Danzig Gewehr 88/05 S Turkish Issue Bolt-Action Rifle, 8mm Mauser (7.92x57), 29.1 in Barrel, 1890 Antique
This Danzig-made Gewehr 88/05 S is an antique 1890 production rifle adapted for stripper-clip loading and later issued in Turkish service. It bears the Crown over "DANZIG 1890" crest, an "S" stamp on the receiver ring, Ottoman crescent acceptance marks, and a boxed "1914" mark on the magazine/floorplate cover. The rifle retains the Commission-style barrel jacket, a full-length walnut stock with unit disc, and clear Imperial German unit/rack markings on the receiver wall, making it a well-documented example with layered service history.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Specific Condition Details: The original German bluing has largely transitioned to a dark plum or "chocolate" patina, consistent with century-old military service. Light surface pitting appears as fine "peppering" along the woodline and on the underside of the barrel shroud.
Bore Overall Condition: Fair - Generally clean, some residue or smudges, slight corrosion.
Bore Rifling: Fair Rifling - Worn rifling, slight loss of definition.
What’s Included
- Danzig Gewehr 88/05 S Turkish Issue bolt-action rifle chambered in 8mm Mauser (7.92x57)
Built at Danzig in 1890 and later updated to the 88/05 pattern, this rifle features the stripper-clip conversion with a charger guide on the rear bridge and a closed en-bloc clip well cover. It feeds a 5-round internal magazine via standard stripper clips, aligning with the period upgrade program applied to Gewehr 88 rifles.
Turkish service and overhaul are indicated by Ottoman crescent acceptance marks and the boxed "1914" emblem on the floorplate cover. The receiver ring retains the Crown over "DANZIG 1890" crest alongside the "S" stamp. An Imperial German unit/rack marking "V. p24. R.12.116.
Gew. 88." is present on the left receiver wall, adding clear provenance to its military career.
The rifle retains its Commission-style sheet-metal barrel jacket along the full-length fore-end and a straight-grip walnut stock with unit disc. Bottom sling swivels are fitted at the middle band and stock toe. Sighting is via a front blade and a tangent rear sight, consistent with the model’s period configuration.
Notable mechanical and configuration details include a straight bolt handle with a round knob, approximate 29.1 inch barrel, and a full-size profile with a 13.0 inch length of pull. Multiple parts show a matching serial number block "8628 r," which supports its cohesiveness as a service-assembled example.