1938 Code 27

[Uisce]

My grandfather served in France during WWII and was able to bring back a fair amount of memorabilia from his service, passed down to me when he died. Included with that collection is a fully operational 1938 Mauser Mod 98. All components appear stamped with the same serial (3497), and has code 27 engraved on the top. The bolt slides well and the trigger pulls easily, with a clean hammer fall. Barrel also looks clean. All together it seems to be in quite impressive shape other than some scuffs on the stock from its service in the war. I'm told it's only missing the original bandspring and cleaning rod.

I'm told by some that this is highly collectable and a rare find to have. I've heard from others, including an auction house, that it's nothing special and just one of too many Mausers which came back from the war. Some have said the condition is phenomenal, and others have said that the missing bandspring and cleaning rod are a huge hit on the appraisal value.

Would love to learn as much about this rifle as possible, and try to sort through all of the conflicting responses.

 

[mdarnell19]

Hello and welcome to the forum. We will need to see pictures of all the numbered parts to give you a better idea. If matching you have something special. Has a Luftwaffe marked stock. The band spring and cleaning rod only hurt the value a little, not at all a ”huge hit.” Sounds like some of the people you talked to were hoping to get it from you at a stupid low price.

Please post better pictures. No such thing as too many Mausers brought home.

 

[joryfreeburg]

I agree with Matt…never too many Mauser’s brought back and those 2 parts that aren’t matched are not going to affect the value much. Here is my 1938 27 code, this will give you an idea what everyone would like to see for photos of your rifle. Looks like you have a winner from the first photos….

S/27 1938 Salty Warhorse

This is one of my favorite rifles in my collection. It is certainly not the most mint example that you will ever come across, but it is correct and matching. I love the walnut stock on it and I also really like the E/77 inspections on 38 Erma’s. Also ERMA is probably my favorite maker of...

www.k98kforum.com

 

[hale1940]

I agree with everything Matt and Jory said above. Also, when it comes to historical/collectible rifles, a lot of auction houses or gun shops don’t know sh*t from a sandwich. I wouldn’t put much stock in what 90% of them have to say.

Looks like you’ve potentially got a nice rifle there with a neat family connection. I’m sure we’re all looking forward to seeing more!

 

[RyanE]

I don't know any collector who worries much about band springs or cleaning rods. You would rather have the original numbered band spring than not, but it's not a huge deal. Matching cleaning rods are always gone so no one cares.

A Luftwaffe Erma is not a common sight. Looks like a nice example.

 

[Remfan]

Yeah don't listen to the ain't worth much BS. Nice heirloom and value is high. Too many hoping to steal it from you. Like to see more of it.

 

[Zeppelin5000]

The only responses to what you have that I'd take to heart are then ones here on this forum. As mentioned above, most people know shite about these rifles and get their facts wrong all the time. If you want a true appraisal value, look no further than here.

 

[nirvana]

Whatever you do, don’t try to clean it. Just don’t. Not even slightly.

 

[mdarnell19]

Whatever you do, don’t try to clean it. Just don’t. Not even slightly.

Yes!!! This deserves being echoed. You will ruin the value if you clean it heavily. Best to leave it alone.

 

[Uisce]

Whatever you do, don’t try to clean it. Just don’t. Not even slightly.

I would never dare.

 

[Uisce]

Additional pics of all the stamps - - think I got everything...

 

[OnlyMil]

Wanted to point out here that the front sight has a hood on it. As far as I am aware those were not added to production rifles until 1940. I did not think they were retroactively added, but I could be wrong. I'm more active on the Imperial section of the forum so I'm not the most knowledgeable here. Perhaps someone else could elaborate? Wouldn't there be some evidence of depot work IF it was done at a depot? I have zero knowledge on Nazi-Era depot work. Definitely doesn't LOOK like a re-barrel to me.

I'm also betting that the stock is duffle cut under the lower band given that the spring and cleaning rod are missing along with it being a bring-back.

 

[Stan]

Wanted to point out here that the front sight has a hood on it. As far as I am aware those were not added to production rifles until 1940. I did not think they were retroactively added, but I could be wrong. I'm not active on the Imperial section of the forum so I'm not the most knowledgeable. Perhaps someone else could elaborate? Wouldn't there be some evidence of depot work IF it was done at a depot? I have zero knowledge on Nazi-Era depot work. Definitely doesn't LOOK like a re-barrel to me.

I'm also betting that the stock is duffle cut under the lower band given that the spring and cleaning rod are missing along with it being a bring-back.

It could very likely be duffle cut. That could explain the missing bandspring and rod. It's possible the rifle went to a depot, or maybe an armorer for some work and a sight hood got retroactively added. I've seen this on older rifles that have had a barrel change. Don't see any evidence of depot type work, but perhaps some issue with front sight damaged and repaired? Just speculation. Don't know if a rifle would be sent back for such a minor retrofit barring any other issues.

 

[hale1940]

Wanted to point out here that the front sight has a hood on it. As far as I am aware those were not added to production rifles until 1940. I did not think they were retroactively added, but I could be wrong. I'm more active on the Imperial section of the forum so I'm not the most knowledgeable here. Perhaps someone else could elaborate? Wouldn't there be some evidence of depot work IF it was done at a depot? I have zero knowledge on Nazi-Era depot work. Definitely doesn't LOOK like a re-barrel to me.

I'm also betting that the stock is duffle cut under the lower band given that the spring and cleaning rod are missing along with it being a bring-back.

They absolutely did cut sighthood slots into earlier rifles. I’m not sure at what level the modification would have been done at, but I think it might have been something that was done close to in the field, since I’ve owned some early rifles that were modified for front sighthoods and had no other work done to them and no depot markings.

 

[Stan]

Yes, was thinking that may have been a field armorer level work, but not certain. I do think barrel replacements and test proofing done at a depot.

 

[Remfan]

Sounds like a more rare Erma 27 code if I am not mistaken. Nice being a pre war 98k.

 

[72usmc]

So here is a question? For the true collectors of K98k rifles. As a museum guy I find a duffle cut more interesting for display and part of the bring back story history. Is a duffle cut the same value as a complete non duffle cut K98k rifle? I know shooters repair the duffle cuts in order to shoot the rifles. But at todays values for intact rifles, the few that collect bring backs that I know do not shoot them any more; they use RC"s to shoot. The papered bring backs with intact stock finishes are just too costly and slings to fragile to use. Are both the same valve if all other factors/attributes are equal on a K98k. Or is the duffle cut a hit to value???? Any input is requested.

 

[RyanE]

Is a duffle cut the same value as a complete non duffle cut K98k rifle?

I can't speak for everyone, but as long as it's hidden under the band, I don't think it matters much. Zero effect on value one way or another, at least to me.

Exposed duffle cuts will generally reduce the value, and significantly so if it's in a bad spot or poorly done.

 

[72usmc]

I can't speak for everyone, but as long as it's hidden under the band, I don't think it matters much. Zero effect on value one way or another, at least to me.

Thank You, I see many are in line with that comment.

 

[Uisce]

I've given this all a lot of thought and have decided to sell it. Thank you all for the info and discussion. I've reviewed some auction house contracts and am not thrilled with their terms, so will likely be pursuing private sale.