Guns of the Mexican Revolution

[Burnston]

One of the perks of teaching high school is the freedom to zero on content that I personally find interesting. That being said, my classes and I have been conducting some research on the Mexican Revolution of 1910. It is amazing to me how the most seemingly random firearms showed up, and continue to come out of Mexico. 

The first picture is of Colonel Carman Amelia Robles. I cannot identify the handgun with certainty but wonder if it is of a Merwin & Hulbert origin. 
The second photo is of the Sanchez Rebels, one of whom is armed with a Colt Lightening carbine and another holds a Savage 99, of all things. 
As we continued researching, one of my students recognized a man and woman donning S&W No.3s- That kid passes, no matter what he does the rest of the year. Another one came across a fellow armed with a Winchester 1895; not nearly as surprising, but still a very interesting find. Its fascinating how the world of firearms is so much wider than the typical (but still fantastic) 1892 Winchester/1873 Colt world that the old Hollywood movies paint. 

[mk70ss]

Great old photos and I guess you used what you get get your hands on.

[Ken O'Neill]

Great photos!

[seak89]

The man with the 99 wearing lace up boots is also neat. Sure many guns came from small homesteads and towns just north of the border.

[jfs]

Dec 15, 2017 14:32:47 GMT -5 mk70ss said:

Great old photos and I guess you used what you get get your hands on.

[jayhawker]

The grip on revolver in number 1 looks like M & H Pocket Army.

[dhd]

I bet the logistics of ammunition was a pain in the arse. I've done almost no research on this particular episode. You've got my interest up on it.

[Burnston]

Dec 16, 2017 13:37:47 GMT -5 dhd said:

I bet the logistics of ammunition was a pain in the arse. I've done almost no research on this particular episode. You've got my interest up on it.

I was wondering the same thing. Some of those Savage calibers would have been a pain to track down. Though I did read that some of those were produced in 30-30, which was a big hit down south of the border, and relatively easy to find. 

[sheriff]

My minor in college was 'History of the American Southwest'. The Mexican Revolution was interesting. Love the old photos.

[cmh]

Very interesting pics..... Havent seen thos before.I do have a pic of Pancho Villa's Colt Bisley...

[seancass]

Anyone recognize the bolt guns in the third pic? There seems to be a flat bolt handle on one, and presumably the bandoleer of clips fit the other rifle? Enfield?

[cmh]

They resemble 1893 spanish mausers or 1910 mexican mausers which either would be 7mm if memory serves me correct.... although the butterknife bolt handles are a custom touch. They are definitely a military mauser though and look like a few I have owned by the way they are stocked.... Id bet a dollar to donuts tbat 1895 winchester is chambered in 30-40 Krag 🤔

[Burnston]

This is an excerpt from David Truby's article in 2011-
“If it shoots, it’s welcome in the Revolution,” Emiliano Zapata told an old man who offered a crude, homemade shotgun to the Chief in 1913. As reported by Literary Digest in 1912, “Zapata creates a faithful follower by handing him a rifle and shells.......”

[bula]

It must have taken quite the cottage industry and a herd of cows to keep them boys in cartridge belts !

[needsmostuff]

Around here ,(60 miles north of the border ) gun's like this are generally assumed to have been part of the turmoil. One side or the other and probably crossed the border more than once.

1902 ? Remington Rolling Block in 7MM.