Royal Prussian Arsenal Gewehr 88 Commission Rifle, 8mm Mauser, 1890 Spandau, S-Conversion, Original Mannlicher Magazine, 24 inch Barrel
This 1890-dated Gewehr 88 was built at the Royal Prussian Arsenal in Spandau and features the S-conversion for the S-Patrone while retaining its original Mannlicher magazine configuration without the 1905 clip-guide. It presents as an antique, collectible example with matching markings noted on bolt components, a jacketed barrel system with muzzle cap, and clear imperial markings including a bold "S" on the receiver ring. Configured for single-shot operation, it offers a historically correct Commission Rifle layout with period-correct sights and furniture.
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: There are signs of wear and handling with scratches, blemishes, and areas of finish loss. The bore shows mild fouling. No clip is included.
What's Included
- Leather sling (installed)
Manufactured by Königliche Gewehrfabrik Spandau and dated 1890 on the receiver ring, this rifle carries period-correct imperial markings: crown-over-letter proofs, "Gew. 88." on the right receiver wall, and a bold "S" denoting the S-conversion. The sight base is marked "7,90," aligning with the period setup.
It retains the original Mannlicher magazine configuration without the 1905 clip-guide, reflecting its early pattern features. Per the supplied configuration, this example is set up for single-shot operation with a 1-round capacity.
The rifle uses the Gewehr 88 jacketed barrel system with a muzzle cap and a split-bridge receiver with a straight bolt handle. The barrel measures 24 inches, and the receiver is steel. A flag safety is fitted as part of the turn-bolt action.
Sighting equipment includes a drift-adjustable front blade and a tangent rear sight with a knurled slider for elevation. The length of pull is 13 inches, giving a traditional handling profile in line with its service-era design.
The full-length hardwood stock is oil-finished and fitted with a steel buttplate with trap, a belly sling ring, and a rear sling swivel. There is no upper handguard. Matching markings were noted on bolt components, adding to its appeal for collectors of Imperial German service arms.