This is a Yugoslavian Steyr M95M that was used by a Tito Partisan in WWII Yugoslavia. The Partisans at heart were Communist, but bore a facade of "anti-fascist" struggle against the German and Italian invaders. Thus, they drew all the local nationalities into their ranks. Their local opponents included the Serbian nationalist Chetniks, who like the Balli Kombetar in Albania, eventually aligned with the invaders - while having the exiled King's support; the Fascist NDH or Croatian Free State, which mainly enacted genocide on Serbians, and did not fight well; and Domobranci or Home Guard in Slovenia.
The hallmark of a Titoist Partisan rifle is the large star carved on the rifle stock, usually on the right side of the butt; a number of rifles show this same style. On page 146 of Serbian and Yugoslav Mauser Rifles by Branko Bogdanovic, a Partisan-made Mauser bears the star and name "Tito." In addition, on this rifle, the Communist hammer and sickle is carved inside of the star, further solidifying the Communist connection. This rifle also has the initials of the partisan who used it, "MV," who probably was Croatian, Bosnian or Slovenian. Serbians and Montenegrins I believe would have used Cyrillic.
This rifle has a mismatched bolt, and a mismatched stock. The bolt is very loose from wear, and the stock to receiver/barrel fit is very loose. The bore has poor rifling, but enough to shoot with. The internal clip is still present in the magazine. The stock is visibly stained in places, perhaps from blood or oil. The toe of the stock has some damage, possibly from a combat action. This rifle has no import marks and was most likely imported in 1960-1965 from Yugoslavia, with all the WWII sundries.
The hallmark of a Titoist Partisan rifle is the large star carved on the rifle stock, usually on the right side of the butt; a number of rifles show this same style. On page 146 of Serbian and Yugoslav Mauser Rifles by Branko Bogdanovic, a Partisan-made Mauser bears the star and name "Tito." In addition, on this rifle, the Communist hammer and sickle is carved inside of the star, further solidifying the Communist connection. This rifle also has the initials of the partisan who used it, "MV," who probably was Croatian, Bosnian or Slovenian. Serbians and Montenegrins I believe would have used Cyrillic.
This rifle has a mismatched bolt, and a mismatched stock. The bolt is very loose from wear, and the stock to receiver/barrel fit is very loose. The bore has poor rifling, but enough to shoot with. The internal clip is still present in the magazine. The stock is visibly stained in places, perhaps from blood or oil. The toe of the stock has some damage, possibly from a combat action. This rifle has no import marks and was most likely imported in 1960-1965 from Yugoslavia, with all the WWII sundries.