337 1940 legitimacy question

[fleetline49]

I inherited a k98 from my grandpa about 20 years ago. It was put in the safe and forgotten about until recently. I know absolutely nothing about the k98 but from what I've seen in the forum I believe I may have a numbers matching 337 1940, serial number 4340.
All of the numbers on the outside seem to match.
I've seen that there are a lot of counterfeit stamped parts so wanted the groups opinion to see if what I have is legit.
Are there any other areas to look at without taking it apart?

 

[joryfreeburg]

From those few photos it looks pretty legit….
Their are vetted examples found here to compare it to:

Picture Reference Index

COPYRIGHT NOTICE: The pictures posted are the sole property of the K98k Forum Member who posted them. Any use of these photographs other than reference here without the express permission of the K98k Forum Member will be treated as a violation of U.S. Copyright law. This thread is an index of...

www.k98kforum.com

 

[a j s]

Congratulations,you certainly have a matching rare and valuable 337 1940.Check out the picture reference for other ones.

 

[Stephan98k]

I agree with Joryfreeburg, it's a legit "337 1940" assembled at Gustloff-Werke Werk I in Weimar.

 

[fleetline49]

Thanks for taking a look and providing the reference link.
I'll have to find a mismatched one I can take to the range and enjoy.

 

[Herk1994]

That is a beautiful rifle, I’m glad you have finally pulled it out of the safe for photos. Thank you for sharing.

What’s the backstory? Did your grandpa serve, and bring it home?

 

[fleetline49]

I'm not sure how he acquired it. He didn't serve but he was quite a character and a wheeler dealer.
I really appreciate everyone, I'll make sure my kids know not to take it to the pawn shop if anything ever happens to me.

 

[hale1940]

That looks like a nice untouched 337 1940. Not the easiest rifle to find. Glad you are keeping it in the family.

Its a tad salty looking, so you might get a recommendation one day to clean it up. Just keep in mind that, just like most antiquities, one of the most common ways these things have been messed up over the years is over zealous maintenance and cleaning. There are plenty of threads on here about how to properly care for these, but the rule of thumb is always "less is more".

 

[bnz41john]

That looks like a very nice rifle. Definitely jealous!

 

[AN-94]

Congrats, it's not often that you get a matching K98k dropped in your possession and a rather early Gustloff-Werke one at that! Only thing in terms of maintenance for this one is to take a cloth patch or cloth rag, apply some gun oil on it, and give the metal a wipe down. If you have a long cleaning rod (not the one on the rifle) or pull through, put an oily patch on the end and push it down the bore as well from the breech end after taking the bolt out. Do not touch the stock with anything, it's perfect as is. So many K98ks have have their stocks messed with that it makes untouched originals like yours a sight for sore eyes.

 

[Remfan]

Beauty indeed! Good advice on cleaning above. A soft rag with oil to wipe down the metal and do nothing to the stock.

 

[heavy_mech]

I really like it and as mentioned not easy to find all matching and original. I also like how extensively the parts are still marked with subcontractor and acceptance.

 

[heavy_mech]

Are there any other areas to look at without taking it apart?

You could show pictures of other parts so we could see who supplied them. Other sides of the bands and safety. Bottom of the bolt root. Right side of the bolt collar and rear of the cocking piece. Extractor. Right side of the rear sight base.

 

[fleetline49]

I'll try to take some additional pics in the next day or so. It

 

[heavy_mech]

I'll try to take some additional pics in the next day or so. It

Thanks! It's a neat rifle with a lot to show.

I'll add this thought. Until Jory shared his fabulous example this year there was exactly 1 other '40 Gustloff in the stickie and from a decade ago and halfway around the world.

 

[Hambone]

DO NOT clean it. Leave it alone, just as it is. At most, light wipe of ballistol on the metal and keep it in a climate controlled / humidity controlled environment (i.e., properly HVAC'd room). It's still got the "sealant" period dried grease around the gaps between the stock and metal. Leave that alone. Most I would do would be to brush out and clean the bore. I wouldn't even turn a screw on it. Congrats, great family piece.

 

[korea1950]

Really nice, rare K98k rifle. Your Grandfather did well. Follow the advice on the cleaning from these experts as you might be tempted to clean it too much and screw it up....