Original German Pre-WWI Gewehr 88/05 S Commission Rifle by Ludwig Loewe with Turkish Markings Serial 1263 W - Dated 1891 Other European Militaria which shows that it is

which shows that it is a silver eagle

Originally they would have read:

which had been their distinguishing feature prior to the Revolution

Bravery and Military Merit (or simply Medal for Military Merit)

Inside one can clearly see the "powder compartment" in the bottom of the bore which leads into the Mortar ball compartment directly in front

Original German Pre-WWI Gewehr 88/05 S Commission Rifle by Ludwig Loewe with Turkish Markings Serial 1263 W - Dated 1891 Other European Militaria which shows that it isOriginal Item: Only one Available. This is a very good example of the iconic German Gewehr 1888 "Commission Rifle", also known as the Gewehr 88, or GEW 88. It was made by Ludwig Loewe & Company in Berlin, the company that eventually become the famous Deutsche Waffen und Munitionsfabriken Aktien Gesellschaft (German Weapons and Munitions public limited company), known more commonly as DWM. They were a major producer of weapons for Imperial Germany