*German WW2 K98 Mauser Bolt Action Rifle, Yugoslavian Post war Zastava Mod 98 PREDUZECE 44, Multiple Waffenamt, with Sling, Old Spec – Deactivated*
Serial Number 4489 marked on right of barrel and on bolt
8mm Calibre
24″ Barrel Length
Marked on left of barrel “PREDUZECE 44” (Factory 44), “Crown over BNP”, “Mod. 98”
Sight marked: “8574” and Waffenamt, Waffenamt 77
Floor plate: marked 951 Waffenamt 28
Waffenamts throughout
This original wartime K98 rifle, marked with many Waffenamts, survived WWII and was remodeled in Yugoslavia for the Yugoslav People’s Army from 1946-1950. The original German markings were replaced with Yugoslav ones, most notably “Preduzece 44” on the receiver’s ring which means “Factory or Institute 44”- Kragujevac, Serbia -the current location of Zastava Arms. Another noticeable marking is the one present on the left side of the receiver, the “Mod. 98”. The “/48” is absent on all the rifles that have been refurbished before 1950. These rifles often featured WWII-vintage parts, though some had new barrels.
After WWII, Yugoslavia needed to re-arm its forces but lacked funds and feared conflict with the Soviet Union. The government received captured German parts and machinery from the Western Allies. These parts were used to refurbish rifles captured by Partisans or obtained from Western Europe. By 1947, most war rifles were repaired and issued to the JNA. The Yugoslav factory produced higher-quality rifles compared to the Soviets. Since Yugoslavia had been a producer of Mauser rifles before WWI and WWII, skilled workers were already available. Captured Yugo Mausers were noted for their reliability, accuracy, and effective range, and did not require new mass production since components were already available. However, they were warehoused by 1948 as the new Yugoslav-made Zastava M48 was introduced.
The Preduzece 44 Yugo German 24″ variant combines German craftsmanship with Yugoslav production, making it a valuable item for collectors and history enthusiasts. The crown over ‘BNP’ is a post-1954 British Nitro Proof mark – so after its WW2 and Yugoslavian service, it was sold into the UK.
*Condition*
This gun is in excellent condition and has a great patina, along with the bumps and scratches commensurate with its age and service. It tells a story of war time service. It is deactivated to old spec and the bolt moves and trigger engages. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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