Deactivated VERY RARE Steyr Model 1904 Rifle Issued to the UVF

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This is a very rare Steyr Model 1904 rifle that was issued to the U.V.F. (Ulster Volunteer Force).  This rifle was originally part of a cache of arms involved in the Larne gun-running operation. The smuggling exercise was master-minded by Major Frederick Crawford and Captain Wilfrid Spender on behalf of the Ulster Unionist Council, to equip the recently formed Ulster Volunteer Force (U.V.F.) with nearly 25,000 rifles. The U.V.F. had been set-up to fight against the imposition of Home Rule and Crawford was tasked with the procurement of arms. He approached several manufacturers including Steyr, and after several failed attempts, due to Customs intervention, the Larne plan was hatched.

Many of the U.V.F. members enlisted with the British Army's 36th (Ulster) Division and the 10th and 16th (Irish) Divisions. These regiments saw bitter action on the Western Front - (the 10th being amalgamated with the 16th following heavy losses at the Battle of Gallipoli), and by the end of the war both divisions were practically eradicated after further heavy losses at the Battle of the Somme and the 1918 German Spring Offensive.

This M1904 still retains its original wood work that is matched to the rifles receiver serial number and is fitted with its correct cleaning rod. The serial number falls well within the known serial number range issued to the U.V.F. The carcouche roundal has the open palm and U.V.F. For God And Ulster logo.

Deactivated with moving parts it comes with an EU/UK certificate of deactivation.

To order Call 01547 529093 or 05603 416575 or email sales@deactivated-guns.co.uk.

Product Code: 190Y5

OUT OF STOCK