German K98 from 1918

[PeteDavis]

A friend just picked this rifle up via an old estate.

I know little of German K 98's but this one has all matching numbers, receiver, bolt, sleeve, safety, bands, buttplate, floorplate and wood. No import mark anywhere.

Sling and bayo are missing if they ever were part of the gun.

Bore is OK, a little frosting.

Is this worth much? It seems utterly original and in fine shape for 94 years old.

PICS:

[dave]

I'd give 400 without blinking an eye. Its worth more tho, maybe up to 6-800 with the right buyer. Matching examples in good condition have dried up into collections, seldom see them anymore. They were orignally meant for engineer troops and used the so-called Butcher Knife bayo, some with saw back. Realy not "part of the rifle" but issued with them, as was a sling (same as WW11 K98k.type sling). They had a special muzzle cover, in case you wonder what the "hook" is on top front of sight.
I'll have to start going to estate sales!!

[ebeeby]

That old, could be dangerous. Better sell it to me.

[joem]

Very nice , a little surface rust but not bad at all.

[JimF]

Actually, NOT a "K98" . . . . but a "Kar 98" (aka 98a). --Jim

[Bill H]

Nice rifle. This is the first "carbine", was used in WWI by mobile troops, such as the bicycle troops. I have one which was unfortunately sporterized, popular for that, since it is a "small ring" action, light and handy.

They sell for more than the common WWII 98K rifles as they are less common. I would guess worth at least $500.

[dave]

Actually, NOT a "K98" . . . . but a "Kar 98" (aka 98a). --Jim

K stands for Kar. or Karbiner (Carbine). The 'a' was never part of the model name until 1929 when the K or Kar. 98b came out. 'a' was never marked on the rifle. We would call it a 'short rifle' but to the Germans a carbine was for slinging over the back (mounted troops, combat engineers) thus had a side sling and a bent bolt handle. Barrel length had nothing to do with it, which is why the K98k had the small k which meant 'short'. The K98b had a 29" barrel.
I don't know what is meant by a "common" WW11 98K (no such rifle really) but a matched equal condition K98k will sell from 1000-2000 bucks! No, not an RC.

[Alkali]

Dave - My opinion is right up there with yours on the scarcity and value of this nice rifle. A friend and I (we both appreciate Mausers of all types) often play a "guessing game" on the realized auction prices of matching specimens. My guess on this one, if "GunBrokered" would be $900-1,000.

P.S. We'd appreciate a heads up should it be disposed of via internet auction. And thanks, Pete for posting.

[SteveC]

Hey Pete! That's a great find and one that is missing from my collection! Please tell your friend that your internet acquaintance is officially suffering from Karabiner envy! Cheers!