Hi All,
Here's another harder to find 88. The formal designation is "88 Rifle adapted for S Ammunition"(Storz).
These were converted in 1915 out of the worry that the standard 88 sights would not be correct when using the updated S. Patrone rounds. The conversion was simple in that new graduations were marked on the rear sight (I am under the impression these were ground and re-marked, rather than new sights being installed) Further, the small flip sight was rendered unusable by having the V-notch milled out. The stocks were marked with a crown/S to indicate the work had been done. Finally, like many 88s with ww1 service, the spring clip dust-cover was added the the magazine to protect from dirt/mud.
Stroz indicated that Samsonwerke was one of the contractors responsible for the conversions, though Prussia likely utilized other sources as well. These had a low survival rate and are reasonably tricky to find today. I know Ernie here has studied these, so I hope he can fill any gaps in my narrative.
This particular example is my 2nd 88 S. The base rifle is a cool fairly early Danzig with the original "G. Mod. 88" siderail designation. The screws appear to have been updated to the new model ones, so perhaps in a prior refurb. It is matching, though it sustained some damage to the rear sight leaf. This could have been field damage, damage from being tossed in a pile, or a prior owner being careless. I've decided to leave as-is for the time being, as I have plenty of other 88s should I choose to go shooting. The price on this one was very low by today's standards, so I don't mind the issue. The stock also has some light old sanding and some gashes on the left buttstock (maybe shrapnel damage).
Here's another harder to find 88. The formal designation is "88 Rifle adapted for S Ammunition"(Storz).
These were converted in 1915 out of the worry that the standard 88 sights would not be correct when using the updated S. Patrone rounds. The conversion was simple in that new graduations were marked on the rear sight (I am under the impression these were ground and re-marked, rather than new sights being installed) Further, the small flip sight was rendered unusable by having the V-notch milled out. The stocks were marked with a crown/S to indicate the work had been done. Finally, like many 88s with ww1 service, the spring clip dust-cover was added the the magazine to protect from dirt/mud.
Stroz indicated that Samsonwerke was one of the contractors responsible for the conversions, though Prussia likely utilized other sources as well. These had a low survival rate and are reasonably tricky to find today. I know Ernie here has studied these, so I hope he can fill any gaps in my narrative.
This particular example is my 2nd 88 S. The base rifle is a cool fairly early Danzig with the original "G. Mod. 88" siderail designation. The screws appear to have been updated to the new model ones, so perhaps in a prior refurb. It is matching, though it sustained some damage to the rear sight leaf. This could have been field damage, damage from being tossed in a pile, or a prior owner being careless. I've decided to leave as-is for the time being, as I have plenty of other 88s should I choose to go shooting. The price on this one was very low by today's standards, so I don't mind the issue. The stock also has some light old sanding and some gashes on the left buttstock (maybe shrapnel damage).
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