Steyr Gewehr Model 88

Manufacturer: Steyr
Caliber: M/88
Barrel: 29.1
Bore Condition: Good
This is a no reserve penny auction for a Steyr Gewehr Model 88 bolt-action rifle in M/88. Serial number- 1694d. This rifle was manufactured in 1894. This is an excellent example of the iconic German Gewehr 1888 "Commission Rifle", also known as the Gewehr 88, or GEW 88. It was manufactured by the Steyr Mannlicher firearms division of Österreichische Waffenfabriksgesellschaft (ŒWG, Austrian Arms-Manufacturing Company) in Austria. It is worth taking a close look at this rifle not only to admire the condition of this 125-year-old rifle but also what looks like "trench art" of a bird on the left side of the stock, tally marks also on the left side, and part of a name on the right side that look like "Jo Chin". China was known to import Model 88s. The bore looks particularly great considering the age of the rifle and the corrosive ammunition used at the turn of the 20th century!
<br />
<br />The Gewehr Model 88 was developed after the French had adopted the Lebel Model 1886. Which was superior to the German 1871 the German Army had. The 1888 had a short service life when small arms advancements jumped forward with the creation of Smokeless Powder. The Legendary Gewehr 1898 would replace the Model 1888, which served in two World Wars and inspired the designs of other Military and sporting rifles.
<br />
<br />The Model 1888 fires M/88 rounds. Although very similar to the 7.92×57mm Mauser. The M/88 cartridge has a much lower muzzle velocity and energy! The 7.92×57mm Mauser replaced M/88 in 1905, after this rifle was manufactured so unless this rifle was upgraded, it should not be used to fire 7.92×57mm rounds.