German Gewehr 1888 Rifle and Bayonet – Deactivated

German Gewehr 1888 Rifle and Bayonet – Deactivated

The Gewehr 88 (commonly called the Model 1888 commission rifle) was a late 19th-century German bolt action rifle, adopted in 1888.
In 1886, fifteen years after their defeat by German forces in the Franco-Prussian War, the French Army introduced the new Lebel magazine rifle firing an 8 mm high-velocity projectile propelled by the new smokeless powder. This made Germany’s rifle, the Mauser Model 1871, obsolete due to its large and slow 11 mm round propelled by black powder. The practical result was that the French rifle had greater accuracy and range, giving French troops a tactical advantage over the German Army. In response, the German Army’s Rifle Testing Commission developed the Gewehr 88 which was adopted for service in 1888. For this reason, the Gewehr 88 is also known as the “commission rifle,” or “reichsgewehr”.

Our example here is a long service piece. it is an 1888 model that has been in service for a long time.
It has been chambered for the modern 7.92×57mm Mauser cartridge and, judging by the markings and the modifications on it used throughout its life both the 1888 pattern M/88 and the 1905 pattern ammo.

it has been serial numbered again and again and ended up in the service of an Arab speaking country, hence the rear sight Arabic numerals and the stamp on the bolt.

The factory mark reads Erfurt 1891 beneath the crown. This is surrounded by inspector’s marks and Imperial marks.

The original serial number is 3880. Please see the pictures for other serials, markings and details.

The bayonet bears unit marks:
11.2.L.I.3.219.

The scabbard’s locket is stamped:
48.R.15.12

All major components bear an Imperial proof mark

The bayonet is stamped with the manufacturer’s mark “Coulaux & Co. G Kinghenthal”.

The edge of the ricasso is stamped W74 beneath the crown and G beneath the crown.

~ Condition ~

The rifle and bayonet are in excellent condition.

PQI00#10432