Mauser K98k “Sleeper” from “ar / 41” ……… (F1052) Sold
Created on May 27th 2022
Mid War K98k G.I. Bring-back “Sleeper”
Allegedly unused since the war as retained in original bring back family. In superb condition with strong original blues all over with mellow aged high edge wear. The rifle, the sling and the Bakelite handled bayonet were brought home from Europe. Interestingly the rifle had a duffle cut which is a clear sing of sneaking it into the country within a soldiers duffle bag – against regulations. The quality of the blueing is unrepeatable in this modern age when mixed with the pattern of wear the rifle is showing. The depth and vividness of this blue is highly reminiscent of commercial weaponry and shows, that when produced, the Germans were under no external pressure to get it done. The only concession is within the choice of stock material, which is obviously Laminate, as sign of the stress that the country was staring to feel due to allied bombing and the disruption of supply rail networks.
This rifle has emerged from a particularly high standard rifle collection and at Sword & Musket it is an honour to get to represent this type of item. Attention to detail has been upmost within the collectors mind; there is very little to fault with items like this. I for one was beginning to think this grade of piece was starting to be the stuff of myths and legends within our collecting community.
Of standard military specification for that period. This rifle was built in 1941 at the Mauser Works Borsigwalde, this is evident by the receiver markings “ar / 41” The Serial Number 4312 i is clearly stamped into the LHS of the receiver and the barrel shank. Directly sited beside each is a clear Nazi Eagle. On the other side of the receiver are 3 “26” waffenamts. The calibre designation is on the barrel step. The model designation is marked along the outer action wall clearly reading “Mod. 98.” I have to stress that the condition of this rifle when examining the markings up close can not be faulted. Borsigwalde seemed to have used a particularly aggressive modern font with their numbering and this is repeated all over the rifle – no false matching. Also they must have stamped before finishing or even hardening, as all the stampings are noticeably deep, the bolt being a particular case in point. Also on close inspection the quality of the blue is jumping out along with the lack of any pitting – Anywhere ! I don’t think this rifle strayed far from temperate central Europe.
Fully Matching is a term often banded about but in this case it does not seem quite adequate. To my knowledge at this point the only component which although correct in length carries the wrong number is the 12.1/2″ cleaning rod which shows “88”. It is easy to guess that two comrades interchanged their cleaning rods when rushed to put them back together some distant day past. All bolt components match including extractor – that didn’t even get a chance to break! All the rear sight components match including the slide and the spring. All the floorplate and trigger guard parts match, as does the deeply blued follower. All the barrel bands and bayonet components match, as does the steel flat butt-plate with correct “26” waffenamt. As I say I cant fault this rifle.
Then there is the stock ! Where to start? Correctly and originally polished and stained to a golden orange. Simply covered in stampings under the lacquer. The three main standard marking denoting army inspection and acceptance with the large “H” for army on the RHS between stripping disc and butt-plate. The serial number including the italic “i” on the underside of the butt, plus large “P” and two large Waffenamts. On the semi-pistol grip bulge two more waffenamts – all undisturbed and none applied after the original finish. Other nice points, last two digits of serial number on main action to stock screw heads. Sprung sight protector in position at front. Nice tan leather side mounted sling with “L & F” marked slide. The retaining buckle has a war code “gm” on the underside.
A very good Bakelite handles bayonet is included with the rifle measuring 15″ with steel scabbard. The numbers do not match on the bayonet scabbard or to the actual rifle. It is made by Coppel, has a superbly blued blade with tip intact. Birds head pommel with undamaged grips, another testament to the shortage of timber in Germany at the time. The blued steel scabbard was made by Berg & Co in 1940 as so marked. The bayonet fits perfectly over the cleaning rod when attached to the rifle. An excellent addition to the kit as a whole.
Clean face with bluing still intact.. Bluing strong on bolt showing once again, little use. Rifling in bore strong and deep with possible minor disruption towards the end within one groove but as of yet not fully investigated. What to say – this doesn’t happen often! Last keeper did not shoot this weapon when he realised what he had in his hands. As privately imported from the US originally, it will now have to visit the proof house but we will be going for a certificate to avoid markings.
Serious Collectors; Don’t miss this chance. To be proofed yet. This was all just to wet your taste buds…….
Stock No F 1052
£ 2375. (Sold)
Comments Off on Mauser K98k “Sleeper” from “ar / 41” ……… (F1052) Sold