Need some help with two German rifles 1894-1887

[BinaryEncryption]

I'm looking for info on value but most importantly history and correct ammo. I got the rifles two years ago when my father passed. I know that he had fired both a few months before his death. Both rifles have NOT been turned sport.
I have found out enough to know I might have to reload ammo for one or both rifles but there is very little info on case/bullet powder combos.

If you need ANY more info to help me out or just questions please feel free to ask. Let me know if pictures would help.

Rifle #1 Rifle markings are as follows:
Year/1887 I.G. mod 71/84.
Amburg "with a crown over the word".
Capital letter "L" with a crown over it on the hex receiver.
Also on the hex receiver "SSRR" all letters have a crown over each letter.
Tube mag under the barrel.


Rifle #2 Rifle markings are as follows:
Year/1897 GEW 88, letters "nm" are under the "GEW 88".
Danzig with a crown over the word.
Also stamped on two places on the rifle are "1251" with the letter "y" under it.

[Hawg]

Read this. http://www.texastradingpost.com/m88/commission88.html

[BinaryEncryption]

Awesome thank you. That help so much when it comes to the rifle "#2: Gew". Still would love some info on the "#1 rifle Year/1887 I.G. mod 71/84". My favorite btw.

[Hawg]

71/84 http://www.militaryrifles.com/Germany/71-84Mau.htm
Remember this one is black powder only.

[BinaryEncryption]

Thank you Hawg. I think it might be best to leave the two rifles retired and not fired. It does I admit make me sad but I think it's best.

[Scorch]

The Mauser Mod 71/84 is chambered in 11X60Rmm (11.15X60Rmm Mauser), and was the official service cartridge of the German army from 1871 until 1888. The single-shot Mod 71 rifles were modified to accept a tube magazine and remained in service as the 71/84. 11mm Mauser is a very well balanced round, and had quite a following for many years. There were two black powder loadings, one more powerful for the 71/84, so you may encounter two diameters of bullets (.440" or .446"), or hollow-based bullets. Loaded ammo was available from Alcan, don't know of a current source. Brass is available. It can be reloaded with black powder and cast bullets. Due to the unusual bore diameter, you will either have to cast your own bullets or swage and paper patch different caliber bullets.

[fatchance2005]

This is where I get my ammunition for my 71/84's. You get your choice of the origional black powder load or a smokeless load matched to the original specs (I recommend the smokeless), DO NOT confuse the Mauser 11mm (usually called Mauser 43, for 43 caliber) with the Spanish 43. There is also an Egyptian 11mm still out there, also different.

http://mashburnssafarimilitarygoods.com/rifleammunition40495.aspx