*Imperial German, 7.92mm Gew 98. Bolt Action Rifle, Dated 1902, Made by ERFURT, with Winter Muzzle Guard, Deactivated*
78.3cm / 31" Barrel Length, 126cm overall
Serial number: 8503
Marked on top of Barrel: S, Imperial Crown over ERFURT over 1902
Marked on LHS of the Barrel: 8503, Imperial Eagle 8503, over d
Marked on RHS of Barrel: 3 Imperial Inspection marks
Marked on LHS: Gew 98.
Marked on either side of sight and on all bolt components: Imperial Inspection mark, 03
Marked on Barrel Parade Hook: 03
Marked on trigger plate: Imperial Crown over N, 4609, S, 09
Marked on Barrel Band: 14, Imperial Crown Inspection mark
This Gew 98 rifle from the Prussian Arsenal Erfurt is quite intriguing, boasting nearly all matching numbers and complete Imperial inspection marks—a rarity for a rifle dating back to 1902, which undoubtedly saw significant combat. Its muzzle guard suggests it might have even served on the Eastern Front during WW1. Marked "S" on the barrel and featuring a Lange Visier sight graduated from 400 to 2000 meters, it indicates that the rifle was correctly updated between 1903 and 1905 to accommodate the switch from .318 J Bore to .323 S Bore ammunition.
The rifle showcases a sturdy receiver with a straight bolt handle and a turn-bolt action. Its internal staggered box magazine holds five rounds, and it cocks upon closing the bolt, ensuring the new round is securely seated with compressed spring. The bolt includes a three-position safety to the rear, with all components bearing matching numbers. Following early practice, the shroud displays two initial Imperial acceptance marks followed by the last two digits of the serial number. The bolt handle stem is marked with the serial number and additional Imperial acceptance marks. The rifle features the Lange Visier rear sight graduated from 400 to 2000 meters and a simple inverted V mounted on the front block, with a machine hatched rear ramp to cut down glare acts as the fore-sight. Added to this is a winter muzzle guard. The muzzle guard would have been essential for preventing debris from entering the barrel during the harsh conditions of the Eastern Front in WW1.
Historically, the Gewehr 98 replaced the Gewehr 1888 in German military service, adopting Paul Mauser's 1895 bolt-action design. Initially issued in 1901 to select units - The East Asian Expeditionary Force, the Imperial German Navy, and three premier Prussian army corps. It was used by the Schutztruppen of South West Africa and saw limited use in Kameroon and East Africa, it became the standard German infantry rifle during World War I. Erfurt, one of Prussia's four state arsenals, produced the Gewehr 98 from 1899 to 1908 and again during WW1 from 1915 to 1917, with a hiatus between 1908 and 1915. Initially, the Prussian state arsenals dominated production, with subsequent involvement from Mauser, DWM, and the Bavarian state arsenal at Amberg after the introduction of the Kar.98a carbine in 1907-08.
Overall, this Gew 98 rifle represents a remarkable piece of military history, reflecting its evolution through early 20th-century conflicts and technological advancements.
*Condition*
This deactivated rifle is in excellent condition with a patina commensurate with age and service. There has been a repair to the stock and it is missing one swivel ring. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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