1888 Sporter

C.G. HAENEL

Rifles

Category : D

Caliber : 8x57J

 

Fine rifle built by Carl Gottlieb HAENEL [Gesellschaft Haenel Waffen-u. Fahrradfabrik] in Suhl on a Gewehr Model 1888 Commission action.

The Böhler steel 24" octagonal barrel is chambered for the 8x57J (.318"), ammunition still produced by the main European cartridges manufacturers.

The barrel flats bear the signature "von G. G. Haenel Suhl" on the left side and, on the right side, the inscription "Für Widfors Stockholm" confirming a manufacture specially intended for the Swedish gun distributor. In addition, the right side of the stock is encrusted with an 18k gold medallion stamped with Swedish punches and engraved with the name of the owner, the Swedish painter Axel Lundin* who took possession of the rifle circa 1914.

The elegant stock, in European walnut, displays a 14¼" LOP measured on the curved steel buttplate and a rounded grip while the short forearm ends with a schnabel beak.

This weapon is untouched and despite more than hundred years old it retains the factory original finish in a state of surprising freshness. The color case hardening is lively and the barrel retains its entire slow rust deep bluing, the wood showing only a few traces of manipulation and displaying perfect checkering.

This 1888 Sporter weighs 7lbs 4oz, its operation does not suffer from criticism and it comes with clip and modern cartridges.

 

This weapon is classified in D§2 category

 

* Axel Julius Lundin, born January 30, 1877 in the canton of Nässjö, was a Swedish artist. During a trip to France, he painted landscapes and French urban panoramas that he exhibited in 1922 at the Liljevalchs exposition and at the Jönköping artisan and industrial exhibition in 1928.

He participated in-group exhibitions with Småland artists.

He died on July 7, 1960, and was buried at the Anne Church Cemetery in Nässjö, Jönköping County.