Mauser Kar 98a by ERFURT………(f 530) SOLD

A Good Clean example of the Famous Kar 98a by the Erfurt Manufactory

Developed and built by the German Mauser plants from 1904 on wards this example is by Erfurt and was built towards the end of World War One.  Chambered in 7.92mm (8mm Mauser) it has the standard 5-shot internal magazine of its cousin the Gew 98, with the same Mauser action and flag safety bolt.  There are, after those basic facts, some differences which make this weapon stand apart from its predecessors.  War was changing rapidly and the old concept of the long infantry rifle with its still longer bayonet was starting to look like its days were numbered.  Improved ammunition and smokeless powders were making the necessity for a long barrel less important.  Also Germany was looking at rival arms producers and may have been influenced by the arrival of the Short Magazine Lee-Enfield in Britian and the Springfield 1903 in the USA.  Mechanised movement of troops in confined spaces and ease of opperation in the trenches meant that the long rifles were becoming cumbersome to use.  Hence, the arrival of the  Kar (Shortened, Karbiner for Carbine) 98 Model a.

In superb gothic script “Kar 98” is marked on the side of the action.  The receiver is marked with the bore size, at the top, closest to the back of the hand-guard “7.91”  Below is the “Royal Crown / ERFURT / 1918”  In the left hand top quarter is the serial number “7195 a” Below that and closer to the woodwork line is a Germanic Griffin.  On the other side of the receiver are three Imperial German Inspectors stamps.  The serial number is then repeated on the usual bolt components.  Two more inspectors marks appear on the underside of the bolt handle stub.  Most noticeable is the fact that the bolt handle is turned down and heavily cross hatched on the flat underside, closest to the stock.  The stock at that point is relieved to allow easier handling of the bolt.  The bolt release has “95” on the top side.

More components with the matching numbers include the tangent rear sight.  The main ladder, the slide and the spring are all stamped “95”.  That sight is graduated from 300 to 2000 meters.  The only other components on the rest of the rifle which are marked with a “95” are the two main fixing screws, fore and aft of the trigger guard.   They also have their locking screws but those are un-numbered.  The balance on the fittings on the rifle, are all marked with miscellaneous numbers, but correct components for the K98a.

The stock bears another number just below the distinctive pistol grip; “6122”. The butt has been armory repaired.  A large piece of Walnut, approximately 4.1/2″ in length, has been expertly grafted into the toe.  Damage at this point is common if the rifle has been used on the drill ground.  The butt is fitted with a flat steel but plate with tang.  Situated below the bolt strip-down disc are two stock cartouches of the the the Imperial German type.  The conventional German style sling mounting is slotted into the butt, with corresponding sling bar on the mid band.

At the muzzle end this Kar 98 is correctly fitted with fore-sight protection and a slot for protective muzzle cap. On the underside is the standard Mauser bayonet lug, the hinged front band and stacking hook.

The rifle is in very pleasing condition with and possesses an attractive patina to both the stock and the metal components.  The action is mechanically fine and the bore is stunningly good.  This is a very usable, handsome example of a historically important Mauser from one of the most horrific conflicts of recent times.  A highly collectible rifle.  Just re-proofed in Birmingham UK.

Stock No’  f  530

£ 998.  SOLD

 

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