Gew 88 Rifle Serial Number Survey

Re: Gew 88 Rifle Serial Number Survey

feeds@yuku.com (Plevna) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:43:31 GMT

C96Guy: Giving it the old college try, expanding contacts here and abroad certainly can't hurt! Any and all input would be greatly appreciated and I think it's worth a go. At a bare minimum, Old Western Scrounger imported 15,000 of these from Ecuador -- and where did all of these go? Discounting those which were parted out, there surely must have been several hundred (or thousand) which were rebuilt and I have not recorded anywhere near that many serial numbers.
...

Re: Gew 88 Rifle Serial Number Survey

feeds@yuku.com (C96Guy) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:04:35 GMT

Plevna,
I agreee that eventually we'll reach a point of diminishing returns, having said that I believe these rifles will continue to suface at auctions, estate sales and the backs of closets.
I think the way to really obtain the data needed to fill in the gaps and that elusive 1897 chamber date is to expand internationally.
I will contact my shooting and collecting friends in Danmark and ask them to furnish the data on their 1888 rifles, ( Arsenal Name and Date as well...

Re: Gew 88 Rifle Serial Number Survey

feeds@yuku.com (Plevna) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 01:25:34 GMT

C96Guy: Great question! I have not yet done an arsenal by arsenal and year by year comparison of the previous compilation with the list I've been working on this past year so I cannot provide any precise figures at this time. One thing that has jumped up at me is finding a clear photograph of an 1899 (!) Amberg Gew 88 showing how late this model was produced at that arsenal. I also recall seeing a couple of additional "high" numbers from other arsenals. All in...

Re: Gew 88 Rifle Serial Number Survey

feeds@yuku.com (C96Guy) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:24:32 GMT

PLEVNA
Have any of the serial numbers furnished after you compiled your production numbers, changed or significantly altered you previous conclusions?
ie.. new serial number increases production number of Spandau rifles in 1895 ??

Re: Gew 88 Rifle Serial Number Survey

feeds@yuku.com (Plevna) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 23:20:27 GMT

butler: Thank you kindly! These have been duely noted and all numbers are greatly appreciated!

Re: Gew 88 Rifle Serial Number Survey

feeds@yuku.com (butler) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:34:56 GMT

A couple more

Spandau 1890 S 781t
Lowe Berlin 1891 S 325a

Re: Gew 88 Rifle Serial Number Survey

feeds@yuku.com (Plevna) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 01:18:27 GMT

Doug: Thank you much for contributing your serial numbers to the ongoing study. Intriguingly, of the several hundred Gew 88 serial numbers recorded thus far, 1895 Spandaus are rather far and few between. Of the 10 rifles for this year, the highest serial to date is 9389l (L).

Re: Gew 88 Rifle Serial Number Survey

feeds@yuku.com (Doug Strong) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 18:24:07 GMT

I should list mine:

Lowe 401d 1891
Spandau 3512c 1895
Spandau 6306v 1890
Spandau 2017d Year Unclear
Maker unclear 3679d? Year Unclear

Re: Gew 88 Rifle Serial Number Survey

feeds@yuku.com (Plevna) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:15:43 GMT

C96Guy -- Once again I am indebted to your keen eyes! Thank you much! I also received your private message and have added those markings to the slowly expanding lists of regimental markings and serial numbers.

Re: Gew 88 Rifle Serial Number Survey

feeds@yuku.com (C96Guy) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:52:59 GMT

Found another one for you. This is off an Gew 88/05 marked as follows.
AMBERG 1890
serial number 2323 J

Re: Gew 88 Rifle Serial Number Survey

feeds@yuku.com (Plevna) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 21:32:07 GMT

majspud -- Thank you much! Every serial number is appreciated!

Re: Gew 88 Rifle Serial Number Survey

feeds@yuku.com (majspud) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:07:11 GMT

And mine:

1890 Loewe, 9478q
bolt matches separately
Turkish markings

MS

Re: Gew 88 Rifle Serial Number Survey

feeds@yuku.com (Plevna) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 11:19:54 GMT

hammer09 -- Welcome aboard! I hope you'll drop back in an visit with us on a regular basis. Thank you so very much for contributing your serial number to the ongoing study. Be assured that every bit of information is useful. Your number is the highest I have seen to date for an 1891 Loewe Berlin Gew 88.

Re: Gew 88 Rifle Serial Number Survey

feeds@yuku.com (hammer09) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 09:49:02 GMT

Hi, I bought an 88 at a auction about 5years ago and haven't had the nerve to try and shoot it. My k98 is apears a little safer.
Mine is a Loewe Berlin 1891 ser.#9572 t with the S. The bolt is marked 2740 and the safty 42. its in overall nice condition but the bore is dark. Hope the info helps.

Re: Gew 88 Rifle Serial Number Survey

feeds@yuku.com (Plevna) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:35:45 GMT

PROCSHOT -- The "65" above the "n" on the lower left side of the receiver should be the serial number for your 1890 Spandau Gew 88. I'm not sure what the right angle "1" indicates. Would it be possible to post a clear a photograph of this?

Are there by chance any regimental markings on your rifle? These typically appear on the front and/or rear barrel bands (sometimes these are marked by by "XXXXX") and less frequently on...

Re: Gew 88 Rifle Serial Number Survey

feeds@yuku.com (PROCSHOT) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 17:57:41 GMT

First of all, thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. I read you response as to the location of the serial# and the only numbers on the front left side of my receiver is #65 with what looks like an "n" underneath. On one of the 65's there is a "1" stamped at a right angle. Does this make any sense to you?

Re: Gew 88 Rifle Serial Number Survey

feeds@yuku.com (Plevna) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 03:07:27 GMT

When it rains, it pours!!

Re: Gew 88 Rifle Serial Number Survey

feeds@yuku.com (luv2sing2) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 21:19:01 GMT

Hello,
I and my husband just acquired a very old rifle. We have found that it is a Gew 88 Spandau with the year being 1892. Under the Gew 88 are the initials n.m. There is another number listed in several places on the gun. That number is 9384. Above the Spandau name is an S and a Z. Also On the magazine well-cover is a J.

Overall the gun looks very used. Not being an antique gun oficionado, I hope I've given you enough information for you to tell me a little bit...

Re: Gew 88 Rifle Serial Number Survey

feeds@yuku.com (PROCSHOT) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 17:12:04 GMT

Hi, I am a new member who has a Gew 88 which my brother had in his collection. I am not a shooter but am interested in the history of this gun. In the process of cleaning it here's what info. I have discovered: the receiver is marked Spandau 1890 with an "S" and crown above it. There are Turkish markings on the bolt. I suppose the serial# is 0569 which is on the bolt handle. There is a #90 stamped on the safety. The left side of the receiver has the GEW 88 marking and the...

Re: Gew 88 Rifle Serial Number Survey

feeds@yuku.com (C96Guy) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 23:09:02 GMT

I've been cruising thru some of the auction boards and I have found a couple of 1888 Commission Rifles for sale.
Auction Arms has a couple of parts guns less stocks and a nice 1888 all german that was not modified for the 88/05 conversion.
I am not connected with these auctions in any way.
There is a like new original stock on sale, but I forgot which one has it. I hang out on Auction Arms or Gunbroker
I have an extra complete rear sight (non Turked)...

Gew 88 Rifle Serial Number Survey

feeds@yuku.com (Plevna) — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 22:27:50 GMT

As every great journey begins with but a single step, perhaps the present listing of Gew88s arranged by arsenal, year, and serial numbers suggested by forum member Ferguss may have some utility in establishing the baseline information needed to better estimate the total production of these rifles. As I understand, aside from each years production being independently dated serial numbers appearing early in the year began with 1 and progressed to 9999 at which point the numerical sequence was...