It was originally a KAR 88 carbine that looks like it was sold surplus and then someone sporterized it. It's no longer a military collectable but it may have some interest to sporting arms collectors.
Dan 🤠

 

The 1888 series was conceived & introduced within a year as an emergency, in response to the French adoption of the 1886 'Lebel' rifle.
You may be aware that the 'Lebel' was the first military rifle to be chambered for an effective cartridge loaded with a smokeless propellant.
Regrettably, as pointed out, it's appeal has been rendered less valuable due to later modifications to the stock.
Be sure to check that the lands are not worn & the chamber has been modified for Gew98 ammunition. Or "roll your own" rounds.

 

What is "Gew-98 " ammunition ? For the first few years the Gew-98 was fired with both P-88 and S ammo . S ammo was designed to be fired in the Gew-88 . After WWI the Gew-98 was fired with sS ammo . Both P-88 and S ammo was meant to fired in the Gew-88 rifles , but sS ammo was never meant to be fired in any German military Gew-88 rifle .

 

I would say that from the style of the stock that it was made as a sporter in Germany by a talented gunsmith. The fact that the receiver top has been scrubbed and what appears to be a dovetail just ahead of it for possibly a scope mount indicates quality work. It may not even be in 8X57 caliber anymore.
Dan 🤠

 

I appreciate the information on my rifle. I may take it to a gunsmith to measure what caliber is used. In your opinion what would this rifle reasonably sell for?

 

You're probably not looking at a large financial windfall if you sell it, unfortunately. As others have pointed out it lost a lot of collector appeal with the sporterization. I'll disagree to the extent that I don't believe it's lost ALL of its collector appeal. Depending on your location and the local availability of such rifles, it's entirely possible there's a person in your area just crazy about Kar 88s in every way, shape, or form.

Essentially what I'm saying is it likely won't be worth much more than a few hundred bucks, but if you find the right buyer you might get a little more out of it. Super neat rifle, for sure.

 

If you can get a "few" hundred bucks for that, you should slightly smile, grimace, act a little hurt, then take the money and giggle all the way home.

Most gun shops I have dealt with, wouldn't take that rifle for free, because they won't be able to sell it for enough to cover their time.

If you want to maximize your return, put the complete bolt on ebay, and even with the pitting, you might net $150 after fees.

 

If you can get a "few" hundred bucks for that, you should slightly smile, grimace, act a little hurt, then take the money and giggle all the way home.

Most gun shops I have dealt with, wouldn't take that rifle for free, because they won't be able to sell it for enough to cover their time.

If you want to maximize your return, put the complete bolt on ebay, and even with the pitting, you might net $150 after fees.

I hate to say that this thing is worthless besides the bolt, but I can't imagine anyone paying more for the whole rifle than what the bolt would bring on its own.

 

This is what it originally looked like.

 

I appreciate everyone's feedback. I'll be posting another rifle hopefully in original condition and welcome your comments. This one will have an interesting accessory attached.

 

The below rifle has marking of MOD 98, I have acquired it from my father-in-law, since passed. It appears to have a German insignia eagle and what appears to be a swastika symbol below the 8975 stamp. Also attached looks to be an original bayonet and sheath. The rifle looks to be original with even the sling original. I'm curious to learn about it's history, when and where it was made, what military service it was in, would it be something a collector or museum would be interested in and what it value may be worth if sold?




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