1917 M/O Gewehr 98 “N” Block Sniper Rifle

[MilsurpDan]

Picked up this 1917 Mauser Oberndorf Gewehr 98 Sniper the other day.

One of the “N” Block Sniper’s that were imported by Navy Arms from Turkey. From what I understand, they were issued to Masurische Infantry Regiment No.146 and subsequently left in Turkey after the war.

The finish is a little bit worn on the outside but it’s in fairly good shape. Bore is excellent.

The bolt handle looks like it’s Imperial with no serial number, safety is imperial with no serial number, bolt shroud is Czech. Floorplate and trigger guard do not match. Everything else matches though, including stock and handguard.

Found a neat little handwritten note in Turkish under the handguard. Had it translated and it basically says,

“Good wishes to my brother in arms, who uses this rifle.
-Galip from Giresun”

I’m going to try to get some new mounts and a period scope for it. Should make for a fun project.

https://imgur.com/a/Q4EMNeV

 

[hale1940]

Very cool gun! Thanks for sharing it.

 

[Loewe]

I agree, a nice example. These are pretty numerous, a high survival rate, I guess the Turks knew they were more valuable, because of these the n-block of WMO/17 is probably the highest survival rate in trends for 1917 (18 0f 27 n-blocks recorded are snipers!)

 

[chrisftk]

Glad you snagged it Dan. Let's catch up soon, would love to see it in person!

 

[krukster86]

Cool detail about the note found in the rifle. Thanks for sharing!

 

[MilsurpDan]

Thanks guys!

Do any of you know if these mounts/bases will work?

Looks like they’re repro’s made in France.

https://aassniper98.com/en/allemagne/2367-montage-de-lunette-gew-98-mauser-crochet.html

https://aassniper98.com/en/allemagne/2330-base-de-montage-lunette-1418.html

 

[mauser1908]

That’s a fantastic example, well worth the effort to restore it, particularly with one this honest. I was always under the impression these were Voigtlaender. However, the more I look at the hole pattern they are probably OIGEE or Gerard. Voigtlaender seemed to fit their bases closer to the barrel shank. That’s not to say it’s impossible these used Voigtlaender optics. Attached is a photo of a Voigtlaender set up as well as a period photo of German snipers in theater with what is likely an ‘n’ block sniper with a Voigtlaender optic. If this isn’t already confusing enough. I hope Wolfgang comments, he’s by far the most knowledgeable guy here on this topic.

 

[vaughn99]

Long time no post, what do these rifles value at in today's market in this condition and being the most seen of all snipers from WWI?

 

[chrisftk]

Long time no post, what do these rifles value at in today's market in this condition and being the most seen of all snipers from WWI?

I would say a scope-less Turk n block would probably be worth around $1000, maybe a touch higher. That would at least be my willingness to pay anyway. By comparison a scope-less German used WMO would maybe start at $3-4k for a rough one/bolt mm.

A lot of Turk snipers are rebuilt into fake German snipers here on the US.