1917 Saxon Simson Gew 98

[cj556]

I acquired this one yesterday, I’ve been after a Simson Gewehr 98 rifle for 10 years now. They seem very elusive in matching trim. This particular rifle is all factory matching and untouched. It has crude numbering on various parts (note the factory error on the floorplate). The action screws and rear band are very tight so I’m not gonna risk damage by disassembling. It came from the estate of a WW2 vet who was part on the 32nd Division and on New Guinea. My guess is this gent in turn acquired it from a WW1 vet. The firing pin is clipped as is typical for WW1 bringbacks.

 

[cj556]

More photos

 

[chrisftk]

That's a solid example Marc. Simson was the last maker I found a matching example of; they are out there, but there's a bit of mystique with them, sort of like WOK. People tend to go nuts on them at auction. I like the closet feel to this one. Really presents well. It'll look nice with your Dresden.

 

[joryfreeburg]

Good looking rifle Marc. I like it too…. It’s always nice to find a Simson matcher

 

[cj556]

Good looking rifle Marc. I like it too…. It’s always nice to find a Simson matcher

Thanks Jory. The one you got was wicked nice too.

 

[AN-94]

Congrats on picking a nice matching Simson Gewehr 98! I really like fresh out of the woodwork finds like these, too bad they're quite uncommon these days

 

[MichaelWC]

Well done Marc. It's always good to acquire something that you've been looking so hard for. I think it looks great.

 

[cj556]

Thank you gentlemen

 

[mauser1908]

This is an awesome rifle, Marc! This gun is a dream for someone who has a late war focus.

 

[cj556]

This is an awesome rifle, Marc! This gun is a dream for someone who has a late war focus.

Thanks Sam! Would I be correct in saying this is a transitional piece? (before Simson adopted beech, finger grooves & takedown disc)

 

[Loewe]

Thanks Sam! Would I be correct in saying this is a transitional piece? (before Simson adopted beech, finger grooves & takedown disc)

Not to jump Sam's response, but Simson introduced beech (earliest so far) 1916 c-block, but really started to roll in the f-g blocks (last block for 1916 is g-block but h-block is remotely possible); Simon intermingled walnut till the end. TD-G started in the b-block of 1917, pretty universal for Simson by 1917 c-block, but only 8 matching original stocked c-f are known (in my trends study anyway- 25 are known or recorded c-g block of 1917 but only 8 have confirmed factory stocks, - so far as the trendsheet record)

This is a very nice rifle! (not previously recorded either)

 

[Loewe]

Oh, the barrel s probably Krupp steel, most are, Bohler and Bismarckhutte is possible but I'd give 75% to Krupp this late (I have a thing for barrel makers but I wouldn't risk the screws either!)

 

[Loewe]

*** Re-reading the posts they might confuse everyone but me, - Chris, Cyrus & Sam can translate most Loewetalk/Loewegrammar to English or you can ask in a reply!

 

[cj556]

*** Re-reading the posts they might confuse everyone but me, - Chris, Cyrus & Sam can translate most Loewetalk/Loewegrammar to English or you can ask in a reply!

No worries Paul appreciate your input as always. I think I’ve figured out your language by now haha.

 

[PrayingMantis]

Congrats on a killer Simson, Marc! To add to the above, the acceptance is typical of Saxon Simson, mostly c/B and c/W. It is consistent with Simson 1917 1765a, which is a bolt mismatch but retains the heavy finish on the stock. Simson 1917 9015c is Prussian, and has the same c/N that appears on Simson bayonets, but also the c/B and c/W, albeit the c/B is in a different font than the Saxon run, the Saxon font looks more prickly. Interestingly, the Prussian barrels, presumably being accepted at an early time, retain the Saxon font.

 

[cj556]

Congrats on a killer Simson, Marc! To add to the above, the acceptance is typical of Saxon Simson, mostly c/B and c/W. It is consistent with Simson 1917 1765a, which is a bolt mismatch but retains the heavy finish on the stock. Simson 1917 9015c is Prussian, and has the same c/N that appears on Simson bayonets, but also the c/B and c/W, albeit the c/B is in a different font than the Saxon run, the Saxon font looks more prickly. Interestingly, the Prussian barrels, presumably being accepted at an early time, retain the Saxon font.

Appreciate the kind words and education Cyrus. On the subject of stock finish it seems like a lot of these guns were used hard (Based on my own observations and what Paul has said).

 

[PrayingMantis]

Appreciate the kind words and education Cyrus. On the subject of stock finish it seems like a lot of these guns were used hard (Based on my own observations and what Paul has said).

Definitely, they were rode hard and put away wet. Seldom do you find one with thick original finish (true of any Gew but especially Suhls). Yours has no abrasions from sanding nor the look of chemical cleaning, it is likely honest wear. Simson 1916 3912a is very similar, very worn. For comparison i also had Simson 1916 6703c the stock of which (less the improperly repaired dufflecut) was less worn and had more original finish.

 

[OnlyMil]

Nice pickup Marc, I especially like the factory error on the floorplate. Must have really be trying to push these out.