Hanyang 88 Rifle Value Guide

The Hanyang 88 Rifle is a significant piece of military history, serving as the primary firearm for the Chinese National Revolutionary Army from the Xinhai Revolution through World War II. Based on the German Gewehr 1888 Commission Rifle design, its long production span from 1895 to 1944 makes it a cornerstone of 20th-century East Asian militaria.

What Is Hanyang 88 Rifle Worth?

The typical price range for Hanyang 88 Rifle is $450 - $500 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Overall condition of the walnut stock and the presence of original steel finish significantly impact the $450-$500 price range.
• Clarity and completeness of the arsenal stamps and Buddhist symbols on the receiver ring.
• Mechanical functionality and bore condition, as many saw heavy use during the Warlord Era and the Second Sino-Japanese War.
• Matching serial numbers on the bolt, receiver, and other major components.

How to Identify Hanyang 88 Rifle?

• Look for the Hanyang Arsenal receiver ring markings, which frequently include a Buddhist swastika symbol representing auspiciousness.
• Verify the bolt-action mechanism and internal box magazine characteristic of the German Gewehr 1888 design lineage.
• Check for a walnut wood stock and steel construction consistent with Chinese production standards between 1895 and 1944.
• Examine the barrel for the absence of a barrel shroud, a common modification found on later Hanyang-produced models compared to original German imports.

History of Hanyang 88 Rifle

Commonly known as the Hanyang Type 88, this rifle was the primary firearm of the Chinese National Revolutionary Army. It was produced at the Hanyang Arsenal from 1895 until 1944. The specific markings on this receiver ring include the swastika, which in this Buddhist context is a symbol of auspiciousness and eternity, often used by the arsenal before and during the Second Sino-Japanese War. These rifles saw extensive service during the Xinhai Revolution, the Warlord Era, and World War II.