Very Early Gew 98 for 1899 by Mauser Oberndorf….(F 1058) SOLD
Created on June 8th 2022
Superb Early Mauser Gew 98 by Oberndorf
“WAFFENFABRIK / MAUSER / OBERNDORF A/N / 1899” Says it all really ! marked clearly over the crest of the receiver. Mass production of these fine rifles began during 1900 at Danzig, Erfurt and Spandau. Waffenfabrik Mauser A/G actually began to supply rifles steadily from 1904-5 onwards. It is conceivable that this rifle was one of the first rifles produced and sent out to the Guards regiments for troop trials before production started for good at Mauser. It is actually marked on the steel ID disk with “4.G. R.8.5.” which is thought to indicate 4th Grenadier Regiment, 8th Company, rifle number 5. This regiment was definitely involved in the fighting in WW1.
Produced in German military specifications with the new Mauser 3-lug bolt locking system and solid receiver. It has the 5-shot internal magazine and straight arm bolt with the three position flag safety to the rear. Overall the rifle measures 49″. The round barrel is a nominal 29″ long and the trigger Pull is 13″ to centre. Fully stocked in its original walnut semi-pistol grip stock with half-length hand guard over the barrel. Steel butt-plate with serial number matching. Early pattern quick release sling swivel attached to rear sling mounting point. Chambered in the 8mm (7.92 x 57mm) cartridge. Barrel step marked with calibre, shows “7.91”
On the RHS of the receiver are three Imperial inspection marks. On the opposite side is the serial number;- “2070 a” and is repeated on the barrel adjacent. Straight armed bolt, matching numbers all over it, or parts there off. Trigger guard and magazine floor plate similarly marked. Numbered action screws with locking screws in place. The other furniture is also matching as is the Lange Visier rear sight. Sight graduated from 200 to 2000 meters on each side. The crest of the barrel is marked with the small “S” for the breech alteration to accept the Spitzer bullet (S-Patrone).
The outer action wall is marked in German Gothic script “Gew.98” The barrel bands carry all the correct numbers. The only item which is mismatched is the bolt release catch which is marked “15” The deep dark patina that has built up over the surface of the wood work would be quite unrepeatable and is only the signal of long use and mush handling. Underneath that patina are all the dents associated with a long military career. Half length cleaning rod under barrel has been repaired at some stage with a replacement front end. Bayonet lug and stacking hook to front end. Apart from the repaired rod the metal work displays a fine plum-brown to the finish with a small degree of blueing in places.
All the normal Imperial inspection and acceptance cartouches show on the stock, plus one other very interesting stamp. Namely the stamp of the Open Hand of the U.V.F. Over its top it has those initials and around the lower half of the surround the words “FOR GOD AND ULSTER” This makes this one of the 20,000 weapons smuggled into Ulster (possibly on the Larne Gun run). Overall there is nothing that detracts from this rifle, even the bore is in great shape – remarkable for a 123 year old rifle. Its a privilege to handle and sell such a piece just oozing with history.
Stock No F 1058
£ 2160. SOLD
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