Description
Recently imported from the US & offered for sale is this nice very early war K98k made by the Mauser Oberndorf factory, one of Germany’s two first manufactures’ of the Kar98k.
In 1939 the Mauser production code was still 243 before it was changed to a script “byf”. The top of the receiver ring is marked 243 over 1939, the right side is correctly marked with Waffenamt proofs 26, which were the acceptance codes for Mauser Oberndorf & the left side is marked with the Nazi firing proof (Nazi Eagle or ‘Reich Adler’), the serial number which matches the front sight, barrel, receiver & complete rear sight. The complete bolt matches itself.
Not unusually, for a rifle that saw active service with the Wehrmacht & was kept in the field for the duration of the war, it is not fully matching. With reference to keeping it in the field, it has the standard stock repair as directed in the 19 May 1939 edition of the Heers Verordnungsblatt which were the formal instructions issued in relation to field updates & repairs for the K98. This is referenced in the bible for K98 collectors, Backbone of the Wehrmacht by Richard D Law.
This is a very good example of an early war K98k rifle made with the early solid walnut stock with the flat butt plate & milled parts. This was made when the German war machine was on the up & were still building high quality guns.
It presents as all original as can be seen in the photos. The wood is very good with minimal marks with three (3) very nice Wiemar Eagle acceptance stamps on the stock (see photos) & it has much of the original blue still present, which is darker than appears in the photos. The photos make it appear the metal is quite contrasting light & dark but this is much less noticeable than the photos show.
The bore is excellent, shiny with lots of rifling clearly visible, so definitely a shooter! The muzzle will not accept a PPU ‘8mm Mauser’ round, as per photo which demonstrates the barrel is still tight but of course it shoots the original 7.92mm (now called 8×57 or 8mm Mauser).
This has all the hallmarks of being a war trophy, having been taken home after the war by a US GI.
This nice example of a non RC early war Kar98k would make an excellent addition to your Mauser collection or a great start to one.
Make your decision based on what you see, so please view the photos carefully as they form the main description & override all written information so ask for more if desired.
Whilst we check these out for serviceability, the warranty has expired & these are sold on an as is basis.
As with all used guns, we recommend you have this checked by a suitably qualified person prior to shooting.
Call for shipping cost to your dealer.
