Chinese Hanyang Type 88 Rifle ……….. (F 874) Sold

Type 88 Hanyang Mauser Infantry Rifle

This kind of rifle only appeals to the specialist collector of Mausers or early battle rifles.  Unlike the German produced Type 88 this version made by the Chinese Arsenal at Hanyang was not built with the barrel shroud commonly recognised on this type.  This was a decision taken by the Chinese authority at the time not an expedient.  However, the rifle is chambered in the same round as the German 8mm of the time, with a round nosed FMJ bullet.

Chambered in 7.92mm with a Mannlicher clip system it would take five rounds at a time then “drop” the clip when expended.  Being an infantry weapon it measures 48.3/4″ in overall length.  The round barrel is 29″ long and the trigger “Pull” is 13.1/4″ to centre.  Single piece hardwood stock with straight grip wrist and handguard over barrel. Straight arm bolt with safety to rear.  Bolt release catch to rear LHS of action.

The round receiver is marked with Chinese Hanyang markings.  Serial number “4H6005” on LHS of receiver and further Chinese markings adjacent.  Seven pointed star on root of bolt handle.  On close inspection the reversed Swastika (original) is marked on the bolt release catch. Type 88 rear sights with European numerals, however the Chinese star is also marked on the upper surface of the same and is believed to be an original marking.  The star also appears on other components including the magazine.  The rear sights are graduated from 200 to 2000 meters.

This rifle although a generation behind the Japanese Type 38 rifle performed well in the Sino Japanese war and in part convinced the Japanese to upgrade their battle rifles to the 7.7mm Type 99.  This was the first line rifle for the Chinese for the duration of the war.  As is fairly normal with weapons from China the condition is pretty knocked about.  The wood is poor but still in one piece and the metal components have suffered the ravages of time – most of the colour has gone and the rifle has a continuous dull plum brown to it.  he butt-plate has seen better days and it partially fixed with an iron nail but it functions in it purpose.  And this is the point really about these weapons, they look rough but they are still lethal in the right hands and not to be taken lightly.  Superb oval stock cartouche in RHS of butt with additional red painted numbers and Chinese markings.

Condition: Used – One careful owner – The people of china !  Date: sometime close to but after 1910.

Stock No F 874

£ 600. (Sold)

Comments Off on Chinese Hanyang Type 88 Rifle ……….. (F 874) Sold