GEW 88

*Info on this model rifle is listed below the thumbnails*

Click on each thumbnail for full size pic

From http://meltingpot.fortunecity.com/utah/894/mauserjs.htm -

"In 1888 Germany decided to produce a new bolt action rifle to replace their black powder weapons. A commission was set up to design the new rifle and they came up with the model, 1888, known as the Commission Rifle. It used a 5 shot Mannlicher clip fed action paired with the new Mauser designed 7.92 (8mm/8X57) .318 Bore Cartridge and featured a unique jacketed barrel and an unusual rear sight. Later versions were upgraded for the new 8mm cartridge and had stripper clip rails added. These guns were well liked and served Germany up through World War I. These rifles were made by several arsenals from 1890 to 1893, and were used by several countries up through WWII, most notably Turkey. Although the issue rifle was replaced during World War I by the modern Mauser Model 1898 rifle, many Imperial German soldiers are pictured with the Model 88 rifle in unit photographs and individual cabinet photographs. It certainly was used extensively as a training weapon and also saw action in the Great War as replacement units reached the front."

From http://www16.brinkster.com/m88/commission88.html -

"All Gewehr 88's were manufactured prior to 1899 and are classified as antiques under U.S. federal law, and do NOT require any sort of license to buy, own, or ship across state lines.

"S" stamped on barrel: Indicates a rifle with a newly made (not re-rifled) “Z” barrel with the chamber bored out to accept the larger diameter (8.22mm as opposed to 8.1mm) S-Patrone ammunition. Modification dates from 1903."