I came across an unusual rifle the other day and post pics here for your edification. This Kar88 in 7X57 was made by Haenel for the China trials, as I understand from a few threads on various forums. Why Haenel would think that China would buy something that they had been cloning for a decade or more is beyond me, but the times were tough in Europe in 1907, and any option to turn a buck must have been exploited. And why 7X57, when they had been using 8mm for some time? Who knows. All I know is that this is the only example of this type that I have ever seen.
Reportedly, some 2K of these were produced. About half went to China to disappear into obscurity. Some of the balance went to Mexico for the 1914 fracas, and a few hundred were surped off into the NY NY importation houses. My example is match numbered and nearly perfect in condition, more than 100 years later.
Your thoughts and comments welcome:
Reportedly, some 2K of these were produced. About half went to China to disappear into obscurity. Some of the balance went to Mexico for the 1914 fracas, and a few hundred were surped off into the NY NY importation houses. My example is match numbered and nearly perfect in condition, more than 100 years later.
Your thoughts and comments welcome: