Excellent early War K98k (1937)……………… (f 748)….SOLD

K98k with Matching Numbers and New Walther Lothar Barrel

When a rifle with matching numbers surfaces its always exciting.  What tempers that excitement is a shot-away bore!   This was one of those rifles.  Do we leave it alone?  Or, do we take advantage of the fact that certain, reputable company produces a new, high quality barrel with exactly the same profile, in the same calibre?  I have gone for the second alternative.  This rifle is now fitted and proofed, with a brand new Lothar-Walther barrel and with sympathetically applied matching numbers.  So you have a matching numbered K98 built in 1937 with a brand new barrel.

Stocked in a fine figured walnut stock with a flat steel butt-plate and strip-down butt-disc.  The stock itself is a dark, rich looking brown with hints of tiger strip at certain angles.  The butt-stock has the slot cut through which allows the German leather sling to fit through and fasten.  This is complimented by the barrel bar that anchors the sling at the front that is marked with the digits “85”.  The butt-plate is marked “8685”.

The serial number the rifle bears on the RHS of the receiver is ” 8685 L”.  This is now stamped into the barrel adjacent to the receiver marking.  Importantly the bolt stub shows the same number upon the stub.  The bolt shroud carries the same number .  The only component which does not carry the same number is the actual cocking piece.  One can only imagine that the original has failed at some time and been replaced. However the replacement carries the same waffenamt (63) as many other parts observed on the rifle.

Being a K98k from 1937 the receiver bears the Weimar acceptance stamps as well as Nazi markings.  The receiver carries the manufacturers code “S/42” which is the code for Mauser Werke AG, Oberndorf.  Beneath is the date of manufacture “1937”.  Consequently there is a clear Weimar Eagle next to the serial number.  On the outside of the action wall is the model designation; “Mod.98”.  On the LHS of the receiver is one “63” eagle and two “WaA63” Weimar stampings.  On the same side of the rifle, on the forward end of sight collar are to more stampings.  The rear sight also carries the serial number and the same waffenamts.  The rear sight is graduated from 100 to 2000 meters.  The front sight is an inverted “V”-type mounted upon a ramp.  The rear facing inclination is crosshatched to reduce glare.

The stock fittings are all marked with a matching serial number and have lost most of their finish. The bayonet fitting also carries the serial number, but there is currently no cleaning rod.  The stock fixing screws have the locking screws in place.  The follower within the magazine also shows a “85”.  When the woodwork was off the rifle it was observed that the rifle carries the matching number stamped into the inside.  The last four digits of the serial number are just still visible on the underside of the butt-stock below the semi-pistol grip.  Overall length 43.5/8″.  Barrel length 24″.  Trigger pull 13.1/8″.

This is a great opportunity to get a 99% matching rifle with a brand new bore and really start running up some high scores.  The rifle carries London proofs for 2018.

Stock No’  f 748

£ 1450.  SOLD

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