Weapon No 72
Rifle 7.92 mm GEW M1888
When the French in 1886 adopted the 8 mm Lebel, using smokeless powder cartridges,
it caused the Germans to search for a suitable counter weapon.
This was the result. It was actually developed by a German Army Commission
and combines the magazine of the 'Mannlicher' with bolt features of the
'Mauser Model 1871/1874'. It is frequently called a 'Mauser' and also a 'Mannlicher',
but it is in fact neither. This particular rifle was made by Spandau in 1890.
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Weapon No 73
Carbine 7.92 mm GEW M1888
A modified version of Weapon No 72. It was originally
made in 1891 at the Arsenal at Danzig. It retains the barrel jacket of the original
model but both the barrel and jacket have been shortened to bring it in
line with the KAR 88. This weapon has crude Arabic characters on the receiver
which indicate that it probably saw service in North Africa or the Middle
East.
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Weapon No 74
Carbine 7.92 mm GEW M1888 (Modified)
Although this carbine has all the characteristics of the original KAR 88,
it also has a barrel jacket which indicates that it is most likely
a modified Gewehr 88.
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Weapon No 75
Rifle 7.92 mm GEW M1888 (Charger Loading)
Another modified form of the GEW 1888. The barrel length is the same
as that of the KAR 98, a sword bar is fitted, but there is no stacking
hook as on the KAR. The magazine is that of the Model 1888 and the rifle
has been adapted for charger loading.
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Weapon No 77
Rifle 7.92 mm Mannlicher M1904
Originally listed by the German Military Commission as 'M88 or Mauser
and Commission' indicating that it is neither Mauser nor Mannlicher. It
utilises a modified Mannlicher 5 round magazine, the bolt lever projects
at right angles and this model has also been provided with a handguard.
Most of these rifles were made by L Loewe & Co of Berlin. Others were
made by private firms. This rifle was made by Steyr of Austria in 1904.
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Weapon No 78
Carbine 7.92 mm Mannlicher M1893
An Austrian-made version of the KAR 88, made at Steyr-Werke.
Apart from its place of manufacture, it is the same as the German model.
The year of manufacture was 1914.
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