Choice between 2 K98's AX41 or 42 1939

[clyerly]

Hey guys this is my very first post here and I am looking for some guidance on which one of these 2 K98's I should buy or none at all. The seller has 2 K98's in his collection that he is willing to sell. Both rifles he says are all matching, with the original slings, wood and all proofed. This will be my very first K98 if I decide to buy one. The first one is a AX 41 and the second one is a 42 1939. He sent me a few pictures of both rifles and I will post them below. Both rifles are the same price so I was wondering which one of these 2 rifles would the more experienced collectors here would pick between the two. Sorry for only limited detailed pictures but this is all I have to go on until we meet up and see them in hand, also is there any advice on what I should look for when I do see them in hand.

Thanks in advance,
Craige

 

[Warrior1354]

The AX41 is much harder to find nice, and matching then the 1939 42. Besides looking at the photograph that 1939 42 looks like the stock has been heavily cleaned or sanded. Which would be a shame because it is a walnut stock too. Again, hard to say from the photographs. What is the asking price by chance?

 

[mauser202]

All thing equal, ax every time. However you need more and better pics for a good decision.

 

[Remfan]

I would probably go with the AX 41. Tougher code and year to find. More pics would be nice though. Like to know the asking price myself.

 

[clyerly]

Thanks, I was thinking the AX 41 was the better choice but I wanted to hear from y'all first. The asking price is $2,500 for each, or $4,500 for both but I don't want to invest that much in 2 guns at this time. Is that a fair price for an AX 41 that is all matching?
Thanks again,
Craige

 

[Remfan]

Sounds like the going rate for an honest unmolested matching 98k these days. A rare code can bring more.

 

[mauser202]

An unmessed with ax41 that is all matching should easily go north of 3K

 

[Loewe]

All thing equal, ax every time. However you need more and better pics for a good decision.

1941 ax 8479 d

K98k Mauser Rifle - Rare AX 41 code - Not Import ​

Auction # 385580381

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Click to view	Current Bid	$0.00 No Reserve!		Started at	$1,900.00
	for $2,200.00
Quantity	1		# of bids	0 Bid History
Time left	20 Hours, 23 Minutes + 15 minute rule		Location	Hudson, OH 44236
Start	1/1/2014 8:00:42 PM ET (This is a 5 day auction)
Ends On or After	1/6/2014 8:00:42 PM ET (GunBroker.com Official Time)
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Description for Item # 385580381

Mauser K98k rifle ax 41 code. Erma, 1941 mfg. Rifle is all matching except unnumbered replacement handguard. Bore has strong rifling but is a bit dark. Stock is duffle cut under the rear band as this was a vet bring-back. Stock is not sanded but shows handling dings, dents, etc. Metal is in very good condition with blue remaining on receiver and areas of other parts. I have included lots of pictures so you can see what you will get. Number on bottom of stock is a bit hard to read - light hit and also dinged up. Returns only if not as described which is what the pictures are for. Please see my feedback. I am selling off my collection bit by bit. C&R OK. Shipping is $35. Subject to local sale prior to reserve being met. Thanks for looking.

Pictures for Item # 385580381

 

[Loewe]

Too many 2

 

[Loewe]

RARE MATCHING ax 41 WWII GERMAN K98 MAUSER 98k 98 NICE VET BRINGBACK NON IMPORT k98K G43 G41 MP44​	Auction # 400982184
	This item has been Sold!

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Click to view	Current Bid	$2,825.00 No Reserve!		Started at	$0.01
Quantity	1		# of bids	32 Bid History
Time left	Listing has Ended 15 minute rule		Location	Mendenhall, MS 39114
Start	3/14/2014 9:35:00 PM ET (This is a 9 day auction)
Ends On or After	3/23/2014 10:13:51 PM ET (GunBroker.com Official Time)
Seller	EliteCollection A+(214) View the feedback of this seller | View seller's other auctions | Ask seller a question
Winning Bidder	Docepp65 A+(1)
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Payment Methods	Money Order / Certified Check, Personal Check
Sales Tax	Seller does not collect sales tax
Shipping	Priority Mail: $40.00 No international shipments. See Item Description.
Inspection Period / Return Policy	Unspecified
Item Condition	Used
Requires FFL?	Yes
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Description for Item # 400982184

This is a very rare original WWII German k98 Mauser with the scarce maker/date code "ax 41". It has ALL MATCHING SERIAL NUMBERS and is in EXCELLENT original condition! The "ax" coded k98's were only made for two years at the Erma factory (1940 and 1941), and are among the rarest of all the k98 maker codes with very low production numbers. This makes them VERY desirable and highly sought-after by collectors. This rifle is as good as it gets. It is COVERED in correct WaA280 waffenampt inspection proofs and nazi eagles, and serial-number matching all the way down to the front sight blade! The metal is very nice with about 85% of its original bluing still intact. It is that beautiful trademark early-war high-polished bluing that is only seen on the early rifles, it is worn thin on the high points with light browning patina. The stock is GORGEOUS with original finish and lightly visible inspection cartouches. It has never been sanded or refinished, and is that deep reddish-brown color that collectors love. It is marked with the matching serial number in the barrel channel, as well as the production date "12-2-41". This rifle was a USGI vet-bringback and has NO IMPORT MARKS or postwar markings! The stock was duffle cut under the rear band, and has been expertly repaired and is not visible when assembled. This was a common practice during the war in order to fit the rifles into boxes and luggage for the trip home. The band-spring is matching, the action screws are matching, the front sight blade is even numbered. The bore is excellent and shiny. This rifle is just textbook correct, and would be very difficult to upgrade given its fine condition and the rarity of the maker code. I had bought this one for my collection, but I just can't afford to keep it. Although this rifle could easily bring $4000 or even more, I am starting it as a TRUE AUCTION at only a penny and will let YOU decide the value!! Don't miss! You could look for 30 years and not see another one like this. Shipping will be $40 in the CON US, insurance for $15 extra. Payment due by Postal Money Order or by check along with a copy of your FFL or C&R within two weeks of auction close. Please email me with any and all questions! Good luck.

Pictures for Item # 400982184

 

[Loewe]

Two auctions 2-3 months apart in 2014, there are more pics but attached are the "highlites".

1939/42 need a serial if interest remains on it, probably don't have it anyway as byf's are all the same generally, - I like the "eclectic" (diverse) makers for trends work as I trend patterns and changes.

 

[Jdt]

My vote goes to the AX 41, way more uncommon too find in my experience.

 

[hale1940]

They’re both sought after codes and both reasonably difficult to find. Though the ax41 was produced in lower numbers its not like nice 42 1939’s are growing on trees. Personally I’ve encountered probably a pretty equal number of both over my years searching around.

I do have some concerns about the 42 1939’s stock though. Is the some kind of crack running down the length of it? And I have a suspicion the wood might be sanded.

 

[Jdt]

They’re both sought after codes and both reasonably difficult to find. Though the ax41 was produced in lower numbers its not like nice 42 1939’s are growing on trees. Personally I’ve encountered probably a pretty equal number of both over my years searching around.

I do have some concerns about the 42 1939’s stock though. Is the some kind of crack running down the length of it? And I have a suspicion the wood might be sanded.

Imo the stock has been stripped and lightly sanded even tho the edges of the bolt cutout look pretty sharp also I bet that's just a grain streak of some kind? In the stock, does not look cracked too me, one thing that would help is if the stock markings were posted but the AX 41 has a jump up on the 42 1939 just from the untouched stock too me.

 

[clyerly]

Thanks, guys for giving me some valuable information on both of these rifles, a special thanks to Loewe for posting the previous sold AX 41, with all the detailed pictures. Like I said this will be my first rifle and I know you better do your research before jumping into this hobby, I learned that from collecting German ww2 helmets. lol All being said and what I leaned about the AX41 being all matching except the hand guard. I also noticed that the current seller that has it has added a sling, cleaning rod and a sight hood as they were not on the previous auctions for the rifle, is it still worth the price as I just was wanting 1 nice collectible example of a German rifle.

Also Merry Christmas to all

 

[nirvana]

Replacement handguard hurts to value to me as the gun isn’t actually matching. If I had to pick, I’d go with the AX41, but I’d probably pass on both tbh.

 

[Loewe]

My vote goes to the AX 41, way more uncommon too find in my experience.

In trends about (almost) double in observations, 180 to about 300, but I do not always trend byf in lesser grades or poorly imaged so the disparity is probably larger. An ERMA I would save if it were identifiable to serial-maker-date. I would get the better condition, if equal I would get ERMA, be easier to get more of the investment in an emergency imo.