Civilian confiscated Firearms

[RLD 090646]

My father was a driver for a Mechanized Ambulatory unit in Europe during the war.  His unit many times was attached to the 101st ABN. At some point, in Germany, the unit came across a building that was stuffed with civilian firearms, apparently confiscated from local civilians. His Sgt. was going up to see what he could find, and my father asked if he would pick something up for him.

 

This is what came out of that stash of civilian weapons.

 

 

It's a Browning .22 short SA.  The barrel was bulged in a couple places, but I used it growing up and got plenty of game with this little rifle.  A few years ago, I had the barrel relined. It's a sweet little gun!

[sundance]

Lucky you. Wouldn't we all love an opportunity to search such a building?

[USCapturephotos]

I have seen and own photos of piles of weapons, both military and civilian that were piled up in German towns after the US troops moved in.  I own one German Sauer pistol given to me by the vet from one of these piles. He said "no exciting story with this one, I just grabbed it from a huge pile and that was it".  Some GI's were tasked with breaking the stocks of military rifles. I knew a 5th Division vet who was given this job. After he broke the stock of a nice little German .22 he decided to keep it and to get a new stock when he got home. He never did and my buddy (the son) still owns that rifle with the broken stock to this day.

Paul

[rambob]

Here are three civilian long arms the were "liberated" by a US soldier from Europe during WW2 and shipped back home. They came from a friend whose father was the firearm "liberator" and these firearms were recently offered to and purchased by me. The rifle at the bottom of the attached photo is a an amazing Schuetzen target rifle in gorgeous condition and the rifle is chambered for the 8.15 X 46R cartridge. The middle firearm is actually a beautiful, engraved, double barreled 12 gauge shotgun. From the markings it appears to be Belgium made, but was imported into Paris, France. Lastly, the top firearm is an absolutely, gorgeous, sporterized, Mauser 98 rifle , modified by H. BURGSMULLER KREIENSEN.

 

Bob

[Burning Hazard]

Reminds me of this WWII photo in Germany 1945; captured civilian weapons by 84th division.

 

Pat

[Burning Hazard]

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