Weapons of the Turkish Army, Gallipoli, 1915

The pre-war Turkish Army was in poor condition with the troops poorly trained and clothed, many without shoes, lacking in proper medical care, basic equipment and especially modern serviceable rifles. In the short period leading up to the start of war, German officers took over and reorganized various schools to train officers, were placed on various unit staffs as advisers, and tried to improve sanitary measures. New weapons were obtained along with ammunition.

Mauser Model 1893 bolt action rifle. Turkish toghra cypher on the breech top and Arabic markings on left side of receiver (translates as Mauser Werke Oberndorf). Full wood stock and top hand guard. Overall painted camouflage green and brown. Carved into the right side of the butt is ANZAC 1915 CAPT. H.C.Craig 22nd BATTN A.I.F. This rifle was used by a Turkish marksman on Gallipoli. The Model 93 Mauser was one of the standard pattern Mauser rifles issued to the Turkish army during the First World War and the most common type used against Australian forces at Gallipoli in 1915. The Turkish Model 93 Mauser was developed from the Spanish Model 93, but in a different caliber and equipped with a magazine cutoff. All production of the Model 93 was undertaken by the Oberndorf Mauser works which manufactured 201,100 Model 93 rifles for the Imperial Ottoman Government. Barrel length: 738 (mm); Calibre: 7.65 (mm); Overall length: 1234.4 (mm); Weight: 4 (kg) AWM text

Model 1915 Stick Grenade ("the famous potato masher") was designed for offensive operations. For defensive operations, a "Ball" grenade and the smaller "Egg" grenade were developed. All three are displayed here. All are German but also used by the Ottoman Army. They mostly used the ball and egg types.

French Model 1814 Cavalry sword and scabbard. The hilt has a four bar brass guard, stamped on the inside edge 42 in Arabic numerals and a plain brass pommel.

The grip is leather bound with brass wire. The curved blade has a wide fuller on each side to within 160 mm from the point and a thin 550 mm fuller on each side near the back edge. The steel scabbard has two loose hanger rings on bands 90 mm and 293 mm from the throat which is riveted to the body. This sword was sold as surplus to the Turkish Government from the French and used by the Turkish Army during the First World War. AWM text & image

Turkish junior Infantry Officer's sword and scabbard. The hilt has a brass D shape stirrup guard, a plain brass back strap and wooden grips with ten horizontal bands.
The straight plain blade has a double edge to a spear point and the ricasso has an Arabic inscription that reads as 'God (Allah) is with his own (or company)' on the right side. The left ricasso has one Arabic letter and two numbers (01). AWM image & text.

This sword was taken from a Turkish officer at Anzac.Turkish Officer's sword and scabbard. The hilt is a steel three bar half basket with the outer bar missing and an outward raised section for the thumb.

The curved back strap pommel is plain brass and the grips are fishskin bound with brass wire. The curved blade has a wide single fuller on each side to within 300 mm from the clipped back point and then has a double fuller to 60 mm from the point. It is elaborately etched for half the length on both sides with a floral design entwining trophies of arms and on the centre right is a woman's face. The nickel plated steel scabbard has two loose strap hanger rings on bands at 80 mm and 285 mm from the throat. AWM image & text.

This pistol was taken from a Turkish officer. Browning Model 1903 semi automatic pistol. The top slide is engraved with the Turkish Sultan's crest and an Arabic number. The Fabrique Nationale manufacturer details are on the left side with Brownings Patent. The grips are black plastic with the FN trade mark. It has a seven shot magazine and a rear grip safety catch.
It is contained in a British Pattern 1937 webbing holster that is marked inside the flap with an arrow within a C (Canadian manufacture) and in black ink Creishton. Barrel length: 89 (mm); Calibre: 9 (mm); Overall length: 207 (mm) AWM text & image

	Turkish single shot break open breach loading flare pistol with numerous Turkish Arabic inscriptions on barrel near the breach. The pistol frame also has Turkish inspection marks inscribed. Barrel made from brass and the frame is steel.
Black plastic grip with the manufacturers mark of a H within a diamond in the top quarter. The lanyard ring is missing from the butt. This flare pistol was captured on Gallipoli by Farrier Sergeant John Thornhill Belcher of the 5th Light Horse Regiment. Barrel length: 220 (mm); Calibre: 26.5 (mm); Overall length: 310 (mm) AWM text & image