Maximus1917 Posted 16 October , 2018 Share Posted 16 October , 2018 (edited) Hello all, Can anyone shed some light on the unit markings on my Gew 1888? Also the other 3 stamping on the breach. I know the "S" is for the modification of the new round and Spandau is the manufacture. Many Thanks Max Edited 16 October , 2018 by Maximus1917 More photos Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trajan Posted 16 October , 2018 Share Posted 16 October , 2018 (edited) Welcome! Those three in a line crowned letters on the receiver are the inspector's acceptance marks for parts of the rifle (barrel, etc.) - but I can't rememember the order they came in! The small letter above the centre mark was added when the rifle was adapted for S ammunition - so dates to 1905 or later. Have a look also on the left side of the barrel behind the receiver ring - if there is a 'Z' there then the rifling was deepened also that mark dates to 1896 or later. Does it have the rounded edges on the rear sight as usual on the 'S' rifle? I need to think on the Unit mark... But initial thoughts are Landsturm... Trajan Edited 16 October , 2018 by trajan amplify Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maximus1917 Posted 16 October , 2018 Author Share Posted 16 October , 2018 2 hours ago, trajan said: Landsturm Hi trajan, thanks for the super quick reply. It appears to only have the "S" I can't see any letter "Z" on it. Part of the rear site looks like its been replaced as in photos? (Added some more) Max Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trajan Posted 17 October , 2018 Share Posted 17 October , 2018 14 hours ago, Maximus1917 said: ... the other 3 ... I know the "S" is for the modification of the new round and Spandau is the manufacture Doing this when I can between classes - a full day today! I have copied and show below the receiver markings. From right in order - I think - they were applied: Receiver hardened Barrel and bolt fired Barrel and bolt ready/finished Mark above central letter confirms accepted as adapted to Gew.88/05 specification Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trajan Posted 17 October , 2018 Share Posted 17 October , 2018 18 hours ago, Maximus1917 said: ... Can anyone shed some light on the unit markings on my Gew 1888? Max I have looked at the regulations for 1873, 1877 and 1909, and can't find anything at all that might fit... And not seen one like it before...Landsturm should be an Italic 'L', not a regular upright 'L', as here, which would be Landwehr... But St. is Stabswache, so staff quard for a Battalion II... I am wondering if somebody 'made it up on the spot', as it were, lacking the required Italic 'L', and this is meant to be Landsturm Infanterie Bataillon II Stabswache 5 Komagnie Waffe 8... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maximus1917 Posted 17 October , 2018 Author Share Posted 17 October , 2018 Thanks for the info Trajan. Find all this fascinating. It's a well used example, but has loads of character. Max Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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