory inspection/acceptance proofs with NO rebuild proof marks anywhere. It is fitted with the ultra rare very first "prototype" front barrel band/nose cap that was only used on the very first rifles and then discarded in favor of the later all stamped front nose cap that was used on the stock only. This front barrel band used a machined, stock nose cap with a bayonet lug on the underside with a separate front barrel band that slide over the nose cap. The exact bayonet for this rifle has never been seen, however it would certainly have been a sabre type and not a socket type bayonet. This rifle also exhibits the very rare transitional milled, lower barrel bands that are actually a one-piece spring band that has an open gap on the underside with machined band springs. It has the standard 1891/30 large tangent rear sight with prototype, early inverted "V" front sight blade with a traditional round front sight hood. These early features are all reminiscent of the early K98 rifles. This rifle comes with its original early in the white, bright polished cleaning rod. It is still fitted with its original first pattern hardwood stock, correctly numbered "01" on the right side with its original early matching color handguard. The buttstock is stamped on the right in large letters "CB-KIII-2B", obviously denoting it as a in house factory Prototype/First production model rifle. As noted this rifle has all matching numbers that is stamped "01" on the bolt, the trigger guard floorplate, top of the buttplate and rifle side of the stock with all the remaining parts correctly proofed with the small Tula Star acceptance proof.

Very fine with 95% of its original blue finish overall, showing light edge and high spot wear, from handling. The markings are clear and sharp, never having been rebuilt or overhauled. The stock and handguard are also in fine condition with their original factory finish showing scuffs, nicks and light pressure dents on the sides in various areas, also having never been refinished or altered. The factory proofs and acceptance marks and lower large factory prototype markings are clear and distinct. There is dried oil and residue around all the wood-metal edges and inside the trigger guard clearly indicating it has NEVER been taken apart or fooled with. This is absolutely the finest early all original TULA arsenal Model 1891/30 rifle we have ever seen. With 99% of all the prewar and WWII Russian 1891/30 Mosin-Nagant rifle having been rebuilt or overhauled after WWII by the Russian arsenals or other Soviet block countries, where did this example hide out for the last 72 years??? Truly a "One of a Kind" rifle.