AS FA Ankara 1939 Gewehr 88/05/35 Bolt-Action Rifle in 7.92×57 Mauser
Rebuilt at the Ankara military factory in 1939, this Turkish-marked Gewehr 88/05/35 combines late-war German engineering with interwar Turkish upgrades. The long 29.13-inch barrel, Mauser-pattern tangent sight, and charger-guide magazine reflect the comprehensive arsenal conversion, making this rifle a distinctive, collector-worthy example of Turkey’s modernization program.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good – Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling – Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: Minor scratching, scuffing, and blemishing are present.
What’s Included
- Turkish knife bayonet with steel scabbard (serial 72785)
Manufactured under the “T C / AS FA / ANKARA / 1939” crest, this rifle exemplifies Turkey’s effort to standardize captured and surplus Gewehr 88s ahead of World War II. The closed five-round box magazine was modified with charger guides, allowing faster loading with standard Mauser stripper clips.
The replacement 29.13-inch barrel delivers full 7.92×57 Mauser performance, while the salt-blued finish over steel components provides service-grade durability. Turkish crescent-and-star proof marks remain visible, underscoring official acceptance by the Republic’s arsenal.
A full-length, oil-finished walnut stock carries the characteristic Turkish five-point star front band. The stock’s 13-inch length of pull aligns with period infantry dimensions, and iron sights include an inverted-V front blade paired with a tangent ladder rear graduated to 2,000 meters.
Mixed-number bolt parts are typical of AS FA rebuilds, but the action remains smooth and fully functional. Collectors will appreciate the combination of German design lineage and uniquely Turkish alterations that set this 88/05/35 apart from earlier configurations.