November 15 & 16, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/16/2022
A unique take on a now common place attachment, the Italian military sought to increase the overall firepower of their special forces troops, particularly when fighting in close range engagements, culminating in the design and production of the 38.5mm M28 Tromboncino grenade launcher. As compared to the then-conventional idea of a detachable grenade cup, the M28 Tromboncino is, in many senses, a precursor to the contemporary grenade launcher, albeit being permanently affixed to the right side of the carbine. The M91TS's trigger mechanism was connected to both the carbine and the launcher, with the operator having to swap the bolt from the carbine to the launcher in order to fire. Due to the weight, cost, and cumbersome operation of the M28, its production was terminated in 1934, with many of the modified carbines being converted back into the standard M91TS configuration. This example, having been manufactured in 1929 is stamped "GARDONE/ V.T./ 1929-VII" over the chamber, with the serial number "A534" stamped on the left flat. Left side of barrel is stamped "MADE IN ITALY". Left side of buttstock bears a 1929 dated Terni arsenal cartouche, with a small encircled "LP" cartouche present ahead of the wrist. Matching numbers are present on the chamber, buttstock, as well as on an additional 3 places on the bottom of the grenade launcher. CONDITION: Metal components retain the majority of their arsenal blue finish, exhibiting some nicks and scratches, small scattered areas of wear, protected areas of what appears to be vintage cosmoline, as well as some spots of mild surface oxidation overall. Excellent bore, exhibiting well defined rifling throughout. Interior of grenade launcher tube is excellent. Stock shows some scattered dings, impressions, and nicks overall from storage and handling, but is otherwise fine. A seldom encountered opportunity for one to acquire an exceptionally scarce inter-War Italian M91TS fitted with a matching M28 Trombocino grenade launcher. MLW
Caliber/Bore
6.5x52mm Carcano