WWI Antique LUDWIG LOEWE Gewehr 88 Bolt Action GERMAN 7.92mm MILITARY Rifle 1891 Dated MODEL 88 “COMMISSION RIFLE”

Product Description

WWI Antique LUDWIG LOEWE Gewehr 88 Bolt Action GERMAN 7.92mm MILITARY Rifle

1891 Dated MODEL 88 “COMMISSION RIFLE”

Here we present an antique Ludwig Loewe Gewehr 88, also referred to as the Model 88 Commission Rifle, made circa 1891 in Berlin, Germany with a production run between 1888 and 1899. The Gewehr 88 was a late 19th-century German bolt action rifle, adopted in 1888. The invention of smokeless powder in the late 19th century immediately rendered all of the large-bore black powder rifles then in use obsolete.

To keep pace with the French, who had adopted smokeless powder “small bore” ammunition for their Lebel Model 1886 rifle, the Germans adopted the Gewehr 88 using its own new M/88 cartridge, which was also designed by the German Rifle Commission. The rifle was one of many weapons in the arms race between the Germanic states and France, and with Europe in general. There were also two carbine versions, the Karabiner 88 for mounted troops and the Gewehr 91 for artillery. Later models provided for loading with stripper clips and went on to serve in World War I to a limited degree. Unlike many German service rifles before and after, it was not developed by Mauser, but rather the arms commission, and Mauser was one of the few major arms manufacturers in Germany that did not produce Gewehr 88s.

These rifles were originally chambered for 7.92mm Patrone 88 ammunition and had a fixed magazine. As with virtually all Gewehr 88 rifles in service, this example was converted to take the 7.92x57mm Mauser “S” Patrone and has an “S” stamped above the cylinder, indicating the conversion. The Spitzer-shaped S cartridge was ballistically superior to the M/88, however, the chamber required modification to accept the thicker walled shell casing.

The overall condition is good. This example is re-finished. Strong action. The bore is bright and nicely rifled. Solid stock with an average amount of wear and a re-varnish. Markings are legible. Numbers on the barrel and receiver match.

Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.

Barrel is 29-1/2 inches.

Caliber: 7.92mm (8mm) Mauser

Overall condition as seen in photos.

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$1200
#250677