which variant 88/05?

[7mmBRmostly]

Not captured in pics on bottom of mag cover is faint very fine 19x4 and a symbol including bit of a hoop like a croquet wicket, presume 1934 refurb?
Third variant? I've asked an Iranian guy to translate the Farsi digits on the bolt.
Thanks in advance.
Ed

 

[Horilka]

This rifle went through all German modifications and then was sent to Turkey. Turkerized M88 is the most common variation we see in Canada. You don't need arabian/persian friend to read the bolt serial - 617.

 

[Nyles]

Looks like a pretty standard Turk reworked Gew 88/05. The Germans would have converted it to the 1905 clip-loading standard, given it to the Turks during WW1. Because its marked using the old Ottoman Turkish alphabet those markings would date before 1928, so it was never upgraded to the 88/05/35 standard.

Farsi uses the Persian alphabet, which is somewhat different from Arabic, which in turn is somewhat different from the old Ottoman Turkish script. I don't know exactly HOW different though, so your Iranian friend may or may not be totally successful.