Italian Carcano Rifles Captured by Austro-Hungary

Mannlicher Carcano Model 1891 Infantry Rifle
Fucile Italiano Mo.1891 Mannlicher-Carcano
6.5mm M.91 Italienisches Repetier-Gewehr

After the Russian Mosin-Nagant M91, the Carcanos were the most captured weapons by the Austro-Hungarian forces in WW1. About 49,500 Carcanos were converted to use the easily available 6.5x54mm Mannlicher-Schoenauer cartridge. These were designated '6.5mm M.91 Adaptiertes Italienisches Repetier-Gewehr'. These weapons were stamped with the 'AZF' marking on the barrel and 'Jt.u.GR.' chamber reaming mark on the buttstock. In 1916 the Austro-Hungarian Army captured so much Italian material, including ammunition, that further M-S conversions became unnecessary. Repaired, but unconverted Carcanos may carry the 'AZF' stamp.

'Riparazione' Italian repair facility stamp.
After WW1, returned A/H altered Carcanos were restored to their original configuration by Italy.
Detail pictures by Prez1981 of Gunboards.

M1891 Italian Carcano bayonet and scabbard. 412mm overall, 298mm blade length, 13mm dia muzzle ring. All metal surfaces of the bayonet and scabbard was originally blued. The wood grip is smooth with no checkering.

M1891 Carcano Bayonet and Mannarese (cleaver) in a special Frog. The Italians used a number of different combination of tools with this bayonet in a common frog, including either a pick, shovel, axe or mannarese.

Mannlicher Carcano Model 1891 TS Special Troops Carbine
Moschetto Truppe Speciale (TS) Italiano Mo.1891 Mannlicher-Carcano

A small number of M91 TS Carcanos were captured along with the long rifles by the Austro-Hungarian forces in WW1. It is unlikely that any TS carbines were converted to use the 6.5x54mm Mannlicher-Schoenauer cartridge. These carbines did not receive a separate Austro-Hunagrian designation. It is unknown if these weapons were Austrian marked in any way.

Mannlicher Carcano Model 1891 Cavalry Carbine
Moschetto Cavalleria Italiano Mo.1891 Mannlicher-Carcano

A small number of M91 Cavalry Carbines were captured along with the long rifles by the Austro-Hungarian forces in WW1. It is unlikely that any of these Carbines were converted to use the 6.5x54mm Mannlicher-Schoenauer cartridge. These carbines did not receive a separate Austro-Hunagrian designation. It is unknown if these weapons were Austrian marked in any way.

Carcano M91 Cavalry Carbine Assembly Drawing and Parts List