German, Pre-WW2 1936, Mod.98 (K98) Mauser Bolt Action Rifle, S/42 Mauser Oberndorf, Serial no. 9956, Waffenamt 63, Early Features, UK/EU Deactivated

*German, Pre-WW2 1936, Mod.98 (K98) Mauser Bolt Action Rifle, S/42 Mauser Oberndorf,  Serial no. 9956, Waffenamt 63, Early Features, UK/EU Deactivated*

An original German Mauser Karabiner 98k (K98k) bolt-action service rifle manufactured by Mauser-Werke A.G., Oberndorf am Neckar, in 1936. The receiver is correctly coded S/42, the secret manufacturer code allocated to Mauser Oberndorf prior to the adoption of the later "42" and "byf" factory codes. The receiver is crisply marked "S/42" above the chamber together with the 1936 date and retains numerous early Waffenamt WaA63 inspection and acceptance marks throughout the receiver, barrel and components. The receiver is dated 1936 and bears serial number 9956, placing production amongst the early years of K98k manufacture before wartime simplification measures were introduced.

This rifle retains many desirable pre-war features including the early milled steel fittings, flat steel buttplate, early pattern front sight assembly and its original approximately 26.5 cm cleaning rod, correct for rifles produced between 1934 and late 1939.

Like many genuine military service rifles, this example underwent arsenal refurbishment during its working life, with replacement components fitted as required. The receiver retains serial number 9956, while the stock (6385), milled H-band (7175), trigger guard and floorplate (3184), and bolt handle (2983) all bear different numbers. This honest mix of original military parts is entirely typical of rifles that remained in front-line or reserve service through successive refurbishment programmes.

 Particularly pleasing is the retention of the original 26.5 cm cleaning rod, an increasingly uncommon accessory on early K98k rifles. This short pattern was only used on pre-war production before being replaced by the later 32 cm rod. Under early Wehrmacht doctrine, soldiers combined the rods from three rifles to create a full-length cleaning rod capable of passing completely through the barrel.

Overall, this is an honest and attractive early Mauser K98k displaying the authentic character of a rifle that saw continued military service rather than remaining untouched in storage.

Approximate Measurements: Overall Length: Approx. 111 cm (43¾ inches). Barrel Length: Approx. 60 cm (23½ inches). Cleaning Rod: Approx. 26.5 cm (10½ inches)

History Note:
The Karabiner 98k was officially adopted by the German Army in 1935 as the standard service rifle of the Wehrmacht, replacing the earlier Gewehr 98 while retaining Paul Mauser's legendary controlled-feed bolt-action system. Strong, reliable and exceptionally accurate, it became one of the finest military bolt-action rifles ever produced and remained Germany's principal infantry rifle throughout the Second World War.

This example was manufactured during 1936, the second full year of K98k production, when Mauser Oberndorf was building rifles to an exceptionally high standard. Early rifles from this period exhibit finely machined milled components, high-quality walnut stocks and meticulous finishing before wartime pressures led to simplified production methods.

The S/42 manufacturer code was used by Mauser Oberndorf between 1934 and 1937 to disguise the factory's identity under the German military's secret coding system. It was subsequently replaced by the simpler 42 code before changing again to byf during the war.

Following the Second World War, thousands of captured K98k rifles remained in military service throughout Europe and elsewhere. Many passed through arsenal refurbishment programmes where worn or damaged components were replaced without regard for maintaining matching serial numbers. The mismatched parts found on this rifle are entirely characteristic of such genuine military rebuilding and reflect the rifle's continued operational service rather than later collector restoration.

The rifle also retains its original early-pattern short cleaning rod, a feature seldom encountered today. Introduced on the first production K98k rifles, these rods were intended to be joined together with those from neighbouring soldiers when cleaning the barrel, before Germany later adopted the longer single-piece cleaning rod during wartime production.

*Condition*
Presented in good original military condition with honest service wear throughout. The metalwork displays an attractive aged patina with areas of finish loss, handling wear and scattered surface oxidation entirely consistent with an eighty-nine-year-old military rifle. All principal receiver markings remain clear and legible, including the S/42 factory code, 1936 date, serial number 9956 and numerous Waffenamt acceptance marks. The stock displays honest military service wear throughout and is stamped 6385 on the left side, differing from the receiver serial number 9956, a feature consistent with military refurbishment during its service life. The rifle retains its early milled fittings together with the correct flat steel buttplate and original early cleaning rod.  The bolt slides smoothly and the safety operates correctly. In accordance with its current UK/EU specification deactivation, the bolt does not cock or dry-fire. Please study the photographs carefully as they form part of the condition report.

Deactivation:
Deactivated to current UK/EU specification and accompanied by its original Birmingham Gun Barrel Proof House Deactivation Certificate dated 2023. The rifle has been certified in accordance with current legislation and may be legally owned in the UK by persons aged 18 years or over, subject to all applicable laws. The bolt cycles correctly and the safety operates, although the rifle does not cock or dry-fire in accordance with the current deactivation specification.

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