What is this?

[mosinnagantm9130]

The reason I ask is I see these in "good" (read: pretty) condition on gunbroker for 300-400. If MB is right and in its current condition it's worth 200 then it seems like the market will pay double for a shiny one.

Key point you're missing: The market pays more for a shiny original finish one. If you refinished it, it would probably sell for less than what it would as is.

[Bainter1212]

Key point you're missing: The market pays more for a shiny original finish one. If you refinished it, it would probably sell for less than what it would as is.

Yep...keep the sandpaper and cold blue far, far away from this rifle. No shallac, no spray paint, no lettering highlights....if you ever want to sell it for more than $50.
Trust me....as a former Bubba, I have been there. Only regret can possibly result from tampering.

[6mmintl]

I had/sold a pristine 1890 Spandau 88 like yours that I sold for $400 and I mean pristine two years ago. I have 3 now, a 1890 Spadu turk, and two turk 88-05-35/39 .

Your rifles value in its condition is possible $300-$350 but you have to find someone to buy it at that cost/condition. There are quite a few out there to chose from and most collectors will pass on it as its well abused/not taken care of.

If the bore is good they make excellent cast bullet shooters, your rifle/condition/notable heritage, indicates 8x57mm with re-cut (S stamp, longer throat) chamber for spitzer bullets of larger diameter.

If original barrel (Long/thin/tapered) they were susceptible to splitting when used with higher pressure ammo (Turk). and you will need to shoot lower pressure 8x57 no stronger then U.S. production/levels.

Personally in the condition you have and if your a shooter/reloader, I would take it all apart, clean the stock with stiff bristled brushes/mineral spirits, polish the receiver/bolt/safety, fix the sights, bed/correct any cracks around the recoil lug (common) and shoot it with cast bullets, they are very accurate
rifles, have butter smooth actions, and nice triggers typically after cleanup.

[gun toting monkeyboy]

I ended up getting the parts for the bolt a few years back when somebody had a machine shop make a batch of them from scratch.

As for it being worth more, no. In that condition, if you get $200 for it, take the money and run. I have picked up nice ones for that price not all that long ago. In that condition, it isn't really worth much. Sorry.

-Mb

[echo1]

I have 3 GEW 88s. 1 not re-chambered, 1 modified for Spitzer, and 1 Turk re-arsenal 88/05/35. A little better shape than yours. I paid $150 (or less) for all of mine about 3 years ago. I've never shot them or taken them down all the way for fear of finding corrosion under the metal shroud. PAX

[Sleighter]

Well if any of you are interested, my BIL has decided after hearing from all of you to sell it after all. I've listed it in the marketplace if anyone is interested.