Commission Rifle

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About Commission Rifle

Commission Rifle is dedicated to photographes and discussion of the historical significance of 1888 Commission System Rifles: Gewehr 88, Karabiner 88, & Gewehr 91, and the Imperial German soldiers who were armed with them from inception in 1888 to the end of Imperial Germany in 1918.

By the beginning of the First World War in 1914, most of the Line Regiments had been equipped with the Gewehr 98 as had a portion of the Reserve Line Regiments. On the other hand, the Gewehr 88 was issued not only the Reserve Line Regiments that were not yet equipped with the G 98, but also Second Line Reserve, Landwehr Regiments, Landsturm Battalions, and Regular Army Rear echelon & non-combat troops such as Pioneers, Railroad, Train (Supply) & Kraftfahr (Transportation) troops as well as Rekruts at their Depots during basic training.

The Karabiner 88's were issued to troops requiring a smaller, handier rifle such as most mounted troopers, drivers, artillerymen. The Gewehr 91, which was nothing more than a K 88 with an attached stacking hook was issued to artillerymen too.

There is abundant photographic evidence of the Gew 88's contributions to the Imperial German Military in WWI of which a very small glimpse can be found in this sight. I hope I can spark some interest in uncovering information regarding the troops who used these important firearms and also the dates they were used. So far, useful in depth information on these rifles is sketchy at best.

The bayonets that were issued with the Gew 88 are an interest to me also, and eventually I plan to photograph my humble collection and submit them to this site. Sometime in the near future I hope this work can become a reference and learning tool for others who share my interest in this fine old rifle.

Hope you enjoy my humble collection!

Wilkommen!

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