Videos tagged with Ethiopia

This video provides an in-depth look at the Dutch Model 1871/79 Beaumont rifle, a significant early European breechloading metallic-cartridge firearm. The analysis highlights its design origins, referencing elements from the Chassepot and Mauser-Norris rifles, and details the unique V-spring firing pin system invented by John Claes. The description covers its adoption by the Dutch, manufacturing details, and modifications made in 1878 and 1888 to accommodate new cartridges and the Vitali magazine. A particularly interesting aspect is the examination of a specific example imported from Ethiopia, featuring a Lion of Judah stamp, suggesting a historical connection to King Menelik. The video also notes the rarity of single-shot versions today.

This video delves into the history and firearms of Ethiopia during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, focusing on the carbines owned by Emperor Menelik II and Empress Taytu. It highlights Ethiopia's successful resistance to European colonization, particularly the Battle of Adwa in 1896, and the role of foreign arms suppliers like Russia and France. The featured firearms are Gras carbines bearing Ethiopian Ge'ez script, signifying their ownership by the Emperor and Empress, offering a unique glimpse into the weaponry of a sovereign African nation during the colonial era.

This video explores the rare East German TGF 1950 Mauser rifle, a variant of the K98k produced by Brno in 1950. These rifles, marked "tgf 1950", were originally intended for East German border guards. They are uncommon in the US, having been supplied to Ethiopia as military aid in the late 1970s due to developing relations between the socialist governments of Ethiopia and East Germany. The video highlights the historical significance and rarity of these rifles, thanks to access provided by InterOrdnance.

This video examines the Ethiopian FN Model 1930 rifles and carbines acquired by Emperor Haile Selassie I in the mid-1930s. These firearms are based on the standard 1898 Mauser design but feature unique Ethiopian crests and specific serial number placements on the receiver bridge for visibility in racks. The video highlights the relationship between Ethiopia and FN, and notes that Belgian military personnel proofed these weapons on behalf of Ethiopia due to a lack of domestic technical expertise. The carbines also exhibit an unusual lack of side-mounted sling attachments.

This video delves into the historical firearms of Emperor Menelik II of Ethiopia, specifically the German Gewehr 88 and Karabiner 88 rifles and carbines. It highlights how these modern arms, alongside other acquisitions like Berdan rifles from Russia, were instrumental in Ethiopia's decisive victory over Italian colonial forces at the Battle of Adwa in 1896. The description emphasizes Menelik II's role in modernizing Ethiopia and his success in maintaining national independence, a rarity for African nations during the colonial era. The rifles featured bear Amharic markings, signifying their ownership by Menelik II.

This video analyzes the MP28,II, highlighting its improvements over the WWI-era MP18,I. Key features discussed include the adoption of a simple box magazine, which became a basis for future SMG magazines, and the addition of a semi-automatic selector switch. The MP28, while not formally adopted by the German military, saw service with police and SS units and was adopted or copied by several other nations. The description also notes visual differences between the MP18 and MP28, such as the selector switch and tangent sight.

This video provides an in-depth look at the SIG KE-7 Light Machine Gun, a firearm developed by Swiss designers Pal Kiraly and Gotthard End and introduced in 1929 by SIG. The KE-7 features a recoil-operated design and fires from an open bolt. Although not adopted by the Swiss military, it was exported to regions like Latin America, Ethiopia, and China, primarily chambered in 8mm Mauser. The video highlights its unique trigger mechanism, where a partial pull results in single shots and a full pull engages automatic fire, a feature more commonly seen in submachine guns of that era. The presenter thanks the Institute of Military Technology for access to the piece.