1890 German Danzig Gewehr 88/05 Commission Rifle

As of now, I find this to be the most fascinating gun I own. It was made in 1890, and over the years it had several modifications - all marked and identified. The cool thing is (except for the bolt) it is all numbers matching down to the screws - which means every part is original to this exact rifle!

After a careful takedown, cleaning and inspection, it was off to the range to test fire!

Despite it's age, this rifle performed flawlessly

The 8mm round has some serious kick!

Danzig 1890 with 'S', 'Z' and dot markings
The 'S' indicated it was modified in 1905 for the Spitzer 8mm round
The Z indicated the rifling we re-grooved

OK - let's look at all the matching '9642' serial numbers on this fine old rifle.
Here we see the matching receiver and barrel shroud.

Front barrel band has last three digits '642'

Rear barrel band has them as well

On the other side of the rear barrel band are the regimental markings
This rifle was originally issued to the 121st Regiment, 2nd Division, Rifle number 19

The trigger guard
Notice how the front screw is marked '42'

And the back screw is also marked '42'

Under the barrel, the stock is stamped with the '9642' serial number

...and the trigger mechanism has '42' as well.

This is the underside of the receiver/shroud

The '39' are inspector marks - notice also the X and dot markings

Lots of proofing and inspector marks

After removing the shroud, the barrel is exposed
And here we see the '9642' serial matching barrel

I know what some of these marks are - the 'n.m.' indicates the barrel uses the stronger 'new metal' and the 'Z' indicates is was re-rifled

The receiver is also marked with 'n.m.'

You can also see the Imperial German Crown proof marks, and 'fire eagle' proof

The bolt is Turkish marked

...and the sights were milled down and remarked when this rifle was sent from Germany to Turkey

Despite the sights being milled and remarked, they are still matching to this rifle

The butt stock has a faint '13' above the imperial crown that indicates the arsenal that rebuilt the rifle

...original cleaning rod? Perhaps..

And finally, here's a close-up of the Imperial German Crown acceptance marks on the stock