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1915 Amberg Gewehr 98

C

cptxaggie

Member
Hello, all...

Last week, I was in my favorite local antique gunshop and saw a1915 Amberg Gewehr 98 in seemingly in somewhat original condition. Mostly matching serials. Shoots, feeds, cycles well, no import marks, barrel in very good condition. It does have a few issues:

- mismatched serial numbers on the firing pin and the sear
- missing cleaning rod

Does the blued receiver/bolt hurt the value? I am assuming this was done during an arsenal refresh at 4F Koln Depot?

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That's a cool rifle, it looks like cold blue on the receiver and bolt. The easiest way to remove cold blue is get a brass brush and scrub the hell out of the receiver and bolt. Cold blue is extremely fragile and with enough scrubbing you should be able to remove it --if that's indeed what it was. Vinegar would also work, though that's a little more intrusive. These parts would absolutely not have been blued at a depot during World War I.

1915 Ambergs are a less common maker/date. The cleaning rod can be replaced and the firing pins were often clipped when they were brought back (likely to be made a wall hanger) so people will sometimes replace the firing pin to get the gun back in shooting condition. I've also seen cases where someone will re-tip the firing pin, which to me is the better option so the rifle maintains its matching condition. It can't be helped now though.

I think you did pretty well congratulations!
 
Ahhh, ok the splotchy uneven blueing on the receiver and bolt were done post military service. A restoring project to white for those parts is in order.

The firing pin on this one is non matching, but it looks like it has been re-tiped as you mentioned. Not done well, kinda crooked and obvious. Been on the lookout for a cleaning rod, might have to get a repro till I can find a nice original. Good info, thanks!!
 
I heard a trick recently when removing cold blue. Take a damp rag with some vinegar and just keep lightly rubbing the cold blue areas. Should be able to identify by smell. This is especially useful when they have put cold blue over original blueing. If you’re careful you can remove the added without touching what’s underneath. IE your floor plate or what have you if that’s been hit.
 
Common.Ally said:
I heard a trick recently when removing cold blue. Take a damp rag with some vinegar and just keep lightly rubbing the cold blue areas. Should be able to identify by smell. This is especially useful when they have put cold blue over original blueing. If you’re careful you can remove the added without touching what’s underneath. IE your floor plate or what have you if that’s been hit.
Click to expand...
You'll need to de-grease those parts first if you try vinegar. It won't remove the cold blue if there is any oil on the metal. Scrubbing with brass would be a little simpler. Also be sure to rinse the parts well after using vinegar, as you'll need to neutralize the acidity, then re-oil.
 
Seconding scrubbing with brass. If you don't have some already, get some copper wool. I won't say it's impossible to hurt an original finish with it - I'm sure some moron could manage with enough pressure and a rotary tool - but it would sure take some effort.
 
chrisftk said:
That's a cool rifle, it looks like cold blue on the receiver and bolt. The easiest way to remove cold blue is get a brass brush and scrub the hell out of the receiver and bolt. Cold blue is extremely fragile and with enough scrubbing you should be able to remove it --if that's indeed what it was. Vinegar would also work, though that's a little more intrusive. These parts would absolutely not have been blued at a depot during World War I.

1915 Ambergs are a less common maker/date. The cleaning rod can be replaced and the firing pins were often clipped when they were brought back (likely to be made a wall hanger) so people will sometimes replace the firing pin to get the gun back in shooting condition. I've also seen cases where someone will re-tip the firing pin, which to me is the better option so the rifle maintains its matching condition. It can't be helped now though.

I think you did pretty well congratulations!
Click to expand...
My FFL dealer had someone come into his shop with a second or third uncle of his war trophy that he brought back from France during WW1 when he was in the Army. (place he picked it up from was engraved in the stock) The rifle was abused by all the kids playing with it including the guy who brought it in when they would visit his uncle farm. The firing pin had been retipped but it was baaaaaaaad. It wasn't straight and far far too long. Looked like a witch's finger or a twig out of the bolt face when decocked. Don't remember the maker but it was a bolt m/m. You mentioning retipping the firing pin reminded me of that.
 
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