WWII history Archives - Eisel Armory https://eiselarmory.com/tag/wwii-history/ Sun, 14 Jun 2026 22:04:18 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 Weekly Hot Items | June 14–21 | Don’t Forget Dad! https://eiselarmory.com/2026/06/15/fathers-day-hot-items-june-14-21/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=fathers-day-hot-items-june-14-21 Mon, 15 Jun 2026 09:59:00 +0000 https://eiselarmory.com/?p=884 WWII Russian SVT-40 Tokarev Rifle | 1941 Tula Arsenal 🔥 Fun Fact: Many captured SVT-40 rifles were reissued by Finnish forces during WWII. The boxed “SA” mark on this rifle shows it served under two different armies during one of history’s most intense conflicts! Very good condition WWII Russian SVT 40 Tokarev semi auto rifle in 7.62 x […]

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WWII Russian SVT-40 Tokarev Rifle | 1941 Tula Arsenal

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🔥 Fun Fact: Many captured SVT-40 rifles were reissued by Finnish forces during WWII. The boxed "SA" mark on this rifle shows it served under two different armies during one of history's most intense conflicts!

Very good condition WWII Russian SVT 40 Tokarev semi auto rifle in 7.62 x 54r caliber that has the Tula Arsenal “star” marking on the receiver and dated 1941. Rifle was captured and reissued by the Finns during the Continuation War and has the Finnish army “boxed SA” property stamp on the left side of the receiver ring. Rifle is NOT import marked and has nonmatching numbers, which is common and correct for Finn marked SVT 40 rifles. Metal finish is original blue showing some wear. Bore is good, a little dark, with strong rifling. Stock has original finish and shows some handling marks and scratches. Right side buttstock has an Izhevsk Arsenal “CCCP” roundel cartouche. Complete with correct original cleaning rod. Mechanically functions fine and has original magazine. A nice, scarce Finn marked SVT 40 that will make an excellent addition to a collection! Preserving History, One Artifact at a Time. 

⚔ Own a piece of Eastern Front history! Explore this rare 1941 Tula SVT-40 and add a remarkable wartime survivor to your collection today.   

Want to learn more about this piece check out the full history

Antique French Mle 1886 M93 Lebel Rifle | St. Etienne 1888

Good condition antique French Mle 1886 M93 Lebel Rifle in 8mm Lebel caliber that has St. Etienne Arsenal and model designation markings on the receiver. Barrel is marked “MA S” for St. Etienne Arsenal and dated 1888. Receiver and barrel have Balle “N” markings. Rifle is NOT import marked and has all matching serial numbers except the bolt. Forestock number is illegible. Mechanically functions fine including working magazine cutoff. Metal finish is arsenal reblue showing some wear. Bore is dark with average rifling that shows some wear. Stock has been refinished. Both sides of wrist have a hairline. Left side buttstock also has an arsenal repair patch. Left side buttstock has a hairline and a faint matching serial number. A good example of a classic French Lebel infantry rifle.  A Pioneer of Modern Military Firearms History.   

Own a landmark piece of military history! This 1888 St. Etienne Mle 1886 M93 Lebel Rifle represents the dawn of the modern battlefield and is a must-have for serious collectors. 

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🇫🇷 Fun Fact: The Lebel Model 1886 was the world's first military rifle designed for smokeless powder ammunition, revolutionizing warfare and inspiring armies around the globe to modernize their firearms.

WWII Polish K98 Mauser Rifle | PFK Warszawa 1928

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🇵🇱 Fun Fact: Polish-made K98 Mausers from PFK Warszawa are highly sought after because they were produced during the interwar years as Poland rebuilt its military after regaining independence in 1918. Original examples with strong markings are increasingly difficult to find today.

Very good condition pre WWII Polish K98 Mauser Rifle in 8mm Mauser (7.92 x 57) caliber that has sharp clear “P.F.K. WARSAWA” arsenal and Polish eagle markings on the receiver ring and dated 1928. Rifle is NOT import marked and has all matching serial numbers except the bolt. Bolt is WWI German Kar 98az. Metal finish is nice original blue showing a little normal wear. Bore is very good and bright with strong rifling. Stock has original finish and shows some normal handling marks. Right side buttstock has a nice Polish eagle cartouche. Underside of buttstock has a sharp clear matching serial number. A nice example of a rare and desirable Polish K98 Mauser Rifle!  A Rare Survivor from Poland’s Fight for Independence. 

 Add a rare piece of Polish military history to your collection! Visit GunBroker to learn more and place your bid on this beautifully marked PFK Warszawa K98 Mauser today. 

 

Mexican FN Model 1924 Mauser Carbine | Matching Numbers

Good condition Mexican FN Model 1924 Mauser Carbine in 7mm Mauser (7 x 57) caliber that has a nice Mexican eagle crest on the receiver ring and Fabrique Nationale manufacturer markings on the receiver side rail. Gun is import marked on the barrel and has all matching serial numbers including receiver, bolt, triggerguard, floorplate, and stock. Metal finish is original blue showing some wear. Bore is good, a little gray, with good rifling that shows some normal wear. Stock has original finish and shows some handling marks and scratches. Complete with correct original cleaning rod. A hard to find Mexican FN Model 1924 Mauser Carbine with matching numbers that will make a fine addition to a collection!  A Symbol of Mexican Military Heritage. 

⚔ Don’t miss this  Mexican FN Model 1924 Carbine and place your bid on a beautiful piece of military history. 

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🇲🇽 Fun Fact: Mexican-contract FN Model 1924 Mausers were manufactured by Belgium's famed Fabrique Nationale (FN) and feature the iconic Mexican national crest. Matching examples with strong, clear crests are highly prized by collectors today.

WWII US Army M1-C Paratrooper Helmet | | Airborne Liner

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🪂 Fun Fact: The M1-C helmet was developed specifically for U.S. Army Airborne troops. Its unique chinstrap design helped keep the helmet secure during parachute jumps, making it one of the most recognizable pieces of WWII paratrooper gear.

Very good condition original WWII US Army M1-C Paratrooper Helmet that is a front seam, fixed bails variation. Shell has original green paint showing some normal wear, no dents. Complete with original chinstrap and camo net. Complete with original Westinghouse manufactured liner that has airborne style liner with leather chin cup held by A-frame webbing. Suspension system is complete and clean with light wear. Marked with soldier’s laundry number. Original leather chinstrap and chin cup are soft and supple. Nice original M1-C paratrooper helmet.  Worn by the Elite. Preserved for History. 

*** was  told the webbing was replaced as evidenced by the rivits. ***

🔥 Rare Airborne collectible! Bid now on this original WWII US Army M1-C Paratrooper Helmet featuring fixed bails and an airborne liner. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of paratrooper history! 🪂🇺🇸 

Antique Boer War ZAR Model 1896 Mauser Rifle | Loewe Berlin

Very good condition antique Boer War ZAR Model 1896 Mauser Rifle in 7mm Mauser (7 x 57) caliber that has Loewe Berlin manufacturer markings on the receiver side rail and is part of a 10,000 gun “A” prefix contract delivered in 1896. Rifle is NOT import marked and has all matching serial numbers except the bolt, which is a correct “A” prefix bolt. Metal finish is original blue showing some wear. Bore is good, a little gray, with strong rifling. Stock has old added varnish and shows some normal handling marks. Left side buttstock has a matching serial number below the receiver. Left side buttstock has scratched “I.P. WILLIAMS”. Underside of buttstock has scratched “IPW”. Rear band is bent. Complete with original nonmatching numbered cleaning rod. A rare antique Boer War ZAR Mauser Rifle that will make an excellent addition to a collection!  A Battlefield Survivor from the Boer War. 

🔥 Bid Now! Don’t miss this rare ZAR Model 1896 Mauser featuring a clear Loewe Berlin manufacture mark and the carved Boer name “I.P. Williams” in the stock. Visit GunBroker today and check out even more historic military collectibles available for bidding! ⚔🐎

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🐎 Fun Fact: Many Boer fighters personalized their rifles, and original examples with soldier-carved names are exceptionally scarce. The stock carving "I.P. Williams" transforms this rifle from a historic firearm into a tangible connection to an individual who may have carried it during the Anglo-Boer War.

Antique French Mle 1892 Revolver | St. Etienne 1893

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🇫🇷 Fun Fact: The French Mle 1892 Revolver served French military officers and troops for decades, remaining in service through both World Wars. Its innovative swing-out cylinder was considered advanced for its era.

Very good condition antique French Mle 1892 Revolver in 8mm Ordnance caliber that has St. Etienne Arsenal markings on the right side of the frame. Barrel is dated 1893 and also has the model designation. Metal finish is original blue showing some normal wear and a few spots of pitting. Small parts have original straw colors showing some wear. Bore is good with strong rifling and a little pitting. Wood grips have original finish and checkering and a good tight fit with some normal handling marks. Original lanyard ring is present. A nice antique French Mle 1892 Revolver that will make a fine addition to a collection. A Classic Sidearm from France’s Military Heritage. 

 Own a piece of French military history—check out this historic Mle 1892 Revolver today! 

Chaparral Arms Winchester Model 1876 Rifle | .45-60 Caliber

Excellent condition Chaparral Arms reproduction Winchester Model 1876 lever action rifle in .45-60 caliber that is like new and complete with original box. Mechanically excellent. Excellent original blued and case color finishes! 28” octagonal barrel has original sights. Bore is bright and excellent with sharp rifling. Stock has nice original finish and crisp edges with a few minor handling marks. A beautiful, high quality Winchester 1876 that will make a great addition to a collection and a fine shooter!  Reliving the Spirit of the American Frontier. 

⭐ Like new and ready for your collection! Check out this Chaparral Arms Winchester Model 1876 reproduction in .45-60 caliber and experience a classic Old West legend. 

 

 Own a piece of French military history—check out this historic Mle 1892 Revolver today! 

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🤠 The original Winchester Model 1876 earned the nickname "Centennial Rifle" because it debuted during America's Centennial Exposition in 1876. It became a favorite among frontiersmen, ranchers, and lawmen across the American West.

WWII Finnish M39 Mosin Nagant Rifle | VKT 1944

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🇫🇮 Fun Fact: The Finnish M39 is widely regarded as one of the finest Mosin-Nagant variants ever produced. Finnish armorers refined the design with improved stocks, barrels, and sights, creating a rifle renowned for its accuracy and craftsmanship.

Good condition WWII Finnish Model 1939 Mosin Nagant Rifle in 7.62 x 54r caliber that has the VKT Arsenal marking on the barrel and dated 1944. Rifle is import marked on the barrel and has nonmatching numbers. Metal finish is original blue showing some wear to the white. Bore has a bulge ring near the muzzle, otherwise very good and bright with strong rifling. Stock has original finish and shows some handling marks. Right side buttstock has an original postwar unit marking disc that is stamped “JSPTO 3/142” for a Jaeger Artillery Battalion. A good example of a WWII Finnish M39 Mosin Nagant Rifle with an uncommon unit marking disc. Built for Accuracy. Carried Through History. 

 Discover a legendary Finnish military rifle! Check out this 1944 VKT M39 Mosin-Nagant featuring a desirable Jaeger unit marking disc and rich wartime history. 

Civil War US Model 1860 Cavalry Sword | D.J. Millard Clayville NY

Very good condition original Civil War US Mode 1860 cavalry sword that is maker marked “D.J. MILLARD CLAYVILLE, N.Y.” on the left ricasso. Right ricasso is marked “U.S.” with “C.E.W.” inspector initials and 1862 date. 35” blade has nice original bright finish with a few spots of gray and brown patina and some very light pitting. Still has original leather washer at the base. Brass hilt has attractive patina. Leather covered wood grip has tight wire wrap and shows some wear. Fitted in correct original steel scabbard that is “in the white” with some brown patina and some light pitting, no dents. A nice, classic Civil War cavalry saber by an uncommon maker and with a desirable 1862 date.  A Blade That Rode Through American History. 

🔥 Bid Now! Add this 1862 D.J. Millard Model 1860 Cavalry Sword to your collection and be sure to check out more historic military artifacts at our eBay store! 🐎⚔📜 

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⚔ Fun Fact: The Model 1860 Cavalry Sword was the primary saber carried by Union cavalrymen during the Civil War and was designed to be lighter and easier to handle than earlier cavalry swords.

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G.41(W) Walther Rifle https://eiselarmory.com/g41-walther-wwii-german-semi-auto-rifle-rare-push-button/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=g41-walther-wwii-german-semi-auto-rifle-rare-push-button Sat, 09 May 2026 13:39:59 +0000 https://eiselarmory.com/?page_id=551 The WWII German G.41(W) Walther was one of Nazi Germany’s earliest attempts at a semi-automatic battle rifle, developed to increase infantry firepower beyond the standard bolt-action Kar98k. This rare “push button” variant is especially desirable among collectors, with only around 5,000 examples believed to have been produced. Unlike later German semi-autos, the G.41(W) used a […]

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The WWII German G.41(W) Walther was one of Nazi Germany’s earliest attempts at a semi-automatic battle rifle, developed to increase infantry firepower beyond the standard bolt-action Kar98k. This rare “push button” variant is especially desirable among collectors, with only around 5,000 examples believed to have been produced. Unlike later German semi-autos, the G.41(W) used a unique and complicated gas-trap operating system near the muzzle because German Army requirements initially prohibited drilling gas ports into the barrel. Though eventually replaced by the improved G43, the G.41(W) played a critical role in the evolution of German wartime rifle design and remains one of the scarcest WWII German military firearms today.

Marked “G.41(W)” for Walther manufacture, this rare WWII German semi-automatic rifle represents an important transitional weapon in German firearms development during the war. The Walther-designed G.41 outperformed the competing Mauser version and introduced German troops to increased battlefield firepower through semi-automatic operation. Early “push button” examples like this are especially scarce, with only a limited production run estimated around 5,000 rifles. Its complex gas-trap operating system, distinctive receiver markings, and connection to the later and more refined G43 make the G.41(W) one of the most collectible and historically significant German rifles of World War II.

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This close-up view of the G.41(W)’s action highlights the rifle’s distinctive semi-automatic operating system and robust wartime machining. The exposed bolt assembly and charging handle showcase the innovative but complex engineering behind Germany’s early self-loading rifle program. Unlike later German semi-automatic rifles such as the G43, the G.41(W) relied on a unique gas-trap system near the muzzle rather than a drilled gas port, a design requirement imposed by the German Army. While the system proved maintenance-heavy in combat, rifles like this rare “push button” Walther remain highly prized today for their scarcity, historical importance, and connection to the evolution of German WWII infantry weapons

The rear sight assembly on the G.41(W) reflects the precision engineering and battlefield expectations of German infantry rifles during World War II. Graduated for extended combat ranges, the sight was designed to provide accurate fire at varying distances, a critical feature for engagements across the open terrain of the Eastern Front. Early Walther-produced rifles like this one often displayed high-quality machining and finely marked components before wartime production shortcuts became more common. Details such as the numbered ladder sight and milled receiver parts highlight why the rare G.41(W) remains one of the most fascinating and collectible German semi-automatic rifles of the war.

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The wooden stock of this rare G.41(W) shows the honest wear and character expected from a WWII combat rifle that survived one of history’s most intense conflicts. Visible handling marks, scratches, and age lines tell the story of military service, storage, and decades of preservation after the war. Early German rifles like the G.41(W) were built with solid hardwood stocks designed to withstand harsh battlefield conditions across Europe and the Eastern Front. Collectors often appreciate these authentic signs of use, as they add to the rifle’s historical authenticity and reflect the realities faced by German soldiers during World War II.

This front view of the G.41(W) highlights the rifle’s distinctive hooded front sight and the unique gas-trap system positioned near the muzzle, one of the defining characteristics of Germany’s early semi-automatic rifle development program. Unlike later wartime rifles that used simpler gas-port systems, the G.41(W)’s complicated muzzle-operated design attempted to cycle the action without modifying the barrel itself, a requirement imposed by the German Army. While innovative, the system often struggled with fouling and harsh battlefield conditions, making surviving examples like this rare “push button” Walther highly significant pieces of WWII firearms history.

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This muzzle-end view of the rare G.41(W) clearly displays the rifle’s distinctive front sight assembly and the large gas-trap housing that made the design unique among WWII military rifles. German engineers developed this unusual system to comply with military requirements that prohibited drilling directly into the barrel for gas operation. The result was a complicated but innovative semi-automatic mechanism that helped pave the way for later German self-loading rifles like the G43. Early “push button” Walther examples are exceptionally scarce today, and details like this front-end configuration are highly studied by collectors and historians due to the rifle’s limited production and experimental wartime design.

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The G.41(W) remains one of the most fascinating and scarce German rifles of World War II, representing Germany’s urgent push to modernize infantry firepower during the brutal fighting on the Eastern Front. Although ultimately replaced by the more reliable G43, the rifle provided valuable battlefield lessons that shaped later semi-automatic weapon development. With only around 5,000 rare “push button” variants believed produced, surviving examples are exceptionally desirable among collectors today. Interesting facts surrounding the G.41(W) include its unusual gas-trap operating system, its influence from combat experience against Soviet semi-automatic rifles, and its role as a direct stepping stone toward Germany’s later wartime self-loading rifle designs

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