Original Turkish Model 88/05/35 rifle chambered in 8mm Mauser (7.92x57mm). These are rare uncommon rifles that are a very interesting part of Turkish firearm history.

A must have for German and Turkish firearm collectors and a very rare Gewehr/”Mauser” variant.

These rifles would begin life as German Gewehr 1888 Commission rifles sold to Turkey. The 1888 would be Germany’s first smokeless powder rifle. The Gew88 was originally designed to be fired from a 5 round enbloc clip similar to the Austrian Mannlicher rifles being produced by Steyr. The Germans would go on to improve the clip design making the clips bi-directional meaning they could be inserted top or bottom and would not be as directional specific. In 1905 these rifles would have been updated to use stripper clips a faster and simpler design.  The internal magazine would have needed to be modified for this. A notch was also added to the receiver to aid feeding from a stripper clip. In the mid 1930s the Turks would modify these rifles yet again giving them brand new barrels, sights and stocks. Not many of these rifles would have been imported into the U.S. so they are not common.

Very good condition.

Overall this German/Turkish rifle is in great shape for its age. Our only concern was we noted a crack forming at the wrist of the stock where the rear screw to the trigger guard is the crack looks thin and is about 2 inches long. This could likely be sealed by a gunsmith that specializes in woodwork and or wood repair. The crack is not bad but we advise it be looked at by a certified smith if you are concerned about it. (See last photo) The stock itself has a majority of its finish intact and has standard wear from use and transport. Very cool stock considering that was one of the updated Turkish parts. The Turks would give the stock a takedown ring like on newer Mausers, and a more modern looking handguard. The handguard looks fine and is a darker shade of wood. Likely it was the original handguard cut down. The bluing condition is in great shape. There is only minor wear and patina from what we can see a majority of the metal still has cosmoline on it. The bolt and bolt face look great and coated in cosmoline. The action felt fantastic. The bore is in very good condition especially for a Turkish Mauser we noted some wear and a little bit of light frosting but there is still great lands and grooves throughout the bore we would rate this bore a 3.75/5.

TC
Turkish Star and Crescent Crest

AS.FA

Ankara
1935 – Year updated
Some small German proof marks on the original German parts.

Not all numbers are matching as this gun was updated 2 times in its life.
Receiver is a LOW 3 digit S/N 300s range but this was likely done in Turkey as the receiver has the newer Turkish markings where as the original parts have a higher German S/N