This rifle was manufactured as a Mannlicher M.1888 rifle in the late 1880-s, and consequently it was upgraded to M.1888/90 with the new calibration plates installed on both sides of the rear sights for the more powerful cartridge, "Scharfe Patrone M.1890". Caliber: 8 x 50 mm, rimmed. Mannlicher M.1888/90 rifle was a standard infantry weapon of Austria-Hungary in the period of 1890-1917. The rifle was manufactured without a handguard. The maker's markings are stamped on the receiver, "OEWG" (Oesterreichische Waffenfabriks - Gesellschaft, Steyr). The Austro-Hungarian military acceptance markings, "W-n, Double Headed Eagle, 88", are stamped on the chamber. There are no "Second Quality" stamps ("II", "IIQ") on any parts, that usually indicate that the rifle was manufactured as a commercial weapon for export. The trigger guard/magazine assembly displays letters, "K" and "L". The serial number is stamped on the left side of the chamber. Left side of the stock marked with serial number (not matching) and right beyond trigger guard stock is marked "ST". Regimental markings on buttplate "102 R 41". The rear sights show dual calibration, from 500 to 1800 paces on the left side, and up to 3000 paces on the right side. The right side calibration was used to fire the rifle at long distances using the slider on the right side of the rear sights ladder and the pin on the right side of the middle barrel band. Integral clip-loaded Mannlicher box magazine for five rounds. Bayonet lug is on the left side of the nose cap. The latter has also a stacking rod. Safety lever is located on the back of the receiver. Overall length: 50.5 inch. Barrel length: 30.25 inch. No import markings. Original military configuration. CONDITION: Fine. About 60% of blue finish is still on metal. Most of the finish wear is on barrel bands and on the barrel (a result of over cleaning). Some blue finish is turning to brownish color. Some scattered patina. The bore is in very good condition with strong rifling, but with some darkness. Action is still very crisp. All the internal parts of the rifle are in very good condition with no obvious wear. All the markings and numbers on metal are clearly visible. The stock is solid with usual handling marks, dings and scratches, but with one cracks on the right side beyond metal. Interesting early straight pull rifle for the advanced Mannlicher collector. Serial # 4262 M
