Quebec Papal Zouave's Ceremonial Gewehr 71/84
This video delves into the unique history of a German Gewehr 71/84 rifle, originally manufactured in 1888. It traces its journey from German military service, through its sale to Francis Bannerman, and its eventual acquisition by the Quebec Home Guard during World War I. Post-war, a subset of these rifles were modified by the Quebec Papal Zouaves, becoming single-shot, blank-firing ceremonial arms fitted with cut-down Snider bayonets. The video highlights the rifle's fascinating transformation and its significance as potentially the only Mauser rifle formally issued by the Canadian government through the Home Guard.














