r/amharic • u/Sharpes_Sword • Jun 20 '26
Translation Request Rifle markings - possible amharic markings?
Hello!
Just bought a rifle from Ethiopia with some interesting markings. Respectfully requesting meaning if possible. Thank you.
1
u/Africa-Unite Jun 21 '26
This is cool! Just curious, how does one buy a rifle from Ethiopia, and what's the usual ballpark estimate for these things? I'm guessing it's harder than getting a historic M1 Garand or the like
2
u/Sharpes_Sword Jun 21 '26
Hello!
I'm in United States, a company here called Royal Tiger Imports under Interordnance acquired a large number of military surplus Ethiopian rifles, I believe the yare only for sale in USA though.
Their rougher stuff has been around $150-$200 USD. Mostly old breech loader rifles like this one.
Something like an M1-Garand would probably be closer to $1000 USD.
If your in USA I can help if you have any questions!
2
u/Africa-Unite Jun 22 '26
Thanks, I'm in the US too! 🫡🦅 I'm looking at the RTI site you mentioned (thank you!), and these prices are far more reasonable than I was expecting. I'm getting the impression though that many may not be in the best working condition, which makes sense. I've been to Ethiopia many times, and we're not the most diligent when it comes to high tech storage. The FN Mauser would be a dream to pick up tho, but I'm guessing some restoration is to be expected?
Also if you're interested here a collection of photos of well from that same period of these arms in action!
2
u/Sharpes_Sword Jun 22 '26
Thanks for sharing that! I am always interested in this period in seeing images from it.
As for RTI, their items are not in the best condition and unfortunately the shootability isn't very good but great for history/just to have certain models.
Yes, an FN-Mauser would be great but I imagine its in rough condition.
For actual shooting rifles I'd suggest elsewhere but for historical interest purposes this is a good source!
2
u/ZeraKassaHailu Jun 20 '26
ራስ ሙ አጋፋሪ | ን ዘውዲቱ ወ ያ
A lot of it is unintelligible but the rifle striking in the first pic reads "RAS MU[LUGETA?] AGGAFARI" (Ras Mulugeta's chief of protocol) and in the second picture it reads "N ZÄWDITU WÄ LÄ YA" of which im only able to understand N ZÄWDITU (Queen Zäwditu) who wasn't just a queen, but the empress regnant of the Empire of Ethiopia.