84 Modèle 1866 Chassepot Modèle 1874 Gras Vetterli Vetterli-Vitali Carcano Kropatcheck Whitworth Snider Flobert

This site describes my collection of Rifles, their Bayonets and ammunition from the Nations of Western-Europe, made between about 1845 and 1945. Western-Europe, as defined by the National Geographic Society. From about 1870 most nations adopted their new designed single shot rifles by replacing their, from percussion converted, Snider rifles. The most common design in the following period was the bolt action. The military use of bolt action rifles in Western-Europe ended with World War II, with the exception of use by Special forces or militia. Although 1945 is the formal boundary of this collection, almost all rifles are older than 100 years.

There already exist good sites with information about this subject. One of the purposes of this site is the description of the collection as a reference in my contacts with collectors and others. Of less importance is the registration of this collection in case of loss or theft. The study of the subject is one of the aspects of collecting arms that gives me most satisfaction. Things will be forgotten sooner or later, unless documented. Besides, with publishing I want to share the knowledge obtained with others.

It is not the intention to give a complete enumeration of all models of rifles from the stated period. The description of the arms is also by no means complete. What you will find is an illustrated description of some subjects of the arms in my collection. I hope these details, with photos and serial numbers as a reference, will contribute to the knowledge of the readers about their own rifles. I also hope this site will give a better understanding about Old Military Rifles to those readers who merely have a superficial interest.

I do my very best only to publish correct information. Please contact me if you find any inaccuracy. I would also like to ask you to contact me if you have technical or historical information about my collection that is not found on this site.

Sincerely,

Jan van Gelderen

The Netherlands

E-mail : oldmilitaryrifles.eu@upcmail.nl

I am a member of:

Vereniging van Nederlandse Wapenverzamelaars (VNW)

Kerkstraat 8

7396 PH De Vecht Terwolde

The Netherlands

Website : http://www.vvnw.nl/

"Edouard de Beaumont"

Nederlandse Vereniging ter Bevordering en Instandhouding van Wapenverzamelingen