Choice between 2 K98's AX41 or 42 1939

clyerly · Dec 23, 2024

Hey guys this is my very first post here and I am looking for some guidance on which one of these 2 K98's I should buy or none at all. The seller has 2 K98's in his collection that he is willing to sell. Both rifles he says are all matching, with the original slings, wood and all proofed. This will be my very first K98 if I decide to buy one. The first one is a AX 41 and the second one is a 42 1939. He sent me a few pictures of both rifles and I will post them below. Both rifles are the same price so I was wondering which one of these 2 rifles would the more experienced collectors here would pick between the two. Sorry for only limited detailed pictures but this is all I have to go on until we meet up and see them in hand, also is there any advice on what I should look for when I do see them in hand.

Thanks in advance,
Craige

Warrior1354 · Dec 23, 2024

The AX41 is much harder to find nice, and matching then the 1939 42. Besides looking at the photograph that 1939 42 looks like the stock has been heavily cleaned or sanded. Which would be a shame because it is a walnut stock too. Again, hard to say from the photographs. What is the asking price by chance?

mauser202 · Dec 23, 2024

All thing equal, ax every time. However you need more and better pics for a good decision.

Remfan · Dec 23, 2024

I would probably go with the AX 41. Tougher code and year to find. More pics would be nice though. Like to know the asking price myself.

clyerly · Dec 23, 2024

Thanks, I was thinking the AX 41 was the better choice but I wanted to hear from y'all first. The asking price is $2,500 for each, or $4,500 for both but I don't want to invest that much in 2 guns at this time. Is that a fair price for an AX 41 that is all matching?
Thanks again,
Craige

Remfan · Dec 23, 2024

Sounds like the going rate for an honest unmolested matching 98k these days. A rare code can bring more.

mauser202 · Dec 23, 2024

An unmessed with ax41 that is all matching should easily go north of 3K

Loewe · Dec 25, 2024

mauser202 said:
All thing equal, ax every time. However you need more and better pics for a good decision.

1941 ax 8479 d

K98k Mauser Rifle - Rare AX 41 code - Not Import

Auction # 385580381

Click to view

Current Bid

$0.00 No Reserve!

Started at

$1,900.00

for $2,200.00

Quantity

1

# of bids

0 Bid History

Time left

20 Hours, 23 Minutes +
15 minute rule

Location

Hudson, OH 44236

Start

1/1/2014 8:00:42 PM ET (This is a 5 day auction)

Ends On or After

1/6/2014 8:00:42 PM ET (GunBroker.com Official Time)

Seller

brauh A+(146)
View the feedback of this seller | View seller's other auctions | Ask seller a question

High bidder

--

Add this listing to your watch list

Mail this listing to a friend

Add this listing to my calendar

More Sharing ServicesShare | Share on facebook Share on myspace Share on google Share on twitter

Payment Methods

Money Order / Certified Check, See Item Description

Sales Tax

Seller does not collect sales tax

Shipping

Ground:

$35.00

No international shipments.
See Item Description.

Inspection Period / Return Policy

AS IS - No refund or exchange

Item Condition

Used

Requires FFL?

Yes

Seller Tools

Use our Tools for Sellers page to modify this listing, add to the description, close this auction, relist this item, submit feedback, and otherwise manage your listings.
Useful links: End this Auction | Problem with a Buyer? | Non Paying Bidder Report

The seller of this item assumes all responsibility for this listing. You must contact the seller to resolve any questions or concerns before placing a bid. Payment must be made using U.S. dollars ($) unless otherwise stated in the listing. Firearms may only be shipped to a licensed dealer (FFL Holder). Some listed items may not be legal in every state. Click here for details on how to complete your purchase within the law.

Description for Item # 385580381

Mauser K98k rifle ax 41 code. Erma, 1941 mfg. Rifle is all matching except unnumbered replacement handguard. Bore has strong rifling but is a bit dark. Stock is duffle cut under the rear band as this was a vet bring-back. Stock is not sanded but shows handling dings, dents, etc. Metal is in very good condition with blue remaining on receiver and areas of other parts. I have included lots of pictures so you can see what you will get. Number on bottom of stock is a bit hard to read - light hit and also dinged up. Returns only if not as described which is what the pictures are for. Please see my feedback. I am selling off my collection bit by bit. C&R OK. Shipping is $35. Subject to local sale prior to reserve being met. Thanks for looking.

Pictures for Item # 385580381

Loewe · Dec 25, 2024

Too many 2

Loewe · Dec 25, 2024

RARE MATCHING ax 41 WWII GERMAN K98 MAUSER 98k 98 NICE VET BRINGBACK NON IMPORT k98K G43 G41 MP44	Auction # 400982184
	This item has been Sold!

Click to view

Current Bid

$2,825.00 No Reserve!

Started at

$0.01

Quantity

1

# of bids

32 Bid History

Time left

Listing has Ended
15 minute rule

Location

Mendenhall, MS 39114

Start

3/14/2014 9:35:00 PM ET (This is a 9 day auction)

Ends On or After

3/23/2014 10:13:51 PM ET (GunBroker.com Official Time)

Seller

EliteCollection A+(214)
View the feedback of this seller | View seller's other auctions | Ask seller a question

Winning Bidder

Docepp65 A+(1)

Add this listing to your watch list

Mail this listing to a friend

Add this listing to my calendar

More Sharing ServicesShare | Share on facebook Share on myspace Share on google Share on twitter

Payment Methods

Money Order / Certified Check, Personal Check

Sales Tax

Seller does not collect sales tax

Shipping

Priority Mail:

$40.00

No international shipments.
See Item Description.

Inspection Period / Return Policy

Unspecified

Item Condition

Used

Requires FFL?

Yes

Seller Tools

Use our Tools for Sellers page to modify this listing, add to the description, close this auction, relist this item, submit feedback, and otherwise manage your listings.
Useful links: End this Auction | Problem with a Buyer? | Non Paying Bidder Report | View the Winning Bidder's name and address

Winning Bidder Tools

View the Seller's name and address | Problem with the Seller?

The seller of this item assumes all responsibility for this listing. You must contact the seller to resolve any questions or concerns before placing a bid. Payment must be made using U.S. dollars ($) unless otherwise stated in the listing. Firearms may only be shipped to a licensed dealer (FFL Holder). Some listed items may not be legal in every state. Click here for details on how to complete your purchase within the law.

This auction has ended
This page is only available for a limited time. Please print or save a copy for your records.

Seller:

EliteCollection

Buyer:

Docepp65

Quantity: 1

Instructions for the seller and winning bidder:

Contact each other. We have already sent the buyer and the seller an email message containing the other party's contact information. If you have not received your email, you can click on the other party's user name above to send a message. Our User Agreement requires that you contact each other within five (5) calendar days to make payment and shipping arrangements.
Once the transaction has been completed (i.e., payment has been made and the item received by the buyer) you can leave feedback on the other party.
Buyer - click here to leave feedback on seller

The Seller should contact each winning bidder (the Buyer) with information on the total cost of the purchase including shipping and sales tax if applicable. The Seller should tell the Buyer where to send payment and what payment methods are acceptable. The Buyer must send payment directly to the Seller. If the item is a modern firearm, the Buyer (or the Buyer's firearms transfer dealer) must send a signed FFL copy to the Seller. The Buyer should provide the FFL information to the Seller within fourteen (14) calendar days. Failure to provide proper FFL information in time may result in the Buyer receiving negative feedback and/or a Non-Paying Bidder warning, either of which can lead to suspension, and the Buyer will lose their rights as the winning bidder. Once payment is received the seller will ship the item to the buyer, or to the Buyer's transfer dealer (FFL) in the case of modern firearms. This auction is a binding contract between the Seller and the Buyer(s).
If the Seller is unable to contact a Buyer within five (5) calendar days of the end of the auction, the Buyer forfeits his/her rights as a winning bidder. A Buyer who fails to complete a transaction may receive negative feedback and/or a Non-Paying Bidder warning, either of which can lead to suspension from GunBroker.com.

Description for Item # 400982184

This is a very rare original WWII German k98 Mauser with the scarce maker/date code "ax 41". It has ALL MATCHING SERIAL NUMBERS and is in EXCELLENT original condition! The "ax" coded k98's were only made for two years at the Erma factory (1940 and 1941), and are among the rarest of all the k98 maker codes with very low production numbers. This makes them VERY desirable and highly sought-after by collectors. This rifle is as good as it gets. It is COVERED in correct WaA280 waffenampt inspection proofs and nazi eagles, and serial-number matching all the way down to the front sight blade! The metal is very nice with about 85% of its original bluing still intact. It is that beautiful trademark early-war high-polished bluing that is only seen on the early rifles, it is worn thin on the high points with light browning patina. The stock is GORGEOUS with original finish and lightly visible inspection cartouches. It has never been sanded or refinished, and is that deep reddish-brown color that collectors love. It is marked with the matching serial number in the barrel channel, as well as the production date "12-2-41". This rifle was a USGI vet-bringback and has NO IMPORT MARKS or postwar markings! The stock was duffle cut under the rear band, and has been expertly repaired and is not visible when assembled. This was a common practice during the war in order to fit the rifles into boxes and luggage for the trip home. The band-spring is matching, the action screws are matching, the front sight blade is even numbered. The bore is excellent and shiny. This rifle is just textbook correct, and would be very difficult to upgrade given its fine condition and the rarity of the maker code. I had bought this one for my collection, but I just can't afford to keep it. Although this rifle could easily bring $4000 or even more, I am starting it as a TRUE AUCTION at only a penny and will let YOU decide the value!! Don't miss! You could look for 30 years and not see another one like this. Shipping will be $40 in the CON US, insurance for $15 extra. Payment due by Postal Money Order or by check along with a copy of your FFL or C&R within two weeks of auction close. Please email me with any and all questions! Good luck.

Pictures for Item # 400982184

Loewe · Dec 25, 2024

Two auctions 2-3 months apart in 2014, there are more pics but attached are the "highlites".

1939/42 need a serial if interest remains on it, probably don't have it anyway as byf's are all the same generally, - I like the "eclectic" (diverse) makers for trends work as I trend patterns and changes.

Jdt · Dec 25, 2024

My vote goes to the AX 41, way more uncommon too find in my experience.

hale1940 · Dec 25, 2024

They’re both sought after codes and both reasonably difficult to find. Though the ax41 was produced in lower numbers its not like nice 42 1939’s are growing on trees. Personally I’ve encountered probably a pretty equal number of both over my years searching around.

I do have some concerns about the 42 1939’s stock though. Is the some kind of crack running down the length of it? And I have a suspicion the wood might be sanded.

Jdt · Dec 25, 2024

hale1940 said:
They’re both sought after codes and both reasonably difficult to find. Though the ax41 was produced in lower numbers its not like nice 42 1939’s are growing on trees. Personally I’ve encountered probably a pretty equal number of both over my years searching around.

I do have some concerns about the 42 1939’s stock though. Is the some kind of crack running down the length of it? And I have a suspicion the wood might be sanded.

Imo the stock has been stripped and lightly sanded even tho the edges of the bolt cutout look pretty sharp also I bet that's just a grain streak of some kind? In the stock, does not look cracked too me, one thing that would help is if the stock markings were posted but the AX 41 has a jump up on the 42 1939 just from the untouched stock too me.

clyerly · Dec 25, 2024

Thanks, guys for giving me some valuable information on both of these rifles, a special thanks to Loewe for posting the previous sold AX 41, with all the detailed pictures. Like I said this will be my first rifle and I know you better do your research before jumping into this hobby, I learned that from collecting German ww2 helmets. lol All being said and what I leaned about the AX41 being all matching except the hand guard. I also noticed that the current seller that has it has added a sling, cleaning rod and a sight hood as they were not on the previous auctions for the rifle, is it still worth the price as I just was wanting 1 nice collectible example of a German rifle.

Also Merry Christmas to all

nirvana · Dec 25, 2024

Replacement handguard hurts to value to me as the gun isn’t actually matching. If I had to pick, I’d go with the AX41, but I’d probably pass on both tbh.

Loewe · Dec 26, 2024

Jdt said:
My vote goes to the AX 41, way more uncommon too find in my experience.

In trends about (almost) double in observations, 180 to about 300, but I do not always trend byf in lesser grades or poorly imaged so the disparity is probably larger. An ERMA I would save if it were identifiable to serial-maker-date. I would get the better condition, if equal I would get ERMA, be easier to get more of the investment in an emergency imo.

Choice between 2 K98's AX41 or 42 1939

Member

Attachments

ax - hole

Senior Member

Senior Member

Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Moderator²

K98k Mauser Rifle - Rare AX 41 code - Not Import ​

Attachments

Moderator²

Attachments

Moderator²

RARE MATCHING ax 41 WWII GERMAN K98 MAUSER 98k 98 NICE VET BRINGBACK NON IMPORT k98K G43 G41 MP44​

Attachments

Moderator²

Well-known member

Canadian Fabio

Well-known member

Member

Well-known member

Moderator²

K98k Mauser Rifle - Rare AX 41 code - Not Import

RARE MATCHING ax 41 WWII GERMAN K98 MAUSER 98k 98
NICE VET BRINGBACK NON IMPORT k98K G43 G41 MP44