Mauser K98k by J.P. Sauer & Sohn Suhl…(F 982) SOLD
Created on March 1st 2022
Mid War K98k Rifle by Sauer of Suhl
Of standard military production with some mixed parts as a US battlefield pick up. This rifle was found in the US and brought into the UK in the last shipment (2021) As is normal with a rifle picked up from stock of surrendered weapons, this rifle does not retain its original bolt. Simple reasons being that, they were separated on capture and as surrendered weapons, they had very little value and were only retained as trophies of war. Little did the US serviceman know, when he picked up his trophy and grabbed a bolt to go with it, that some years later prices would rise to such a point that these thing started to matter so. Anyway, by its mixed numbers, at least we have the certainty that it was liberated from the western front after combat and then resided as a “curiosity” in the US ever since.
The rifles serial number, “9989 g” is shown on the LHS of the receiver and barrel; meaning it still retains its original barrel. The makers code is marked on the receiver; “147 / 1940“, with build date. The code number stands for J.P.Sauer and Sohn Gewehrfabrik, Suhl. The calibre is marked on the barrels breech ring as “7.9” meaning 7.92 x 57mm, the Wehrmacht’s chosen calibre. The bolt removal catch retains the “89” of the serial number. Three correct waffenamts on the RHS of the receiver and Nazi Eagle acceptance stamps on the LHS adjacent to the serial number. The outer action wall is simply marked “Mod.98”. The large Nazi eagles are exceptionally clear. The serial number is also clearly marked on the underside of the components making up the rear sights.
At some stage the stock has been changed for a later laminated type. It is impossible to know if this occurred in its service with the Wehrmacht but, by looking at it manufacture date, there was still a lot of war left to survive in its original stock, considering what horrors might befall it on the battle field in hand to hand combat. However this stock itself shows much more information with its matching butt-plate and clear “H” Army inspection and acceptance marks. The stock itself was recently repaired about the wrist as the first stages of de-lamination were just starting to show. This is a professional repair and is very unlikely to fail in the next 80 years of its life. The repair is flush and smooth to the touch with cross-grain turned plugs, stained to match.
The trigger guard and floor plate is matching to the rifle and retains its locking screws. The rifle retains a bayonet fitting, milled bands and cleaning rod in position under the barrel. The sights are the usual sliding ramp type, graduated from 100 to 2000 yards, even the sight spring matches the rifle. The front sight is not hooded but does have the anti-glare rear slope to it. The bolt components have matching numbers but, as explained earlier, not to the rifle. This weapon has been freshly proofed with this bolt in place. It is also not too much of a stretch to note, that the bolt number is not a million miles away from the rifle number so, it is possible that this rifle surrendered with closely numbered rifles; possibly all issued at once en-block. i.e, to the same division or Army group. The bolt number being; “8797 l” It is four digit then suffix as is the rifle number; “9989 g“
This is still a solid K98. The stock has been repaired around the wrist to halt minor delamination. Also, it still has a decent weight to it, meaning it has not dried out too much. The action is mechanically fine – five shot internal magazine. The finish is turning silver grey all over with protected areas – barrel and bolt retaining most finish. The quality of the original remaining finish is extremely high as is generally known of Sauer as a manufacturer. Rifling is obviously used with uninterrupted twist and no pitting or misting. This is testament to actions the weapon may have been involved with – not a guard room rifle by any stretch of the imagination! A rifle with history which is still perfectly usable for some time yet.
Stock No’ F 982
£ 1640. SOLD
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