S#: 9f | 29” Barrel | Included note states: "Purchased in 1970 as surplus, still in cosmoline." | Antique 1891 Danzig Gewehr 88/05 chambered in 7.92x57mm with matching serial 9f on receiver and barrel. Features crisp stock cartouches, Crown/Danzig receiver with "S" stamp, cleaning rod, and no import markings. Equipped with a replaced Turkish bolt | This rifle is unit marked on both bands from two different time periods, showing a lot of history. First band that’s been struck through reads “71.R.E.3.214” (71st Reserve Infantry Regiment Ersatz Battalion, 3rd Company, Weapon 214) - Originally raised in Erfurt and Sondershausen, this regiment fought extensively at the Battle of the Somme. Because the Gew 88/05 was a secondary-standard rifle by WWI (superseded by the Gew 98), it was sent to their Ersatz (Depot) battalion to arm rear-guard troops or to train fresh replacements before they were issued frontline Gew 98s. | Updated Regiment marking is “25.R.9.149” (25th Infantry Regiment, 9th Company, Weapon 149) - The 25th Infantry Regiment: This unit was stationed in Aachen (Rhineland) and was part of the IX Army Corps. Upon mobilization in August 1914, they marched through Belgium and fought on the Western Front, participating in the brutal Battle of the Marne and trenches at Arras. This rifle was likely carried in these opening campaigns. An excellent example with outstanding historical markings and strong collector appeal still preserved in original cosmoline |||| CONDITION: Excellent. Once cleaned up, it should be excellent. All them markings are crisp and clear. Still has the original cosmoline inside and outside. Once cleaned up, looks to appear to have around 90% of the original blue finish. Mechanically function. Bore should be very good to excellent once cleaned up ||||| CLASS: ANTIQUE