CB’s 1899 DWM Navy Gewehr 98

[cj556]

As a younger man growing up in Maine, it was always a treat to see Craig Brown’s displays at the local Bangor show. I knew much less about German arms then but there was always something to see at his display and something new to learn. Two that stick out in my head are his original Kar98 and his display of 98k grenade launchers. I spoke to him a few times but never really got to know him well or to truly appreciate his knowledge and collection at the time. As I’ve become more interested in German arms I find myself reading his old posts and I am blown away by his knowledge. He truly was one of the greatest Germans arms collectors/scholars to have lived. As someone who grew up with the internet at my fingertips, it amazes me how someone of his generation could learn so much with scant information. I’ve been fortunate to acquire a few of his pieces along the way and this one is the most special to me. A good friend purchased this from Amoskeag when CB’s stuff went up for sale. I told him if he ever decided to sell it I would be very interested. He decided to let it go last week and was very generous. Anyhow about the rifle itself, the bands and cleaning rod are mismatch but the other parts are matching. Stock markings are worn but you can make out the M markings in the right lighting. Obviously updated for the S cartridge but it still has the early firing pin and small gas holes in the bolt. Unit marked to the Danzig dockyard and has a Danzig dockyard muzzle cover.

 

[cj556]

Second batch of photos

 

[feldmütze]

Excellent pickup!

 

[cj556]

Thank you Mike!

 

[PrayingMantis]

Outstanding navy, Marc! Thanks for the photos, very important to note the acceptance on the matched bolt.

 

[chrisftk]

Glad he let this one go, I know you've wanted a long time! It's a great piece.

 

[Warrior1354]

Excellent Naval Gewehr Marc!

 

[cj556]

Thanks Cyrus, Chris and Jordan

 

[Tom H]

Cool gun thanks for sharing

 

[37th Div Ohio]

Nice score. Early DWMs are awesome!

 

[MichaelWC]

I am glad you finally got it. I know you have wanted it for a while. It is in good hands now.

 

[mauser1908]

Marc, that’s a fantastic Navy! Congrats!

 

[Nick S]

That’s a beauty, nice to see when one of Craig’s rifles ends up in familiar hands!

 

[ljoconnor]

I believe I have seen this in hand in South Dakota. It’s a great rifle. Rare as hen’s teeth. Congrats on a wonderful rifle. I would be happy to have it in my collection anytime.

 

[cj556]

I had the opportunity to examine but not buy an Imperial Navy Kar 98az that was marked IMD on the rifle and the muzzle cover. The condition was nearly flawless. Had to hand it back to the guy though....it hurt....a lot.

Very nice was that an OMD marked gun by chance? I have one of those and any details you can remember are greatly appreciated. My carbine pictured here: https://www.k98kforum.com/threads/east-asian-marine-1913-erfurt-kar98a.51195/

 

[cptbob]

Nice Rifle. Congratulations!

 

[Warrior1354]

For you Marc fits well with your KM DWM Gewehr!

 

[Loewe]

For you Marc fits well with your KM DWM Gewehr!
View attachment 314895

Bad a$$ photograph!

 

[Loewe]

Marc, This is a great score, this rifle, while well known is quite undocumented (and rare in this condition); the DWM production is very low early on, very rarely seen in anything like original condition and as this rifle (photos) shows it has a unique style of features, - that BC is weird which probably relates to WMO & DWM limited participation in early production.

Other than Amoskeags limited photo (or two-three) none of this was seen before! I will trend this better tomorrow, hopefully see some pattern among the few others known.

 

[cj556]

Thank you Paul! I’m curious to see what you can find in your notes.