Make: Karl Kormes, Leipzig

Model: 88

Serial Number: 274680

Year of Manufacture: 1888–1899. Karl Kormes was active most commonly from 1890 through the 1920s

Caliber: 8mm Mauser

Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle with Fixed Floorplate Internal Magazine and Set Trigger.

Barrel Length: 20 1/2" Octagonal to Round tapered barrel.

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed fore-to-aft in a raised rib at the muzzle and screwed in place at the front. The rear sight is a dual leaf v-notch express sight dovetailed to a raised portion of the barrel's solid rib. The top of the barrel rib is finely checkered for glare reduction. The top of the receiver is finely textured for glare reduction as well. The top of the receiver and bridge are drilled, tapped, and filled for scope mounts.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one piece smooth walnut with capped pistol grip, monte-carlo comb with cheekpiece, and Seaside Gun Store vented rubber buttpad. There is a sling ring mounted to the belly of the buttstock and another mounted under the barrel. The LOP measures approximately 12 7/8” and 13 3/4" from the front of the triggers to the rear of the buttpad, respectively. There are a few minor nicks and compressions. There are no cracks. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. There is light fouling. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish is strong and complete throughout. There are a few minor handling marks. The screw heads are sharp to tool marked with serviceable slots. The markings are strong and easily read. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition as refinished.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: Karl Kormes of Leipzig worked in the golden age of German sporting rifle craft, when surplus and commercial actions alike were transformed into refined hunting arms for the European sportsman. Built on the Model 88 Commission action during the late 19th century, this rifle reflects that distinctly Continental approach to sporterizing military foundations into elegant field rifles. The 20 1/2 inch barrel with its raised, finely checkered rib, dual-leaf express sight, and textured receiver bridge speaks to a time when glare reduction and fast sight acquisition were practical considerations in driven hunts and alpine stalks alike. The double set trigger further underscores its intended precision, offering the crisp, hair-trigger release so prized by period hunters who demanded deliberate shot placement.

Chambered in 8mm Mauser, one of the most influential military sporting cartridges of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the rifle carries a chambering that quickly earned worldwide respect for penetration, reliability, and balanced ballistics. The bore remains bright with sharp rifling, rating 9 out of 10, and the metal surfaces retain approximately 99 percent of their refinished blue, presenting cleanly with strong markings and screw slots. The walnut stock, configured with capped pistol grip, Monte Carlo comb, cheekpiece, and sling hardware, shows only minor handling marks and complements the rifle’s purposeful character. Altogether, this Karl Kormes sporter captures the spirit of German gunmaking at the turn of the century, blending mechanical heritage with refined sporting sensibility.