~ WW1 1899/1917 Mauser Karabiner Gew 98 Bolt Action Rifle – Deactivated ~
This is one of the early conversions and is a mixture between the 1899 Mauser Karabiner 98a (which was produced between 1899 and 1908) and the 1907 Gewehr 98 rifle.
The chamber and the bolt come from a Gewehr 98 model made by Mauser-Oberndorf in 1917 and the barrel and stock from a Karabiner 98a (K98a). The “L” -shaped stacking rod attached nearby the muzzle in order to fit the long WW1 bayonet was removed to accommodate the small police type bayonet.
The removal of the old chamber and curved bolt were done due to the fact that the K98a used the M/88 cartridges and the new standard cartridge was the one used by the Gew98, the 7.92×57mm Mauser one.
The rifle saw a long service, being used by the Nazi forces as well, as can be clearly seen due to the “Waffen28/280” stamps on the bolt’s lock.
~ Markings and Stamps ~
The camber is stamped on the top “ Waffenfabrik Mauser A.G. Oberndorf A/N 1917”. Its left side is stamped with the Weimar Republic eagle and the serial numbers “4070d” and “Gew98” and the opposite side bears four imperial proof marks.
The bolt is stamped with serial “286” on its body and on the base of the lever.
The plates under the magazine are stamped “9663” and “63”.
The bolt’s lock is stamped “Waffen 28” and “Waffen 280”.
The muzzle metal ring that keeps the woodwork attached to the barrel is stamped in two places with “88” and in one place with what looks like a Weimar eagle.
The stock plate is also stamped with “9663”.
The karabiner comes with its leather carrying strap.
~ Dimensions ~
The barrel length is 24 inches (61 cm) and an overall length of 43.2 inches (110 cm). It weighs 4 kg.
~ Condition ~
Giving is extremely long service the rifle is in good condition. The wooden work is scratched, nicked, chipped and has some cracks including a glued repair over the muzzle. The metalwork has the expected aging signs but except for a few superficial pits is in good order.
The leather strap has some aging signs but has no tears.
ref. GS4493313 / PQE00XRNS32J3