Description
Matching numbers & one of less than 2% of total Kar98k’s made!
This early war K98k was made in 1940 by one of the least represented Kar98k manufacturers, Berlin-Lübecker Maschinenfabrik, in Lubeck, Germany who did not manufacture a large number of rifles making this is one of the rare codes to locate. Berlin-Lübecker Maschinenfabrik (BLM) was a manufacturer of handguns, infantry rifles, ammunition up to 2 cm, flare guns & precision military equipment in Germany from 1936 to 1945. The company, based in Lübeck, Germany, was one of a number of metal-related businesses owned by Bernhard Berghaus who was a German industrialist & member of the Nazi party who played an important role in the rearmament of Germany during the Third Reich.
It was only from 1936 to 1942 that the company manufactured the Karabiner 98k. As a means of hiding the truth about Germany’s rearmament from those monitoring the terms of the Treaty of Versailles, the identity of manufacturers & the numbers made during the interwar years the German Army required manufacturers to mark their equipment with codes rather than brand names.
For the K98k rifles produced by BLM, they were designated with the German Army ordnance codes S/237, 237 & later duv.
All visible matching numbers include barrel, receiver, complete bolt, both barrel bands, floor plate, stock, capture screws & rear sight, with the butt plate being unnumbered. Only the follower is numbered differently.
On page 161 of ‘Backbone of the Wehrmacht’ by Richard D. Law the recorded production numbers show only 196,534 Kar98k’s were made in this year by BLM, meaning this rifle is one of less than 2% of total K98k production.
This makes this an extremely rare rifle, especially considering the attrition rate, both in combat & post war.
This is a good example of an early war K98k rifle made before the time the Germans began to introduce changes to production techniques to save time, materials & money which finally resulted in what is known as the Kriegsmodell.
It presents as all original as can be seen in the photos & being an early war rifle, there is no provision of a front sight hood plus it retains the original 10” cleaning rod. The wood is good condition with minimal marks from wartime service however at some time in it’s life it appears that it was over-oiled & there is indication this has affected some of the wood, specifically in front of the rear sight, around the recoil lug, floorplate & stock disc on the butt. The colour of the extractor is due to the heat treatment & is not rusted. There is evidence of minor historical pitting in places (see photos) & it retains a generous amount of the original blue, as can be seen in the photos.
The bore is very good with lots of rifling clearly visible.
Do your own research & you will see that this great example of a Kar98k from an extremely rare manufacturer code which is hard to find, let alone with matching numbers!
This would make an excellent addition to any serious Mauser collection or a great start to one.
You will know if you want this so please view all photos carefully as they form the main description & override all written information.
These come along rarely so be the lucky one who adds this outstanding & rare Kar98k to their collection.
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.
Sold on consignment, call for shipping cost to your dealer.
