April 11-13, 2023 Firearms and Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/13/2023
Gewehr 88 bolt action carbine manufactured by either Schilling or Haenel. These unusual commercially proofed Gewehr 88s were produced by by Schilling and Haenel for commercial sales, utilizing finished parts and components that were remaining after the Gewehr 88 rifle/carbine's military contract, and were offered in a variety of configurations and calibers. This example, likely manufactured by Schilling (Odd serial number and "(Crown)/ S" proof), looks more like a shortened version of a Gewehr 88 rifle, as compared to the actual Gewehr 88 carbine, featuring a full length barrel shroud as well as a solid walnut stock that ends 4 - 3/8" from the muzzle. The receiver bears no manufacturer marks over the chamber, with (what is likely Schilling) crowned factory inspector proofs on the right and "2,75g G.B.P./ St.m.G." stamped on the left. Underside of receiver bears a German "(Crown)/ N" commercial nitro proof. Left side of receiver bears the remnants of an "a" suffix, likely having been scrubbed at the time of commercial refurbishment. Stock bears matching crowned factory inspector proofs. Receiver, bolt assembly, buttplate, and sling swivels are in-the-white, while remaining components are blued. 17 - 1/2" barrel features a brass front sight, which appears to be a period replacement. All numbers are matching and include the receiver, barrel (both on the underside beneath the woodline), rear sight ladder assembly, bolt assembly, trigger guard, barrel band, as well as the stock. CONDITION: Very good overall, with blued components retaining generous amounts of their factory applied blue finish, exhibiting some areas of wear and thinning that show through to a pleasant brown patina. In-the-white components exhibit some age related discoloration and some mild surface oxidation, but are otherwise fine. Buttplate exhibits areas of dark oxidation. Bore is bright, exhibiting some mild pitting and good rifling throughout. Stock exhibits some scattered marks from handling and storage, but is otherwise fine.