German Gewehr 1888 Mauser Antique Rifle – Turkish contract

The Gewehr 88, also known as the Gew 88 or Model 1888 Commission Rifle, was a German bolt-action rifle adopted in 1888. Its development was largely driven by the invention of smokeless powder, which revolutionized firearms technology in the late 19th century. Following the French introduction of the 8mm Lebel, the world’s first smokeless powder cartridge, Germany feared falling behind militarily. In response, the German Rifle Commission designed the Patrone 88 cartridge—a rimless, bottlenecked round using a 22-gram round-nose bullet. This cartridge became the foundation for the Gew 88. Interestingly, the barrel design of the Gew 88 was heavily influenced by the French Lebel 1886, with similar rifling and profile. The Germans combined this with a Swiss-inspired cartridge and a receiver and bolt system derived from the earlier Mauser Gewehr 1871. Unlike the Mauser, however, the Gew 88 used a Mannlicher-style en-bloc magazine, where clips were inserted into the rifle and remained in place until the last round was chambered. In 1905, the original M/88 cartridge was replaced by the more powerful and accurate 7.92×57mm Mauser S Patrone, which featured a 154-grain Spitzer bullet—a pointed design that improved ballistic performance. The Gew 88 had its share of early issues, both technical and political. There was controversy involving Loewe & Company and Waffenfabrik Mauser, with rumors suggesting that Loewe supplied defective rifles or parts to the German military—some even accusing the company of espionage on behalf of France. Despite its controversies, the Gew 88 was widely adopted and exported. Countries that used the rifle at various times include Austria-Hungary, Germany, Brazil, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Greece, Ireland, the Orange Free State, South Africa, the Ottoman Empire, Lithuania, China, and even the United Kingdom.

The rifle saw action in numerous conflicts, including:

• First Sino-Japanese War

• Second Boer War

• Boxer Rebellion

• Mexican Revolution

• World War I

• Russian Civil War

• Irish War of Independence

• Spanish Civil War

• Second Italo-Ethiopian War

• World War II

• 1948 Palestine War

• Korean War

The Gewehr 88 stands as a significant transitional rifle in the evolution from black powder to modern military small arms.

Very good / Excellent condition

The G88 pictured is the antique rifle for sale for a firearm well over 100 years old this example is in fantastic shape for its age. The wood stock is intact with no major splits or breakages detected. We note that the original finish is intact and the wood has nice tiger striping, there are dings and scuffs from use and service but this is one of the nicest 1888’s we have seen in some time. The cartouches are easily visible. The bluing condition appears to be in very good shape we note some standard wear but nothing major and the finish is very strong and even throughout the rifle. The barrel is in great shape there is very pronounced lands and grooves intact on this model and the bore is overall pretty clean for its age. we noted some crackling and old pits but overall the bore is in very good shape for a firearm this old. The bolt and bolt face look great and the action is very smooth and strong feeling. Numbers are not matching. Barrel and receiver are the only matching numbers.

Loewe Berlin – Manufacturer

1891 – Production Year
S

Gew 88
d serial number ending mark

Crescent or Turkish Moon – Indicating this rifle was purchased by the Ottomans for military service

7.9 on rear sight base

Crossed Out markings on middle barrel band:

8 R. R. R.49. 16. R.