17-06-2015, 06:12 AM
That sounds about right. It was made at the P. Beretta arms factory in Gardone. Usually, just after Gardone, are seen the initials "V.T." that stand for "Val Trompia" or Trompia Valley, in English. The XVIII is the Fascist Date, and means this rifle was made between Jan. 1 and Oct. 22 of 1940.
The oval stamp with the crown is supposedly a proof mark, but collectors disagree on whether or not this stamp is only put on superior quality rifles.
I looked to see if UC1882 was registered on the Carcano Database, but could not find it. If your friend would like more info on his rifle, or would like to register on their database, this is the site to go to:
http://personal.stevens.edu/~gliberat/ca...91_38.html
Interestingly, I did find a Beretta-Gardone M91/38 short rifle on the database with a serial number close to that of your friend's, that number being UC1262. It, and a number of other M91/38's, are registered as possessing something the LN's claim they cannot have; bottom and side mounted sling rings. This phenomenon shows up on some of the Terni made short rifles, as well; meaning, of course, that the rifle "Oswald" is holding in the Backyard Photos might very well have had bottom mount sling rings.
The oval stamp with the crown is supposedly a proof mark, but collectors disagree on whether or not this stamp is only put on superior quality rifles.
I looked to see if UC1882 was registered on the Carcano Database, but could not find it. If your friend would like more info on his rifle, or would like to register on their database, this is the site to go to:
http://personal.stevens.edu/~gliberat/ca...91_38.html
Interestingly, I did find a Beretta-Gardone M91/38 short rifle on the database with a serial number close to that of your friend's, that number being UC1262. It, and a number of other M91/38's, are registered as possessing something the LN's claim they cannot have; bottom and side mounted sling rings. This phenomenon shows up on some of the Terni made short rifles, as well; meaning, of course, that the rifle "Oswald" is holding in the Backyard Photos might very well have had bottom mount sling rings.
Mr. HILL. The right rear portion of his head was missing. It was lying in the rear seat of the car. His brain was exposed. There was blood and bits of brain all over the entire rear portion of the car. Mrs. Kennedy was completely covered with blood. There was so much blood you could not tell if there had been any other wound or not, except for the one large gaping wound in the right rear portion of the head.
Warren Commission testimony of Secret Service Agent Clinton J. Hill, 1964
Warren Commission testimony of Secret Service Agent Clinton J. Hill, 1964