German Gew 71/84 Rifle by Spandau Dated 1888

Serial #1616, 11mm Mauser, 31" barrel with an excellent, bright bore.  This is an 1888-dated, almost all matching numbered rifle (only the tubular magazine end cap is numbered to a different gun) that retains 92-95% of the original blue finish with some mild fading along a few of the high edges, and spots of very minor freckling along the barrel between the bands.  The receiver and bolt have a mottled pewter gray patina with areas of plum-brown freckling scattered throughout.  The walnut stock was arsenal refinished to fine condition with soft, but still visible stamps, and there are some scattered handling marks along the wood on either side.  The barrel bands and trigger guard retain much of their original bright blue finish, while the buttplate has mottled to gray brown with freckling and pinprick pitting present throughout.  This is a fine example of a Gew.71/84, and would make a splendid addition to any collection.  Antique