Greek Breda Mannlicher-Schönauer M1903/14 6.5x54mm Bolt Action RIfle C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,484.99
WOA#: WY240517EG008
Make: Società Italiana Ernesto Breda (Breda)
Model: Mannlicher-Schönauer M1903/14
Serial Number: H7235
Year of Manufacture: 1927
Caliber: 6.5x54mm Mannlicher Schoenauer
Action Type: Bolt action, internal 5 round rotary magazine
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked with a Greek St. George mark and “1903/14”. The left side of the receiver is marked, “BREDA 1927” The right side is marked, “H2735” The bolt is marked, “02 / 30” The stock is marked, “8602 H7235”
Barrel Length: 28”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bladed post dovetailed into a barrel sleeved base. The rear sight is a v-notch blade attached to a sliding escalator assembly.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The wood stock has a semi-pistol grip, finger grooves, nose cap with bayonet lug and stacking rod, cutout for the missing cleaning rod, barrel band, 2 sling loops, and a metal buttplate. The buttplate is covered in surface rust. There are heavy compression marks, scuffs, small chips, and scratches throughout the wood. There are no cracks. The LOP measures 13.3” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Fair to Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dark and the rifling is shallow. There is heavy erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 3/10.
Many military and C&R eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide. For example, the U.S. used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The U.S. military did not begin to phase out corrosive-primed ammunition until the 1950s.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 70% of its metal finish. There is finish loss throughout. There are patches of pitting and corrosion throughout. There are scratches and small impact marks throughout. The screw heads show moderate use. The markings are mostly legible. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fair condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Leather sling.
Our Assessment: The Mannlicher-Schönauer M1903/14 was the second variation of Mannlicher-Schönauer adopted by the Greek military. The only differences introduced by the 1903/14 were the full length upper handguard and the addition of a stacking rod on the nose cap. One of the most interesting features of these rifles, as with all Mannlicher-Schönauers, is the rotary magazine. This was very uncommon and not something that was used on many other models of rifle. The M1903/14 served Greece through both world wars, though Greece was often forced to pivot to using other rifles due to losses and the low overall number in their inventory. This example was made by the Italian firm Breda in 1927. Breda refurbished and produced a number of these rifles for Greece in the interwar period when Steryr was unable and unwilling to fulfill the original contract. Unfortunately, this rifle has a worn bore and a multitude of pitting spots. The action, however, is still quite smooth and functions correctly. These rifles are not often seen and they represent an interesting niche in the history of firearms. This would fit into any Greek, Mannlicher-Schönauer, or WWII collection. Please see our photos. -R.E.
