Description
ULTRA RARE & COLLECTABLE ON MANY LEVELS!
Offered for sale is this extraordinarily rare rifle which is fitted with the almost impossible to find ERMA ‘Einstecklauf 24 mit Zeilmunition Kaliber 5.6mm lfB- lang fur Buschsen’ unit, designed by Erfurter Maschinenfabrik Berthold Geipel GmbH (ERMA) specifically for training purposes. This conversion unit comes with a 10 round detachable box magazine.
These are referenced on pages 344-345 of Richard Law’s bible on the Kar98k, ‘Backbone of the Wehrmacht’, see photos.
This unit was fitted to a matching numbered Kar98k manufactured by Mauser Werke AG, Borsigwalde in 1939 as identified by the Nazi secret squirrel code of 243 on the receiver ring above the year of manufacture, being 1939. Interestingly, there are three (3) known variations of proof marks on these 1939 manufactured rifles. The presence of the Weimar Republic eagle proofs on the left side along with the Nazi era proofs elsewhere indicate this is an early 1939 rifle.
This rifle has some other, additional very interesting features indicating an eventful service life. These include the fact it was issued to the Kriegsmarine North Fleet as evidenced by the presence of the Nord Sea Fleet inventory number (N15551) on the takedown washer in the stock.
When & why it was converted into .22LR with the ERMA lit is unknown but as can be seen in the photos, it is in excellent condition.
Add to this the fact that due to the limited number made that year by Mauser in Borsigwalde, (this rifle represents just 1.692% of total Kar98k production), making it very desirable for collectors in its own right. Add the Nord Sea history, matching numbers & the .22 conversion kit, this is a rare rifle indeed!
On the rare occasions when they have come on the collector market, these ERMA conversion kits alone have sold for around USD$1,500-2,000 at auction, on their own!
To find one whose home has been inside a desirable, mint condition & collectable rifle such as this is remarkable so don’t delay if you think this is for you.
To assist you in determining its value (hard to do, we know without any others being in Australia), we have found an identical rifle (without the .22 sub calibre conversion) which sold instantly in the US, see the link below for around the same price we are asking for this.
This rifle has also had a good field repair of the butt stock, as can be seen in the photos. It is little known that this was a standardised process, as discussed on page 141 of ‘Backbone of the Wehrmacht’, (see photo).
Interestingly, this rifle must have been initially issued to the Army (Heer), as it retains the ‘H’ stamp on the stock, along with numerous Nazi proof marks in the form of the outstretched eagle holding the Swastika. These are also easily visible on the metalwork & are all correct for what it is, see photos.
This is the real deal, so if you think it may fit in your collection, don’t hesitate as we just don’t think we’ll see another.
Imagine rocking up to your local rimfire comp with this!!
We are offering this rifle as a collectable piece of military history & acknowledge the grievous atrocities committed by the Nazi regime & some of its military, particularly toward the peoples of occupied territory & the Jewish population in Europe. In no way do we condone or glorify the Nazi regime which must be remembered for the vile stain on human history that it was.
We think we have described it accurately & correctly but do not claim to be infallible so if we have got anything wrong, it is unintentional & are happy for feedback from people who know more than we do.
Do your own research & you will see that this nice example of a pre-war Kar98k would make an excellent addition to any 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 & this is 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.
We have a pretty unique refund policy on our collectable guns whereby we will refund your money if it is not as we have described when you receive it.
Standard cost for shipping is $55 & all guns are sent via Startrack without insurance but we pack very well.
