I don't know much about old rifles but I came across a 1891 build Commission rifle with a 1914 Turkish conversion. Its all there and fully functional and retains the 'shrouded' barrel, the original sling but no bayonette. The gun looks really good but I have no idea what it's worth or if it is a rare find. The guy wants 300 bucks. Am I stupid to pass or should I pick this up?
1888 Commission rifle
- Thread starter Boulevard
- Start date
.30/06 FTW
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Thunder Bay, Ontario
Nabs will be along shortly to advise you (or try to buy it before you do! 
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There was no "1914 Turkish conversion" though a large number of Gewehr 88.05s ended up with Turkey from 1916 to 1918 and were retained as active service rifles until the 1970s. Parts were swapped by the Germans and Turkish to keep these rifles in service so I wouldn't expect a matching numbers piece.
She could possibly be an 88.05 that has the charger guides riveted or sodered to the rear bridge, a partial thumb cut on the left receiver wall, and most likely "S" marked on the receiver with the backwards compatibility thumb cut in the bottom of the receiver for the older Patrone 88 rounds. Conversion of some of the 88s to take the spitzer round and make use of the Mauser charger clips began in 1905 and went to 1907 I believe and were done in Germany by arsenal armourers. The bottom of the magazine may also have a dust cover that was put on by the Germans in late 1914, early 1915. These are usually marked either with an "E in a bell / 1914" or "G.B.N. /1915". The 1915 covers seem to be rarer then the 1914 ones.
Price can vary quite a bit of these rifles due to condition, matching numbers, unit markings, bore condition...etc. If it is a full military in good condition, $300 is a very good price IMO.
What is the maker stamped on the receiver ?
Pictures would be great once you get her.
@ 30-06...I have an addiction, its not my fault !
She could possibly be an 88.05 that has the charger guides riveted or sodered to the rear bridge, a partial thumb cut on the left receiver wall, and most likely "S" marked on the receiver with the backwards compatibility thumb cut in the bottom of the receiver for the older Patrone 88 rounds. Conversion of some of the 88s to take the spitzer round and make use of the Mauser charger clips began in 1905 and went to 1907 I believe and were done in Germany by arsenal armourers. The bottom of the magazine may also have a dust cover that was put on by the Germans in late 1914, early 1915. These are usually marked either with an "E in a bell / 1914" or "G.B.N. /1915". The 1915 covers seem to be rarer then the 1914 ones.
Price can vary quite a bit of these rifles due to condition, matching numbers, unit markings, bore condition...etc. If it is a full military in good condition, $300 is a very good price IMO.
What is the maker stamped on the receiver ?
Pictures would be great once you get her
.@ 30-06...I have an addiction, its not my fault !
@ Ganderite
Top one is an 88.05 converted by Turkey during the 1930s to closely resemble the 1903 pattern. They are typically called 88.05.38s but the last two digits can be changed for the conversion year on the receiver.
The bottom one is an 88.05 second variation that looks to have been refurbished in Turkey during the 1930s (blued receiver). The rear sight is most likely graduated in western arabic numerals. Is the maker on the receiver "Loewe Berlin" by chance ?
Top one is an 88.05 converted by Turkey during the 1930s to closely resemble the 1903 pattern. They are typically called 88.05.38s but the last two digits can be changed for the conversion year on the receiver.
The bottom one is an 88.05 second variation that looks to have been refurbished in Turkey during the 1930s (blued receiver). The rear sight is most likely graduated in western arabic numerals. Is the maker on the receiver "Loewe Berlin" by chance ?
The sights are in turkish, the magazine plate has a single Turkish emblem, it is outfitted for stripper clips, it has Turkish stampings on most components, the maker is Danzig, the stock is without cracks but appears un-refinished and I am told that the barrel is good for the age. I am going by memory so not pictures. I could be wrong about the single Turkish stamping on the magazine plate but I think I'm right. The gun is fully operable and was able to cycle a dummy round. The action was very smooth.
Is the receiver "in the white" or blued ? Is the rear sight graduated in Fashi text (you probably won't be able to read the numbers during first glance) or western arabic numerals ?
I do not recall any Turkish marked or made magazine covers but I have learned from 88 collecting to expect the unexpected. I would be interested in any pictures you may take should you go after the rifle.
Danzig rifles are very well made and have a unique crown stamp on the receiver that is not duplicated by other arsenals.
She sounds like a wonderful rifle.
I do not recall any Turkish marked or made magazine covers but I have learned from 88 collecting to expect the unexpected. I would be interested in any pictures you may take should you go after the rifle.
Danzig rifles are very well made and have a unique crown stamp on the receiver that is not duplicated by other arsenals.
She sounds like a wonderful rifle
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