I am a newcomer to this forum and a newbie to antique artillery. I have what I believe an original Turk M1890. It has no Latin inscription or numbers and all markings are in arabic including those on the near site. The Arabic inscription says it was produced in 1890 (translated from Hegira year) in Waffenwerke Oberndorf. Luckily I can read Arabic. Although I still have to confirm the calibre. It bears the royal tughra mark and has the 5-clip magazine typical of a 1890 model.

It has a few things missing which I am trying to locate as I have this rifle restored to its former glory. That is why I have turned to this forum in the hope of getting expert advice and guidance.

First, the cleaning rod. This I read is not unusual to be missing although it may be easy to find a suitable one. I just need to know the proper length. My question is about the thread of the cleaning rod. Was this standard or did particular models have specific threads?

Second, please check out the photo - that is a picture of the back of the bolt assembly showing the back of the gun bolt shroud. As you may be able to see, there is missing the cocking piece together with the firing pin and its spring. Not sure what else is missing from this part such as a bolt sleeve stop and its spring. Practically I need a full replacement of the internal firing mechanism. The problem is trying to find an identical 1890 complete bolt mechanism is very difficult and almost impossible - this model is quite rare apparently. So I have no alternative but to improvise using a mechanism from other models. I read the Turks used to do this quite frequently as they serviced and maintained their rifles. The question is, which Mauser models have a bolt mechanism that matches that of the 1890 Turk Mauser?

Last question - what sources do you recommend to find the missing parts?

I apologise for attaching a single picture - it is the only one I've got at the moment and the rifle is at a friend of mine who is an antiques restorer (not a gunsmith though). I will attach a few more pics ASAP.

I got hold of this rifle at an antiques shop in the old market of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia when working there in 2001. 

Thanks in advance.