GEW 88 left to me by my father. looking for information

[cactusmanbwl]

hello, my father left me a gew 88 and i'm looking for some information about it. i posted some pictures of all the markings i can find on the rifle. it seems like most of them match up except for the bolt . i was also wondering what it might be worth. thank you for your assistance.

Information

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[Calif-Steve]

Looks like a nice Turk Gew88 to me. They run wide ranges in value, perhaps $325.00? Just noticed, you have a Czech bolt.

[Claven2]

That is what I would call a Type1 Gew88/05 that saw Turkish service. From what you show, it looks to be matching.

For reference, there are basically three types, from most to least desireable (in my opinion):

Type 1) In original German issue condition, usually with the rear sight milled and re-stamped with graduations in turkish. Purportedly done in Germany before the rifles were shipped to the Ottoman Empire in the 1916-1917 timeframe as war aid.
Type 2) Still in Gew88/05 configuration, but refurbed by the turks before 1938. Everything will be re-blued and a mix-match of parts.
Type 3) Converted to the Gew88/05/38 configuration without barrel jacket.

The type 1 guns are generally the nicest condition 88/05 guns most people will encounter and are often rather nice. I have one in exceptional condition that I had to pay in the $700 range to acquire.
Your example could use a little TLC, but should clean up amazingly well. Essentially you need ot lightly rub the "in the white" portion of hte receiver with oiled bronze wool to remove the grime and oil staining. The rest of the metal could use some cleaning as well, but it must be gentle! you do nto want to remove any finish or patina.

The wood could use a rub with a soft cotton cloth soaked in alcohol. this will remove the surface grime but not affect the original finish. Then give it a LIGHT hand-rub with raw linseed oil and buff that off. It will remove all the grime and bring out the lustre of the original finish.

Nice find that should clean up much better than the average Gew88.

Almost forgot - the Turkish bolts are almost universal on these ex-turkish 88's. After 1918, the British occupation forces got lazy and rather than seize the rifles in excess of quota under Versailles Treaty conditions, they just confiscated and smelted all the bolts. Turkey essentially "privileged" their M1903 mausers and kept those for their post-war (smaller) forces and turned in the non-stanard guns for this treatment, supposedly rendering them useless.

After the British left and the Versailles Treaty was less-actively enforced, the Turks contracted with CZ sometime in the late 1920's and bought replacement Czech-made bolts for all these Gew88's. they are considered the "correct" bolt for an 88 that went to Turkey.

Check out this post, it should be helpful:

https://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=44083

[Calif-Steve]

Claven2- nicely done. I believe the Turks turned in their Martini rilfles for destruction. I have seen photos of huge piles of Martinis being destroyed. They failed to turn in the Gew88's and the Gew98's. I guess the Brits were most anxious to get finished and get moving on. Lots of Brits did 4 years in the Middle east and were simply ready to go home.

[cactusmanbwl]

Thank you everyone for the information. I've taken it apart and am going to post a couple more pictures. I think I'm going to clean it all up and sell it.

[cactusmanbwl]

here's some pictures of it broken down. the barrel has no rust but has some thick grease on it. and the wood seems to be in good condition.

[Claven2]

I don't intend to get preachy, but if my Dad left me such a nice Gew88/05, I would NOT sell it.

Perhaps you might want to shoot it (try replicating the WW1 154gn load of the 8mm Mauser cartridge) before making any rash decisions.

[cactusmanbwl]

i took it to a local antique gun dealer and he seemed to know a good amount about it. he offered me 125 for the rifle but he wanted to fire it first. i told him i'd think about it. he wanted to fire an 8mm round through it. i have seen alot about how these rifles barrels are changed and i'm scared to let him shoot it. i dont want anyone to get hurt or the rifle to be damaged. i felt like 125 was also a very low ball offer considering some of what i've seen on this site.

---------- Post added at 02:50 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:47 PM ----------

@claven2 i understand the sentiment. me and my father mostly shot hand guns together and i have a couple of those that i'm keeping for the sentimental value. i never new he had this one and dont really feel a connection to it.

[Calif-Steve]

Perhaps a son or cousin might want it? My cousin sold off my Uncles K98 (vet bringback). My Uncle was in the same unit as the Band of Brothers and knew all of the guys. After he passed my cousin sold that rifle and gave my Aunt the money. I was just sick for days after that. Take your time selling it and yes it is worth $300.00 plus.

[Claven2]

$125 is pawn shop desperate. Even if you don;t do a thing to it, it would bring over $300 on gunbroker IMHO.