Gewehr 88 by Danzig…………… (F 1282)

Gewehr 88 Rifle by Danzig for 1890.

The Gewehr 88 or as it is sometimes known the “Commission 88”  And as it was designed by a “Commission” it was a bit of a disaster,  Many aspects of different designs were all cobbled into one and the result was not very good. It suffered many short comings but in the cold light of day 138 years later, it stands in the mighty Germany’s armoury as a bit of a hick-up.  It still functions and was used in many conflicts but compared to where it had come from and what came next, it was a bit of a bump in the road.  It was basically a mixture of Mauser and Mannlicher designs which didn’t gell readily together.  However, it was used in some pretty harsh enviroments and finally adopted by some of Germany’s allies, most noticeably the Turks apart from its service with the imperial German armies.

Chambered in 7.92 x 57mm it still posessed knock-down power, so it is not to be sniffed at.  This was Germany’s answer to the introduction of the French “Lebel” Rifle which used smokeless powder.  This weapon could be called ‘the rifle with many names’.  It has alternatively been described as the Commission ’88, the Gew ’88, a Mauser, and a Mannlicher.  Call it what you will it was a very effective solution to the weapons it was faced up against, at least in theory.  Markings on the receiver, over the breech, indicate it has been chambered for the “S”  bullet. It is worth noting, that even if the rifle is marked as accepting the current 7.92mm round, no modern ammunition should be put through it as military and later ammuntion produces much higher pressure.  Only properly loaded low pressure ammuntion should be used with the correct shaped bullet.

This rifle retains many of its original features.  There is one small hint to times past on the rifle, at the front band.  If one looks at the opposite side to the bayonet lug there are unit markings which read “175 R.6. 169”  –  Worth further research.  Looks like a reserve regiment ? The rifle is equipped with a one piece, full length, walnut stock with a single cross bolt.  There are clear Imperial German cartouches on the side of the butt-stock, one with a large “S underneath – possibly for Saxony.  Fitted with the simple flat steel butt-plate. Overall the rifle is 49″ long.  The round shrouded barrel is 29.1/2″ long. The trigger pull is 13.1/8” to center.

Straight handled bolt, matching action serial number; “4327 h”.  Internal five-shot magazine without the later, folded steel tin-plate covering the opening on the underside of the magazine.  In profile this produces the distinctive sloping profile of the trigger guard to magazine.  More obvious on first sight is the sheet metal, rolled barrel shroud which makes the barrel look roughly twice as thick as it actually is.  The shroud steps down at the muzzle to accept the bayonet ring.  The rear ladder sight, situated on top of the barrel, is graduated from 500 to 2500 meters.  A slide with chequered button to release and to fix sight at required distance is opperated from the RHS of the ladder.

The straight handled bolt has a flag-type safety to the rear and is released from the action by a simple button-type bolt release catch at the rear LHS of the action.  There are a mixture of serial numbers over the rifle but there are traditional Imperial German inspectors stamps on many parts of the weapon, the screws being no exception.    The top of the receiver is marked;  “DANZIG 1890”.  (Prussian Arsenal) There are Imperial German inspectors marks on the RHS of the receiver.  The action side wall is marked in Gothic script “Gew 88”.  The main marking of the serial number appears on the RHS of the receiver and shroud; “4327 h”.

The barrel shroud has faded to a grey brown from its original blued finish. Condition wise its not in a bad state, these sometimes turn up with multiple dents and dings but this example only seems to have sustained two small impacts. The action and bolt were issued in the white, time has taken its inevitable toll and about 50% shows mild corrosion.  The stock is in good condition and dark in colour, however the RHS of the buttstock has taken a hammering of small impacts.  The rifle is fitted with the correct original cleaning rod with the double slot for cloth and gauze’s.  This rod is one of the first threaded at both ends to accept other rods, thus making up the full length of the barrel to be cleaned.  The bore is strong but needs a good cleaning.  It is however pitted within the first 3″ of the chamber. Maybe, a better option for a collector or re-enactor than a shooter, although it is BNP proofed.

FAC Required  –  Stock No’ F 1282

£ 550.

 

Comments Off on Gewehr 88 by Danzig…………… (F 1282)