Berdan II Russian Imperial Antique

This Berdan II was the first polt action rifle adopted by the Imperial Russian military. Chambered for an 11mm black powder cartridge, this model preceded the famous Mosin-Nagant rifles. This particular example was produced at Sestroryetsk in 1883. This rifle was provided by the Imperial Russian government as aid to Ethiopia to fight the Italians in the 1890s. The rifle features an Amharic inscription on the barrel which translates to "Ras Bitweded Mengesha” “Ras Bitweded” is a military title during the Ethiopian monarchy period, this likely indicates the rifle was issued to troops under the command of Ras Bitweded Mengesha Atikem.
Mengesha Atikem commanded about 6000 men during the Battle of Adwa against the Italians. The rifle appears to be fully functional but I have not fired it. The firing pin is intact with good protrusion and good spring tension on the striker. Appears to be numbers matching. Cleaning rod is a well made reproduction. There was a repair made to the toe but it appears to be very strong and is difficult to spot.
The bore is in good shape for a rifle of this age with strong rifling and it should shoot well.

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