Gew 88 Rifle Serial Number Survey

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santojll23	serial number???	#81	[-]
Posts: 1 (04/13/09 01:07 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	I have a loewe berlin "S" 1891 gew.88 1451c but in the begginig of the barrel says 6489c...???? that means that my rifle is made of parfs os othr rifles???
Plevna		#82	[-]
Posts: 337 (04/13/09 03:00 AM) active member Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Santojll: Glad to have you with us and thank you much for contributing the serial number. Every bit of information is helpful. The 1451c on the receiver ring and 6489c on the bell of the barrel tube indicate that your rifle has parts obtained from at least two different weapons. Such parts mixing is common with Gew 88 rifles and likely occurred at this or that arsenal though the years as the rifle was rebuilt or repaired.
Palimino Stripe		#83	[-]
Posts: 529 (04/25/09 09:00 PM) Veteran member Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	I'm happy to report I got my new 1890 Loewe Berlin today! (New to me anyway!). Fresh from SA, she's gonna be a fun fun fun project. Anyhoo, Serial is a crsip & clear: 311 O I'll soon be posting my last 'new' Gew 88 as soon as it comes in the mail. -Palimino
Plevna		#84	[-]
Posts: 342 (04/25/09 10:08 PM) active member Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Palimino: I extend a tip of my hat and a sincere thank you for your contribution to the slowly growing data base. Like building a house, every brick gets us that much closer! Keep those cards and letters coming!
Terminal99		#85	[-]
Posts: 36 (04/27/09 07:11 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	My newest addition; 1894 Steyr, number 2818 d
Plevna		#86	[-]
Posts: 343 (04/28/09 01:18 AM) active member Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Terminal99: Thank you so much! All additions to the data bank are greatly appreciated.
Palimino Stripe		#87	[-]
Posts: 531 (04/30/09 12:42 AM) Veteran member Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Ta-da! My 'new' Gew 88 arrived today. She's an 1894 Steyr (there seems to be alot of those!). 4812 e -Palimino
Plevna		#88	[-]
Posts: 344 (04/30/09 07:36 AM) active member Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Palimino: Once again, thank you much! Looking over my list of recently collected 1894 Gew 88 serial numbers, I noticed that the "e" block of numbers is the highest I have for that year. The highest 1894 Steyr number I have recorded thus far is 9518e which would put production for that year at 59,518 rifles (likely rounded off to a minimum of 60,000 units). I'll keep looking for numbers and see where this leads. Are there any regimental markings on the last two Gew 88s you purchased?
Palimino Stripe		#89	[-]
Posts: 533 (05/21/09 07:02 PM) Veteran member Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Sorry for the lateness of my reply! But I finally got around to examining my 'new' 88 for regimental markings... The Loewe sadly only retains it's rear band- BUT it is marked thusly: G.R.E 3 94 Which I take it means "Guards Infantry Regiment?" As far as the new Steyr- she's only a barreled receiver... Oh, and I suppose you still have my other Gew 88's regimental markings on file? Just in case ya don't here they are: 1890 Steyr 4210 p Rear band: 27. R. 13. 154 Front band: R. F. 15. 220. 1894 Steyr 1848 d Rear band: nothing Front band: nothing This one was made for export I'm guessing? -Palimino P.s. I loved the fact that for the past few weeks- your last post was number 88 in this thread Last Edited By: Palimino Stripe 05/21/09 07:16 PM. Edited 1 times.
Plevna		#90	[-]
Posts: 355 (05/23/09 01:06 AM) active member Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Palimino: Oops! I'm running behind on checking on postings here. Thank you so much for the recent additions to the slowly expanding data bank. As always, every little bit helps! I hadn't even noticed the #88 posting in this thread -- it must be one of those dreaded "senior moments" creeping up on me. Of late, I've been working on a paper comparing the Gew 88 to the Hanyang Type 88 rifle. I'll keep you posted on this. May your holiday weekend be both safe and pleasant.
mnicrash	GEW88 LOEWE BERLIN	#91	[-]
Posts: 1 (05/27/09 02:05 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Hello I came accross this forum and actually just picked up my first GEW88 about 3 hours ago so here is some info for you. Receiver Loewe Berlin 8399p S 1891 Barrel bell 2963b barrel bands are X'ed out is 18.P.22.153 new stamp 83.RR.5.177 A Turkish creasant moon does appear the magazine has been modified for clips nice workmanship. Now question for you is this 8mm js ready? Have not shot or bought ammo yet going to have it looked at first thank in advance good luck!
Plevna		#92	[-]
Posts: 356 (05/28/09 02:34 AM) active member Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	mnicrash: Thank you much!! It's always a pleasure to record addition serial numbers and regimental markings. By chance were any of the letters in the markings italics? It's always a wise idea to slug the bore of any Gew 88 but if after doing so you're in the ball park of a .321 or .322 bore I understand it is safe to use either Remington or Winchester 8mm Mauser ammunition (these seem increasingly difficult to find, however). Please do NOT use miliary surplus 8mm ammo. Keep in mind that your rifle is a century+ old and treat it accordingly.
30Gov03	Gew 88 Spandau 1890	#93	[-]
Posts: 1 (06/06/09 07:05 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	After too many years without one, I've finally gotten one of these fine old guns again! Gew. 88 on receiver side rail; S / (CROWN) / SPANDAU / 1890 on the receiver ring; 5098m on receiver, barrel, and jacket; G.R.11.164 (on mismatched band). A friend of mine gave this one to me after I helped him move: "Here, you like old guns. Take this home with you." I give him a "Thankyou" every time I see him! Jim
Plevna		#94	[-]
Posts: 358 (06/07/09 01:09 AM) active member Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	30Gov03: Thank you so much for contributing the serial number and regimental marking! I am confident that your 1890 Spandau has found a good home.
djfitzgerald		#95	[-]
Posts: 1 (06/17/09 04:02 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	I have a Gew 88, Steyr 1889, 3055d. It has a spitzer barrel. Can I modify this rifle to accept the stripper clip instead of the en bloc style?
Plevna		#96	[-]
Posts: 359 (06/17/09 07:48 PM) active member Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	dj -- welcome aboard and thank you for the serial number information. Greatly appreciated! To answer your question -- yes, your rifle could be converted to the 88/05 configuration but I would strongely advise not doing so. Several changes would be necessary. These include the obvious things like notching the rearmost portion of the receiver ring, cutting a thumb notch on the left receiver rail, and spot welding the two clip holders on the rear portion of the receiver. Some changes are not so readily obvious, most particularly machining a slot for and installing the cartridge interrupter assembly on the left side of the receiver, cutting out an appropriately sized notch on the interior of the stock to accommodate this, and modifying the trigger guard assembly to accommodate the rounds after they been pushed into the magazine well. For the time, trouble, and parts this would require, you would be better off purchasing a Gew 88/05 (and I see no particular lack of these being offered on Gunbroker.com from time to time). Further, as thse changes would not be an original German arsenal modification any such "after the fact" alterations would severely effect the collector value of the "as is" Gew 88 you have. Taking all of these factors into account, I'd leave well enough alone and enjoy your rifle the way it was originally produced.
panzerschrek	Hello 88's !	#97	[-]
Posts: 1 (06/17/09 11:59 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	I have three gew 88's that I am cleaning up and shooting. I can only give you the number of one at present but will add the otgers. The first is a Turk 1890 SPANDAU, 3484, S on top of receiver ring, the number 4 is on left side of receiver near the GEW 88, has thumb cut-out on receiver wall, has KZT and plethora of other marks under receiver, the trigger parts match the receiver number and so does the shroud, the bolt is in turkish snd I haven't learned to translate those numbers as yet but all the bolt numbers (turkish) appear to match each other. I believe this rifle was restocked at some time because it's way too clean. It shoots very well too. Panzerschrek Last Edited By: panzerschrek 06/21/09 02:45 PM. Edited 1 times.
djfitzgerald		#98	[-]
Posts: 2 (06/18/09 10:04 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	Plevna #96 I have three tins of Romanian army surplus 8MM Mauser. Numrich has the en bloc style clips but states you shouldnt use them with modern ammo. I've read the boards about using Romanian ammo, some say OK, others say no. I really didnt want to modify the Gew88, but I dont want to load single rounds either. I have a 98K on the way, but I'd like to know that this thing is serviceable.
panzerschrek	Modify enbloc	#99	[-]
Posts: 2 (06/21/09 03:17 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	The rifles with stripper capability (88/05) have the receiver wall cut down on the left side for thumb clearance when pushing cartridges into the magazine out of the stripper. If you have a rifle that is not set up that way it would simply be better to get enbloc clips from NUMRICH than to modify the old lady. Be sure it is an S receiver if you are going to use 198 grain spitzer ammo, they are modified for the.323 spitzer ( 8mm (7.92X57JS)). You will also notice a semicircular groove in the top of the receiver ring to provide clearance for the longer, pointed spitzer. If it does not have an S it is most likely set up for the .318 (J) bullet. You can get loads/or load your own for that too. Pre spitzer rifles (.318 barrels) should also have a Z on the receiver to be safe to shoot. The Z was a conversion (prior to going to S) that increased the rifling groove from .318 to .321. This gave more bullet clearance in the grooves and reduced bullet friction and chamber pressure and increased velocity. This had to be done because the original rifles had groove diameters exactly the size of the original roundnose, 227 grain, cylindrical bullet (.318) with all but the rounded nose in contact with the bore. So it produced a lot of friction, barrel wear and breach pressure. The 1903 spitzer was .323 diameter but reduced bullet barrel contact by 65% (because it has an ogive instaed of being a straight cyclinder) so it was still acceptable friction even though the new bullet .323 now, once again, matched the groove diameter (.323). If you are not sure about the bore diameter you should slug the bore for an accurate measurement before firing the rifle. If you don't know how to do this it is best toget a freind who does or take it yo a gunsmith. You can see why GEW 88 shooters are few and far betwwen, you have to know way too much about a single gun's history to get it all together. Nevertheless, I love shooting them, they have great triggers, sights and are very accurate. Last Edited By: panzerschrek 06/24/09 12:25 AM. Edited 2 times.
panzerschrek	'nother one	#100	[-]
Posts: 3 (06/21/09 03:48 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts Report Post	My second gew 88 is an 1891 Danzig.It has an *, Z and S on the top of the receiver. Serial number is 819. It also has a lower case b under the serial number and a y on the left/forward part of the receiver. It also has the lower case nm (script) on the left side (center) of the reciver indicating that it has a barrel & receiver of "new matrerial" (new steel) for improved strength for the chamber/breech. This rifle is not an 88/05 nor is it a Turk. It does not have the thumb cutout.The rifle/magazine is still set up for enbloc.It needs the rearsight ladder and slide; bolt head, safety and firing pin; and a cleaning rod. The receiver, barrel & shroud match. The bolt body does not. Last Edited By: panzerschrek 06/24/09 12:29 AM. Edited 2 times.