1926 dated Kar98b

Hi all,

This is my first post here, however I have been reading posts on this form for a while now. My apologies in advance for my amateur photography skills.

I picked up this Kar98b at auction a couple of years ago, knowing next to nothing about them. I have read on this forum that 1926 dated rifles are not often encountered, so I thought I would share photos of this rifle. I had read that the dated Kar98b's are marked Gew 98 on the receiver, so perhaps this rifle is a unique "discovery". The only unmatching parts seem to be the bolt body (s/n scrubbed, but I believe otherwise correct), firing pin, and barrel. There also appears to be some double/over stamping on some other parts. I am curious if anyone recognizes the markings on the barrel, which I assume to be a much later replacement. Any thoughts on this rifle would be appreciated. I am happy to take more photos if I missed anything, or if any details are hard to make out.

Thanks,
Matt

More photos

And more

Final

Matt,

I don't want to be the bearer of bad news, but I think this one is fabricated/fake. The SN is not typical German (never seen a leading zero on a receiver) and there are a lot of red flags with the barrel, trigger-guard and stock. The fireproof isn't correct for Simson either. The 1926 98b should have the SIMSON & Co. SUHL marking on the receiver (they later moved to blank receivers with an "S" marking.) Some of the acceptance stamps also look problematic. There are a few legitimate parts mixed in (like rear sight components ) I'd encourage you to look over some of the other dated pieces in the reference section to compare.

I know not the news you probably wanted to hear.... I'm open to hear dissenting opinions, but that's my diagnosis. Given the rarity of legitimate 98b, it's natural someone tried to fabricate one.

I get some real strange vibes also, the 1926 is engraved not roll marked. Someone went to a lot of trouble for what? Looks to have been sandblasted. Weird

chrisftk said:

Matt,

I don't want to be the bearer of bad news, but I think this one is fabricated/fake. The SN is not typical German (never seen a leading zero on a receiver) and there are a lot of red flags with the barrel, trigger-guard and stock. The fireproof isn't correct for Simson either. The 1926 98b should have the SIMSON & Co. SUHL marking on the receiver (they later moved to blank receivers with an "S" marking.) Some of the acceptance stamps also look problematic. There are a few legitimate parts mixed in (like rear sight components ) I'd encourage you to look over some of the other dated pieces in the reference section to compare.

I know not the news you probably wanted to hear.... I'm open to hear dissenting opinions, but that's my diagnosis. Given the rarity of legitimate 98b, it's natural someone tried to fabricate one.

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biggymu said:

I get some real strange vibes also, the 1926 is engraved not roll marked. Someone went to a lot of trouble for what? Looks to have been sandblasted. Weird

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Well, that sucks to hear. Though there were enough little things I noticed that had me scratching my head. I appreciate the feedback. The good news is that I bought this on a whim and didn't pay a ton for it. If nothing else, it will be a good learning lesson and research project.

mtallman said:

Well, that sucks to hear. Though there were enough little things I noticed that had me scratching my head. I appreciate the feedback. The good news is that I bought this on a whim and didn't pay a ton for it. If nothing else, it will be a good learning lesson and research project.

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Matt, first; I'm sorry again to bear bad news.

Secondly, I hope this in no way discourages you from posting again when you get something else. We've all made a mistake or two and by posting it here the community learns.

Thirdly, I don't think you're photography skills are that bad at all. You actually did a really nice job.

Rifles that are even in k98b configuration are at least somewhat desirable in my opinion. Regardless of correct markings. Especially if you are just looking for an example that looks the part to fill the hole in-between a gew98 and a k98k collection. Rifle definitely has its issues, but I still like it! Welcome to the forum!

The barrel looks to have a post WW2 Yugoslav proof on the barrel (star over T) next to an assembly number (631) which were also commonly used by the Yugoslavs on most of their post war rebuilt rifles. I do think some Gew 98 length rifles were rebuilt there after WW2. They have been previously posted in small numbers on various forums.

Stan said:

The barrel looks to have a post WW2 Yugoslav proof on the barrel (star over T) next to an assembly number (631) which were also commonly used by the Yugoslavs on most of their post war rebuilt rifles. I do think some Gew 98 length rifles were rebuilt there after WW2. They have been previously posted in small numbers on various forums.

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My gut says that someone took a Yugo refurbed gun, polished the Yugo crest off, and then engraved the top.

nirvana said:

My gut says that someone took a Yugo refurbed gun, polished the Yugo crest off, and then engraved the top.

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Yeah, I wouldn't bet against that.

I do think the Karab.98b on the side wall is original. Just as others stated, it may have been Yugo remarked, then that once again scrubbed and tried to restore to 98b configuration again.