"MI8" Stamp
This is an interesting new stamp that has been reported on several examples of Spanish Civil War Mosin Nagants. The markings consists of the characters "MI8" in a small square, stamped underneath the butt plate on the rear of the stock. This mark has not been highly reported at this time, most likely due to it's location underneath the rifle's butt plate. Typically collectors do not look under the butt plate of Mosin Nagants, so this mark is probably under reported.
The true meaning of this mark is not known at the present time. More than likely the "MI8" stamp is another example of a post-Civil War Nationalist rearsenal mark, similar to the "MP8" cartouche found on some SCW rifles. Perhaps as more examples of this mark are reported it's true meaning can be determined.
Note: If you have a SCW Mosin Nagant please take the time to remove the rifle's butt plate to see if this marking, or others, are located under it. Each reported example helps solidify this mark as Spanish in origin.
The true meaning of this mark is not known at the present time. More than likely the "MI8" stamp is another example of a post-Civil War Nationalist rearsenal mark, similar to the "MP8" cartouche found on some SCW rifles. Perhaps as more examples of this mark are reported it's true meaning can be determined.
Note: If you have a SCW Mosin Nagant please take the time to remove the rifle's butt plate to see if this marking, or others, are located under it. Each reported example helps solidify this mark as Spanish in origin.