Offered here is a well preserved example of a Gewehr 1888/05, commonly referred to as the G88 Commission Rifle. This rifle was manufactured in 1890 at the Amberg Arsenal, representing an early production example of the Gewehr 88 system adopted by the German Empire.
Overall the rifle presents very well for its age and retains strong historical character. The metal surfaces show honest age and use consistent with a military service rifle, and the rifle does not appear to have undergone heavy modern alteration. Importantly, unlike many examples that experienced extensive refurbishment programs overseas, this rifle shows relatively limited modification during later Turkish service, allowing much of the original German configuration and markings to remain visible.
A particularly desirable feature of this rifle is the presence of Imperial German regimental markings, which provide insight into the rifle’s early military service. These markings are located on the barrel bands.
The front barrel band is marked:
B.11.R.1.234
This marking likely corresponds to the 11th Bavarian Infantry Regiment, 1st Company, weapon number 234, indicating that the rifle was issued to a Bavarian unit of the Imperial German Army during its early service life.
The second barrel band is additionally marked:
R.E.15.137
This marking is associated with a Reserve / Ersatz (replacement or reserve) unit, suggesting that the rifle later passed through the German reserve or replacement system during its military service. The presence of both regimental and reserve unit markings offers an interesting glimpse into the rifle’s service history.
Additional Imperial German inspection and acceptance marks are visible on various components of the rifle, confirming its original German military manufacture and inspection. The bolt bears a Turkish crescent inspection mark, indicating the rifle likely passed through Turkish or Ottoman inventory at some point after its German service. Importantly, this crescent marking is only visible on the bolt, while the rest of the rifle retains original Imperial German inspection and acceptance marks, suggesting that the rifle did not undergo extensive Turkish refurbishment and still preserves much of its original German military character.
Overall, this rifle represents a well preserved and historically interesting example of the Gewehr 88, retaining clear military markings and showing relatively limited later alterations.
For collectors and researchers, we have photographed a large number of detailed close-up images of the rifle and its markings, allowing collectors to carefully examine and analyze the rifle’s condition, markings, and historical features.
Specifications
Manufacturer: Amberg Arsenal
Model: Gewehr 88 (Commission Rifle)
Year of Manufacture: 1890
Origin: German Empire
Caliber: 8×57mm Mauser
Action: Bolt Action
Configuration: Military configuration
Notable Features: Bavarian regimental markings, reserve unit markings, Turkish crescent inspection mark on bolt
