Based on the Schmidt Rubin Model 1889 the Model 1897 Kadettengewehre (Cadet Rifle) was intended
as a training rifle for the Swiss youth corps. This smaller, single shot rifle was chambered in GP90 (7.5×53.5 Swiss) with rear sights graduated for GP90 on the left side and for a reduced powder “Cadet Load” on the right side. These rifles were made between 1898 to 1927 and only about 8,000 were ever produced.
This two rifle set of Model 1897 Kadettengewehre are sequential serial numbered 6971 and 6972. According to Schmidt Rubin records these are the first two serial numbers made in 1910. These rifles each include a sling and brass muzzle cap and are classified Antique.
Condition:
6971
This rifle is in excellent condition. The finish of stock and hand guard shows only minor wear and no cracking or splitting in the wood. There are a few minor dings and scratches common to a rifle of this age. The finish on the barrel and receiver is very good at 90% with most wear seen at muzzle and bolt release. The bakelite charging knob does have cracking on both bottom and top knobs. The receiver has taken on patina as well as the trigger guard and barrel bands. Inside of the receiver is very clean. Bolt face is clean and bolt has only some very minor signs of staining. The bore is excellent, 4/5, shiny with solid rifling. The bolt, action, safety, and trigger all function mechanically as they should. Numbers on this rifle appear all matching though some parts are not numbered and may have been taken from other rifles. This rifle has not been test fired by us.
6972
This rifle is in very good condition. The finish of stock and hand guard shows only minor wear and no cracking or splitting in the wood. There is some darkening to the forend. There are a few minor dings and scratches common to a rifle of this age. The finish on the barrel and receiver is very good at 80% with most wear seen at muzzle. There is some minor scratching at rear of barrel behind rear sight leaf. The receiver has taken on a deep patina as well as the trigger guard. There are a few minor gouges on top rear receiver. The bakelite charging knob does not show any cracking. Inside of the receiver is very clean. Bolt face is clean and bolt has only some very minor signs of staining. The bore is excellent, 4/5, shiny with solid rifling. The bolt, action, safety, and trigger all function mechanically as they should. It should be noted that rear sight will stick if lowered too far. Numbers on this rifle are almost all matching as the middle barrel band is numbered differently. This rifle has not been test fired by us.
Each rifle includes a sling both of which have some minor tearing. A brass muzzle cap is also included with each rifle.
Overall this is an amazing set of Swiss Schmidt Rubin Model 1897 Kadettengewehre. Sequential serial numbers are extremely rare let alone the first two in a year (1910). Given their age and condition these are fantastic examples for any collection. These rifles are classified Antique.
DISCLAIMER ON SHOOTING
These rifles are chambered in GP90 (7.5×53.5 Swiss). IT IS NOT SAFE TO ATTEMPT TO FIRE GP11 (7.5×55 Swiss). Under no circumstances should GP11 (7.5×55 Swiss) be used.
