This is a nice example of a M1888 Commission Carbine. These carbines were made to complement the M1888 Commission rifles and were issued to non-infantry troops such as the Engineer, Artillery and Bicycle corp. prior to WWI. These carbine were the first clip feed carbine employed by the German and Austrian armies and although they used a Mauser style action they were really developed based on the Steyr Mannlicher system. The top of the receiver is marked "C.G. HAENEL" over SUHL 1890" and the receiver side wall is marked "Kar 88". It has the typical Mannlicher stripper clip loading magazine system with the flat spoon handle bolt handle. It has a military style short flip up tangent rear sight graduated form 500-1200 meters with a fixed inverted "V" front sight with the metal front sight protectors. The stock is the correct one piece walnut military stock that has the flat buttplate with several "Crown over Script" letter proofs on the right side of the butt, the lower stock area and behind the trigger guard. The barrel band is unit marked "L. G. 2769" most of the smaller parts have some type of a small Crown over script acceptance proof.

Partially restored fair overall with approximately 70% of the faded original finish remaining, browning out in some of the exposed areas overall with some other areas showing a slivery patina color. The wood is in excellent condition with a nice honey color overall with minor handling marks and some pressure dents in places. The bolt has been professionally restored with the whole assembly having been renumbered.