Early Fully Matching K98 coded “42 / 1939″…..(F1053) Sold

Very Fine Fully Matching K98k

Although a relatively early K98k, this rifle is fitted with a solid wood Walnut stock. In 1939 Mauser Werke AG Oberndorf actually had started making the majority of their rifles in the new laminated stock, so this is rare in itself; apart from pleasing to see. Built in full military specification this is a very fine example of a fully matching rifle, somehow stuck in a time warp and unaltered.  Everything matches and carries the correct waffenamts for this manufacturer – including the stock.

This rifle, once again has emerged from an extensive fine collection where attention to detail has been upmost in the collectors mind.  It was built when Germany had just engaged in full scale war across Europe by invading Poland. The gloves were off and it relied extensively on this rifle to drive forward its future vision of Europe. Apart from the obvious fact that Europe was busy making up more and more ridiculous efforts of appeasement to offer Herr Hitler, I believe that the armies that faced Germany were caught on the hop and basically the first strikes from the bully of Europe carried them along way in their campaign.  But, and this is the crucial point at this level, this rifle was so efficient at its primary function, in the hands of highly motivated, well trained troops that there was nothing able to stop it.  It is sturdy, compact and deadly accurate. Easy to handle and quick in the right hands.  Countries like France and Belgium along with Poland (as bravely as they resisted) were just not ready for the weapon that faced them.  This rifle is testament to build quality and design in the field of bolt action rifles, and the ironic thing is they had been around for decades in similar form.  They just became further tuned for the game they were hunting, namely the poor conscript or unfortunate that was going about his business innocent of what was being lined up on him.  When that 7.92 mm round arrives at its destination there would be very few alternative results than the inevitable – only luck would save you then.

Chambered in the German 7.92 x 57mm cartridge with a 5-shot internal magazine.  Mauser bolt action with bent over bolt handle and three position flag safety to rear.  Overall the Karbiner is 43.3/4″ in overall length.  The round blued stepped barrel is 23.1/2″ long and the trigger Pull to centre is 13″.  As mentioned above this is one of the relatively rare Walnut stocked rifles produced that year from Oberndorf.  The stock is in excellent condition with a superb built-up patina. It bears all the dents and nicks in the surface of the stock one would expect from a rifle that has been through what this one may have. It is fitted with a contoured flat steel butt-plate (correctly numbered) and a strip down disc.  The remainder of the stock fittings are the correct milled type and all of them bear some of or all the matching serial number.

The other remarkable aspect on this stock, is the collection of Waffenamts, cartouches and stampings that adorn it, once again including the matching serial number.  This rifle was originally issued to the army “H” for “Heer” is clearly seen on the RHS of the Butt-stock flat. Beneath the eagle over the “H” are the “WaA63” waffenamts of inspection at the Mauser Oberndorf plant.  On the underside of the butt-stock are many more markings; Above the semi-pistol grip there are two “WaA63” markings one larger than the other.  Below the same are the serial number “3960 f” and two more Waffenamts of the same.  All are clear and most definitely within the aged patina.  There is no suggestion that any of these markings have been applied at a later date; dirt and polish / oil finish fill them all.  Pleasing natural Tiger stripe evident in many aspects of the stock.  Short barrel guard above barrel with 5/8″ long dent that does not detract.

On the crest of the action are the coded markings; ” 42 / 1939″.  On the action wall the simple model designation; “Mod. 98”  The serial number “3960 f” is repeated on the LHS of the receiver and barrel along with clear Nazi Eagles.  Along the RHS if of the sight base are three small waffenamts horizontally applied.  On the RHS of the receiver are three clear “63” Waffenamt stampings.  The bolt carries all or part of the matching serial number on all the components including the extractor.  The bolt release catch and the magazine follower also bear the “60” from the serial number.  The exposed magazine assembly and trigger guard are fully marked with the correct numbers and waffenamts, as are the action screws.  The barrel band/ sling mount and “H” formed front band are also matching as it the bayonet fitting.  On the obverse they carry the correct “63” waffenamts.  Correct shorter 10″ cleaning rod, un-numbered.

Rear sights graduated from 100 to 2000 meters, matching numbers on the underside.  Plain front sight ramp, as the grooved type to take the front sight hood was only approved in December 1939.  Waffenamts to the front of inverted “V” front sight.  Blueing all over is excellent with depth of colour and high edges wear commensurate with age.  Action very smooth and fully functioning.  Bore excellent – little sign of use with strong deep 4-groove perfect bore.  Little signs of use on bolt and magazine follower.  If this were a car I think we would call it barely run in.  Date matched original leather sling attached to rifle in excellent condition with makers name visible.

The story behind this rifle is that it was capture by one August Fink a G.I, who was awarded the Purple Heart.  He was from Alma, Wabannsee, Kansas. USA.  Mr Fink only died in July 2005 and the rifle remained with him all his life and then was sold by the family. This is a rifle worthy of the advanced collector – a chance not to be missed.  Yet to be proofed; we will be seeking a certificate to minimise markings.

Stock No F 1053

£ 2400.    (Sold)

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