Matching Erfurt Arsenal Karabiner 88 Bolt Action Rifle In 8mm, 1894 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,225.00
WOA#: WY240526MC007
Make: Erfurt Arsenal, Germany
Model: Kar. 88
Serial Number: 7463
Year of Manufacture: 1894
Caliber: 8mm Mauser (7.92x57mm)
Action Type: Bolt action, fed by en-bloc clips.
Markings: The receiver is marked, “S ERFURT 1894 / 7463 i / Kar. 88 n.m.” This rifle is all matching. The forend cap is marked, “R.P.C.31.2” There are various German proofs throughout.
Barrel Length: 17.5”.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a triangular post set atop the forend cap. The rear sight is a V-notched flip-up ladder sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a single piece wood with a forend cap, barrel band W/ sling bar, through bolt, straight wrist, sling well, straight comb, and steel buttplate. There are scratches and pressure dents throughout. There are no chips, but the heel of the stock is cracked. The LOP is 13” Overall this stock set rates at a Good condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is worn. There is light erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates at a 8/10 as an Antique.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 70% of its metal finish. There is patina and thinning throughout. There are scratches, and nicks throughout. The action has moderate wear. The screw heads range from lightly tooled to worn. The markings are mostly clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Leather sling, 2 en-bloc clips.
Our Assessment: The Gewehr 88, often referred to as the “Commission Rifle,” was a significant development in German military firearms at the end of the 19th century. It was officially adopted by the German Empire in 1888, marking a departure from the earlier single-shot black powder rifles to a more modern, bolt-action design capable of utilizing smokeless powder cartridges. The rifle was developed by a commission of military experts rather than a single firearms manufacturer, which is why it is known as the “Commission Rifle.” This commission was established in response to the introduction of the French Lebel rifle, which used the revolutionary smokeless powder, giving it a significant advantage over black powder rifles. The German military needed a comparable weapon, leading to the rapid development and adoption of the Gewehr 88. Chambered in the 7.92x57mm cartridge (originally known as the M/88), the Gewehr 88 features a five-round en-bloc clip system, which allowed for faster reloading compared to previous single-shot rifles. The rifle was also equipped with a Mannlicher-style action, characterized by its straight-pull bolt, which was somewhat unusual for German rifles of the time but was chosen for its simplicity and reliability. The Gewehr 88 saw extensive service in the German military, particularly during the early years of its adoption. However, it faced criticism for some of its design features, such as the relatively complex and fragile en-bloc clip system. Moreover, early versions of the rifle were found to have issues with gas leakage, which led to modifications in later models. Despite these issues, the Gewehr 88 remained in service for several decades. It was gradually replaced by the Gewehr 98, which became the standard German rifle in the early 20th century. However, the Gewehr 88 continued to see use in various roles, including as a reserve weapon and in colonial forces. The Gewehr 88 also found its way into the hands of other nations and was used in various conflicts around the world. Its widespread distribution and long service life have made it a notable piece of military history, particularly as an example of the transitional period between older black powder rifles and the modern bolt-action designs that would dominate the 20th century.
Today, the Gewehr 88 is a sought-after collector’s item, valued for its historical significance and as a representative of the technological advancements in firearms during the late 19th century. Its design, while flawed in some respects, played an important role in shaping the development of military rifles in the years that followed. -R.E.
