Loewe Kar 88 Commission Carbine(汉阳造老套筒)

Serial No. 6589××. Manufactured by Ludwig Loewe & Co., Berlin circa 1891–1893, during the late production period of the original Karabiner 88. This rifle is an original factory-made Kar 88 carbine and not a cut-down or later modification.

Around 1903–1905, the rifle underwent the official German “S” upgrade, converting it to the 0.323" S-bore standard for 8×57mm Mauser ammunition. The presence of correct “S” and n.M. (neue Muster) markings is fully consistent with documented German military refurbishment practices. These markings confirm that the rifle remained in German service during this period, rather than being part of an early Qing-era export batch.

Following World War I, large quantities of German surplus arms entered the European commercial arms trade. During the 1920s–1930s, this carbine was exported to China through civilian dealers and subsequently saw service with Chinese provincial and warlord forces.

The stock exhibits unmistakable characteristics of extended Chinese field use, including copper-sheet arsenal repairs, hand-painted rack numbers, provincial or unit cartouches, and evidence of repeated refurbishment and re-issuance. These features collectively document the rifle’s long and authentic service life in China during the Warlord Era and early Republican period.

Condition note: the firing pin is fractured at the forward section and the rifle is not capable of normal firing in its current state. This example is offered strictly as a historical Chinese-service collectible. Any intent to return the rifle to firing condition would require inspection and replacement of parts by a qualified gunsmith.

This example combines the rarity of an original Kar 88 carbine, a documented German S-conversion, and extensive verified Chinese military service history, making it a highly desirable and uncommon historical artifact.