First Gew 98 purchase Schilling Suhl

[DooseHoward]

Hello everyone! This is my first Gew 98 and I had a couple questions about markings and proofs. It is a 1916 V. Chr. Schilling Suhl with all serial numbers present matching.

1. It appears that the firing pin is unmarked except for the proof mark below. Does anyone know what this marking is? Is that normal? (looks like an arrow in a box?)



2. The buttplate is unmarked. Is that normal?


3. The bolt is pictured below. I think it is darkened color is strictly through patina over time. Does that sound correct?


Thanks for looking!

 

[cj556]

Firing pin appears to be of FN manufacture w/ the boxed “V” proof. The buttplate should be serialized & Imperial proofed.

 

[DooseHoward]

Thanks a ton, absolutely what it is. I think I paid a little over what I should have for a full matching gun (~2600), so I think I'll return it.

 

[Fal Grunt]

The firing pin is a FN as stated, but it is not a boxed V, it is a backwards 4, this denotes when it was manufactured. I don't have anything in front of me, but that would put it in the 50's era *I THINK*.

The original firing pin was probably snipped.

 

[PrayingMantis]

Buttplate could be numbered, but the serial wore away, that was common especially if the stamping was light. But i'd return it too. A mismatched firing pin is not a big deal at all, many were clipped and when these were less valuable it was easier to get a new pin and toss the old. However, $2600 is very high end of retail, and for that price, every little piece better be original matching, and un-messed with.

 

[DooseHoward]

Thanks everyone, I'll get the gun returned and will hopefully find a really nice example soon!

Edit: if anyone sees a nice gew 98 and doesn't want to buy it themselves, feel free to pass it along in my private messages!

 

[chrisftk]

Thanks everyone, I'll get the gun returned and will hopefully find a really nice example soon!

Edit: if anyone sees a nice gew 98 and doesn't want to buy it themselves, feel free to pass it along in my private messages!

I think you made the right decision

 

[OnlyMil]

Thanks everyone, I'll get the gun returned and will hopefully find a really nice example soon!

Edit: if anyone sees a nice gew 98 and doesn't want to buy it themselves, feel free to pass it along in my private messages!

I highly encourage that you stick around the forum if you are interested in Imperial German rifles. There is a lot you can learn if interested. I learn or see something new with nearly every thread. The sticky reference is very helpful, and our small group of collectors are, generally speaking, standup guys. Trades and deals do happen here through connections or even the trader.

Knowledgeable & Honest Seller + Well-informed Buyer = A Satisfying Transaction for Both Parties