Two Karabinek rifles. Dates, 1928 and 1939.

The Karabiniek wz 1928, also known as the Polish Mauser rifle, was manufactured at the Fabryka Broni factory in Radom, Poland, in the year 1929. It was developed based on the German Gewehr 98 design but the Polish manufacturer modified it to suit Polish requirements. This rifle was chambered in 7.92x57mm Mauser caliber and featured a five-round internal magazine, and it served as the standard infantry rifle of the Polish army during the interwar period. This rifle played a significant role in Polish military operations especially during the Nazi invasion in 1939. Under German occupation, the factory in Radom became one of the largest arms producers for the Nazis. The Karabiniek wz 1928 was known for its accuracy, reliability, effectiveness and robust construction and it was in service until the post-war period.

This Karabinek wz.29 rifle, produced in the Radom factory in 1933, was possibly the standard training rifle used by the Polish Army in the 1930s. About 264,000 of these rifles were produced. They were used against the Germans in the 1939 invasion of Poland, and by the Polish underground during the war.

Author: Abubakarr Sanu, professional studies, Elms College.