Mannlicher 88/95 - A Rare World War One Update

Published on January 7, 2021
Duration: 9:42

This entry details the Mannlicher 88/95, a rare World War One update of older Steyr Mannlicher rifles. Expert Ian McCollum highlights its evolution from earlier models, its distinctive wedge-locking action, and identification features like the 1895 pattern rear sight. The entry also covers provenance, such as 'AOI' markings indicating service in Italian East Africa, and emphasizes the rarity of this specific variant, making it highly sought after by collectors.

Quick Summary

The Mannlicher 88/95 is a rare variant of older Steyr Mannlicher rifles updated during WWI. It's identified by a wedge-locking receiver (with a gap between trigger guard and magazine) paired with a Model 1895 rear sight. Markings like 'AOI' indicate service in Italian East Africa. Due to its rarity, it's highly sought after by collectors.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Mannlicher 88/95
  2. 00:30Historical Context and Evolution
  3. 01:55WWI Shortages and the 88/95 Update
  4. 03:05Visual Identification Features
  5. 06:28Provenance and the Ethiopian Connection
  6. 08:10Rarity and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Mannlicher 88/95 rifle?

The Mannlicher 88/95 is a collector's designation for older Steyr Mannlicher rifles, often Model 1888s, that were updated during World War One. These updates typically included re-barreling for smokeless ammunition and fitting the more modern Model 1895 sight system.

How can I identify a Mannlicher 88/95?

Key identification features include an early wedge-locking receiver, recognizable by a gap between the trigger guard and magazine, combined with the flat, modern rear sight pattern of the Model 1895. Look for factory stamps like 'WG' and provenance marks such as 'AOI'.

What does the 'AOI' marking on a Mannlicher rifle signify?

The 'AOI' marking stands for Africa Orientale Italiana, or Italian East Africa. This indicates that the rifle likely served with Italian colonial forces in territories like Ethiopia, Eritrea, or Somalia, providing important historical provenance.

Are Mannlicher 88/95 rifles common?

No, the Mannlicher 88/95 is considered a rare variant. Historical imports from regions like Ethiopia have shown that only a small percentage, around 5%, of the rifles were of this specific updated configuration, making them highly desirable to collectors.

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