Bulgarian M88/90 Mannlicher

[Eaglelord17]

Hi all,

Today I have the pleasure of sharing my most recent acquisition a all matching Bulgarian M88/90 Mannlicher. For those that don't know the M88/90 was the main rifle for Bulgaria in the Balkan Wars and WWI (used side by side the M95), as well as the main issued rifle for Austria-Hungary until 1916-1917 when M95s finally over took the M88/90 in quantity. Not nearly as commonly seen as the M95s and when they are usually they are in rough shape or altered. This example shall have a nice place in my collection alongside my 3 Bulgarian M95s in 8x50r.

This rifle also has one of the smoothest bolts I have ever used on a rifle, even smoother than my Swiss rifles and at least comparible to the Krags I have handled! I would like to thank the CGNer who sold me this rifle, I can assure you it will be well taken care of.

In any case here is some photos.

Note the volley sights on the side of the rear sight and the barrel band

Note the double serial number, I don't really understand why this is like that, but all the numbered parts are stamped with both numbers.

Crown 'F' marking is a Bulgarian marking, the other common one being a small lion

Better view of the rear sight, left hand side is for the standard rear sight, right hand side is for the volley sight. Note the sights are in Schritt which is approximately .75 of a metre.

Bolt with both serial numbers

Both serial numbers on the stock as well as a faded rampant lion on the stock

Unsure of this marking on the stock

The other metal parts without serials have this IIQ on them, which as I understand it is a export marker.

 

[Horilka]

Don't see them often, and condition is good, my congratulations.

 

[sail32]

Nice find !

Also related information,

http://www.hungariae.com/

 

[BOHROK]

Beautiful rifle! When you get the chance to shoot it, let us know how it goes!

 

[Coffice]

Fantastic purchase, one of the most underappreciated serving rifles of the Great War. I was close to picking one up a few months ago but missed it.

 

[kjohn]

Nice catch Not at all common.

 

[papy]

What a beauty. Really! Congrats.

 

[RangeRover]

Very nice, and unusual.

 

[Eaglelord17]

So some more information on this rifle. I guess it is not a 88/90 but a M90 as the rifle was never updated from a M88 to a M90 standard. The barrel shank is the earlier type from the M88 rifles but was used up until they went to the later longer shank on the M90 (roughly made in the first half of 1890 based on that). It also has all the features of the Chilean contract, except for the Bulgarian lion on the stock and the dual serial numbers (the crown 'F' isn't actually Bulgarian but rather a Chilean acceptance marking).

The main theory as to why this is like that is the rifle is likely overruns from Chilean production then re-numbered and sent to Bulgaria. It is amazing how little published information there is on these rifles, lots of speculation and opinions.