German WW 2 K98 by Suhl 1943………………………(F 1175)

K98 by J.P.Sauer & Son (mid-war)

The foundation of the German Army in WW2; The K98.  Built to standard specification by J.P.Sauer und Sohn Gewehrfabrik, Suhl in 1943.  The modern clear type face manufacturer’s code of “c.e.” on the crest of the receiver, tells us it a later 1943 type, if the letters were lower case and slanted then the rifle would have been made in earlier in the conflict.  The simplified “43” confirms that fact.  As a German rifle it will always be chambered in 8mm Mauser (7.92 x 57mm) as this one is.  Five-shot internal magazine.  Mauser bolt system with three position flag safey to the rear.

It would be an outright misrepresentation to try to claim that this rifle is “a matching Mauser”.  However, it shows very clear signs of being a “G.I. bringback.”  These are usually characterised by stock, action and barrel pertain to one weapon, and the bolt to another.  This is common as rifles surrendered in the field, en-mass ended up in large piles of the two sets of components.  The idea at the time was, that this would render them un-usuable.  We know different as necessity has provided. But, imagine the effect that would have on a highly drilled Wehrmacht Infantryman, who had been taught that the mixing of any parts, in anyway would lead to catastrophic results !  It was almost the same as grinding off the Mum from the Arisakas’!  Total meltdown, the end !

Markings on the receiver ring are as follows; (top/front) “Nazi-style Eagle with the number “37” underneath. ” c.e. / 43 ”  RHS of receiver ring; “single waffenamt over 280.”  LHS of receiver ring:”Nazi eagle / 5988/aa”  On outer action wall it is simply marked “Mod.98” in a slim Gothic Script. This is interesting as the majority of these rifles encountered, marked 43, should be a “modern” standard typeface.  However, the two parts are inseperable, so it impossible to be “wrong”.  The barrel is marked on the LHS with a single waffenamt with no number. Roll-engraved over the crest of the same portion of the barrel is a barrel makers code, indicating it was made at a sub-contractor; “fxo bh waffenampt/37″  This is found to be C.G.Haenel Waffen – Fahrradfabrik – Suhl.”  (the bicycle maker) The bolt has the correct bent down handle with non-matching numbers.  Most other components have mixed numbers.

Correct laminated stock with cupped steel butt-plate. Also fitted with strip-down disc, as sholud be.  The stock has suffered the classic neglect injury of self inflicted central split, due to non-tight main action screws.  This is caused by the action actually moving in the stock under recoil. To counter this fault effectively, we have repaired in three places, using a dark horne material which is incredibly hard. It should not happen again. Action smooth and mechanically fine. Cleaning rod a/f  as is sight hood.  Finish on all metal components showing strong signs of a hard life in the conflict but mostly gone, settling at grey to silver.  Stock has a strong colour and smooth finish no really nasty dinks – externally one of the most pleasing encountered so far.  Bore;- mottled surface dissruption within the grooves.  Lands bright with strong edges.  Based upon experience, it is quite possible that this will be a perfectly good shooter. If not then it is always possible to change the barrel if required.

Once again this is a chance to gain a German Mauser – untouched by Russian armouries, but with a clear back story, as found in the USA.  It is becomming very difficult to extract German Mausers from the hands of American shooter/collectors as they value them very highly. We have recently seen R.C rifles going in excess of $3000.  Consequently we watch for the ripple effect in the UK.

Stock No’ F 1175  –  FAC Required

£ 1575.

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