Unusual Gew 88 - pic heavy

[gurn]

Found this one at a small show last weekend. Missing the rear sight adjuster, bolt head and with a broken firing pin I picked it up cheap. This is only my second Gew, my other is Turked marked. This one is strange because of the name. "SPANDAU 1893 ERF." I cant seem to find another example like it. Anyone have any idea about this one? ERF. = Erfurt? If so them why?

[ffuries]

Here's a link to another Spandau one which is Turked and is also dated 1893 that sold on GB. Seller believed the ERF might refer to the Erfurt Arsenal with no explanation why, other than that beats me. Cool rifle either way.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/740241313

[gurn]

Thanks Mike, in my searching I somehow missed that one. Funny that both are 1893. I wonder if Erfurt was short on receivers and bought a few from Spandau that were already marked.

[ffuries]

Thanks Mike, in my searching I somehow missed that one. Funny that both are 1893. I wonder if Erfurt was short on receivers and bought a few from Spandau that were already marked.

Makes one wonder due to the date being offset to accommodate the ERF stamp. Not finding anything else to explain the ERF stamp. Maybe between the two boards you posted on someone will know more. Interesting rifle and I look forward to learning more about the ERF stamp.

[JoeR]

We love pics. Very neat find, congrats. ( I won't be shocked if JYD has one. )

[ffuries]

Thanks Mike, in my searching I somehow missed that one. Funny that both are 1893. I wonder if Erfurt was short on receivers and bought a few from Spandau that were already marked.

I see you got an answer on the other board, cool find. Now I know what it means.

[Lavitias]

Not a member of the other board :( So if a kind soul could tell us the answer haha.