Pre WW1 Gew 98 Rifle as 410 Shotgun…………..(S 75)

Interesting Gew 98 by Oberdorf for 1907

Externally, absolutely no difference to a standard Imperial German Infantry weapon but, infact converted to .410 smoothbore.  Perfect for the WW1 German Re-enactor.  From a casual glance this appears to be the standard military issue for the Imperial German Army of World War One.  All the dimensions have remained the same, the stock and metalwork also.  Survivng cartouches are as should be, as is the sling arrangement.

Overall length is 49″.  Barrel length normal 29.1/2″ and trigger Pull measurement 13″ to centre.    Fine dark european walnut, semi-pistol grip stock with steel ID disc set into RHS of butt-stock.  Shaped steel butt-plate.  Standard Imperial German ownership cartouches between disc and butt-plate.  The ID disc has some genuine markings for unit the rifle was assigned to but, unfortunately they are unreadable.

Normal Mauser action with straight arm bolt.  The bolt stub carries an original non-matching number.  The receiver ring has the following roll-stampings over its upper surface; “WAFFENFABRIK / MAUSER A-G / OBERNDORF A/N / 1907”  Caliber marking on the barrel step “7.91” and the solitary “S” for S-patronen over the chamber, behind the rear sight. The outer action wall carries the model designation, “Gew 98” in Gothic Script.  On the same side the serial number is marked on the receiver as “696 / g” as it is on the barrel shank – this confirms that this is the original barrel, still in position.

The rifle has the original Lange -Visier swept tangent sight graduated from 400 to 2000 meters.  The side of the curved ramp is marked “96” as are many other parts denoting their originality to the rifle.  On the subject of matching numbers, the whole rifle matches, every metal component has the correct number on it somewhere.  Even the stock is marked with the original number just behind the rear sling mount.  This is all great news for the collector, however we now can assume another important piece of information as to the rifle’s linage. The bolt is a completely different number, this in istself is not a terrible thing as battlefield practice upon surrender, is to separate rifle from bolt and stack in two separate piles.  After the event, nobody was going to sit there and try to reunited the huge pile of rifles with their original bolts.  Therefore, we can assume with reasonable certainty, this rifle is a battlefield surrendered weapon.

The cleaning rod is present, as is a new reproduction sling with all the correct fittings perculiar to WW1 issue.  Bayonet fitting at front of stock.  As noted above, the rifle is now smooth-bored with a fixed magazine follower, only allowing single shot loading.  The stock is perfect in finish and colour with no repairs or splits and a good even finish.  The surface of the metal work is somewhat mottled but, also of an even dark brown patina.  A very attractive example which could be utilzed as a re-enactors weapon.  BNP proofed.

Stock No S 75.  Shotgun license required.

£ 495.

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