The German "Commission Rifle" was developed in response to an arms race in Europe in the 1880s. The French developed the 8mm Lebel, which fired a "modern" smokeless round. Germany needed the same. The Model 1888 underwent a number of modifications. This rifle was made by Loewe in Berlin in 1891. The original .318 barrels were barrelled(marked S) and rechambered to handle the standard 8mm .323, spitzer round, and stripper clips.
The Model 1888 has a fascinating history of use in early and even later conflicts. It was a first-line German battle rifle from WWI until 1915. It was used in the Boxer Rebellion in China (55 Days at Peking), the 1917 Russian Revolution, the Second Boer War in South Africa, the Irish Rebellion, the Mexican Border War against the US Army, and even the Korean War.
This rifle is in very good condition, given its age of 123 years. Bluing has turned to a 99%+ plum patina. There is no pitting, all script is sharp, the bore is clean with sharp rifling, and it is mechanically perfect. It has the original sling and bayonet with metal scabbard. This rifle is an excellent example of a late 19th or early 20th-century European battle rifle. Ammunition is easily obtainable.
NO TRADES FOR MODER N(9POST 1960)FIREARMS.