PatickD
Member
Arguably one of the hardest to find German standard issue Mausers, the Kar 98B. These rifles were made from 1924-1930(?). With only around 70,000 produced. Not many survived the maelstrom of war, especially in all matching condition. This particular rifle is known as the “undated” version. Since the receiver is completely blank on the top. This one was produced sometime between 1926-1930.
Rifle appears to have gone through a depot. Since the barrel bands have four digits, compared to the normal two digits for this production block. Rear sight has been updated to the “s.S” cartridge. I think some parts may also have been re-blued during the depot work (bolt parts). I also believe on the bottom of the stock are two depot stamps (pictured). Barrel has a “K” marking on the bottom. Which is likely for “Krupp Steel”. I am not sure if the barrel is original, or replaced? I am leaning towards replaced. Since it has a Weimar eagle. Not a Simson eagle?
Stock had a really nasty duffle cut. Whomever cut it, went in at an angle and actually cut the cleaning rod nut in half. Fortunately a rod still threads in perfectly. Some of the wood was missing around the area too. Also had a couple of holes cut into the area. Maybe to hold it together somehow? I did my best to repair it. I think it came out decent enough.
Rifle had one of my pet peeves. Someone took out the recoil lug and dinged the stock. Then put it backwards. Bubbas need to stop touching recoil lugs! They always mess up the stock.
Rifle wears a scarce 1934 production, J.P. Sauer milled muzzle cover. A Spandau non serialized, but proofed and dated cleaning rod. And a high condition K98k sling. No idea what would be technically the “correct” style sling.
A few things to note about this rifle, that are semi abnormal:
•The follower has an Imperial “Fraktur” stamp. Which are seen on some Kar 98B’s.
•The firing pin is blued, generally a sign of depot work. I am not sure if they left the factory blued originally though. I think the entire bolt may have been depot reblued.
•Bolt is oddly swept a little forward.
•The stock does not have the Simson eagle on the right side. I am not sure why the Simson eagle was omitted. Only the early Reich Adler on the side. It does have the Simson eagle on the bottom of the stock, along with the serial number and what I believe are two depot stamps.
•The follower has an Imperial “Fraktur” stamp. Which are seen on some Kar 98B’s.
•The firing pin is blued, generally a sign of depot work. I am not sure if they left the factory blued originally though. I think the entire bolt may have been depot reblued.
•Bolt is oddly swept a little forward.
•The stock does not have the Simson eagle on the right side. I am not sure why the Simson eagle was omitted. Only the early Reich Adler on the side. It does have the Simson eagle on the bottom of the stock, along with the serial number and what I believe are two depot stamps.
P.S. Sorry Bruce!
