I recently acquired this K98 through private owner, whom stated that his grandfather had brought this back from WWII
but there are no documents to substantiate the claim. First off, I am no expert in the K98 and don't claim to be, in fact
my knowledge is limited in this area. Information I list here is what I found through long researching and from comments
and info obtained from those more versed and knowledgeable of the K98 rifles.
My consensus is that either this rifle is a very, very early import prior to 1968 when import marks were required or in
fact it is a vet bring back.
The rifle did have a light coat of shellac on it, that I assume the grandfather had applied after returning home to the states.
I was able to easily remove the shellac using denatured alcohol, allowing 24 hr dry time, then applied couple coats of Lemon Oil
with dry time in between coats and the coat of Tom's 1/3 mix. The pictures shows the results.
During the complete break down of the rifle, I inspected all parts and log stamps and markings that I found.
Those results are as follows: View set of pictures here: http://imgur.com/a/uSoTK#0
1945 byf by Mauser Oberndorf
Early – Late War 1945
Receiver Code: Mod 98
byf 45 receiver proofs waf 135 (2) (on sides) waf 135 (1) (on top)
Side Rail: Blank
Serial Number: 5 digits (s/n 41973)
Upper Band: no s/n no waf speed milled
Lower Band: no s/n no waf stamped
Trigger Guard:
no s/n byf and waf 135 (2) stamped with 2 screws
Bolt: Kriegsmodel (phosphate) Matching Numbers: 1973
Safety on bottom appears to have waf
Front sight: Hood no waf
Rear Sight: meter scale no s/n waf 135 (bottom right side of sight)
Rear sight base: no s/n possible waf 135 (hard to make out)
Stock: Laminate
Stock Markings: (External Marks) Inside: (blurred waf and inverted V)
Side: (rgt side under disk) WaA135
Pistol Grip: unreadable/blurred waf
Spine: * C
Top Guard: *C
Bayonet Lug: no s/n no waf stamped
Floor Plate: no s/n byf waf 135 stamped phosphate
Magazine Follower: no s/n no waf stamped
Cleaning Rod: no number, no waf, 12.5”
Sling: Leather Original, no markings that could be seen
This is nicest K98 that I had ever come across in long time that wasn't in someone's collection;
even though its not in my realm of collecting, I couldn't pass it up.
I welcome all comments, insight, opinions on the rifle, It would only help further my
knowledge of this rifles.
Thanks for viewing .... Full set of pictures:http://imgur.com/a/uSoTK#0