Mystery Finnish Mosin Marks

[fireman 9731]

I acquired this Finish M91. It has been de-milled. Three holes drilled in the barrel, bolt face ground off at an angle, and the chamber/breech area has been welded up.

Seems to be fairly normal with the exception of these marks on the receiver. I have never seen anything like them and cant find anything on the usual places to figure out what they are. The story with the rifle was that it was a Vietnam bring-back. I don't know the likelyhood of that, but that is what they said.

Here are some of the other standard markings. I will try to get a picture of the complete rifle soon. The weather hasn't been cooperating for a good outside shot.

 

[Numeric]

I believe the "FWW" marking for Frankonia Waffen Wurzburg, a German firearms importer/exporter. The rifle made its way through Germany on its way to the United States. I can't make out the diamond-shaped stamp. It's unlikely the rifle was a bring-back from Vietnam; the fate of most Russian-captured Finnish Mosins is poorly documented, but Tikka-made m/91-30s that went through post-war Soviet refurb have been observed.

 

[fireman 9731]

Yes, after some research it appears that it was imported into Germany by Frankonia Waffen Wurzburg. The diamond shaped mark is the "deactivated" mark. They were the ones that drilled the holes in the barrel, cut the bolt, and welded up the chamber.

Now the real question is how did it get from Germany to here?

 

[USAF_Vet]

Could have been bought as a wall hanger by some GI stationed in Germany, who brought it home upon PCS. Lots of history in that gun. Too bad we'll never know it all. Also too bad it's been demiled. But that is part of it's story too.

 

[DeanDallas]

You are about the bring back from Germany but a company there imported Finn rifles as well as US companys. Not much history for the rifle in any Country but Finland.
A German Company owns a large arms retailer in North Carolina that is a large importer World-Wide. I hope this Country don't go the way of Germany.
The rifle is not a complete loss, the stock & handguard is worth 150 to 175.00. Another 30 to 40 in small parts.