First Gewehr 98 - Salty Spandau 1916

[Jawoj_71]

Excited to finally have picked up a decent gewehr 98. I knew I had to get it when the seller mentioned potentially parting it out.
It's definitely a salty veteran with some damage to the stock, but it carries a nice patina.
Mostly matching as well, aside from the front band (marked 90 instead of 06?), rear band, safety, sight ramp, and screws.
I'm unsure if the handguard matches but since the rear band is a replacement I wouldn't be surprised.
The stock looks to have had the serial overstamped as well but with the same numbers, I do not know why.
There are also some interesting markings on the buttplate I am unfamiliar with.
Any feedback or questions are welcome about the rifle! I'm very thrilled to have been able to bring it home.

 

[Jawoj_71]

Last two pics.

 

[chrisftk]

I knew I had to get it when the seller mentioned potentially parting it out.

There is a special place in hell for people that part out matching or mostly matching rifles.

That's a great Spandau. Congrats on getting your first! The 5 on the buttplate indicates that it went through Koblenz depot at some point.

 

[PrayingMantis]

Agreed, no reason to part out anything that matching. Nice save and congrats on getting it. I will put it in the reference.
It likely received the double stock serial number at Koblenz. No reason that we know of as to why, but it is seen on other weapons.

 

[biggymu]

I enjoy the contrast of how completely rusted the buttplate is, compared to the brilliant blue of its screws.

 

[AN-94]

Congrats on getting your first Gewehr 98! It may be salty but it's honest and that's what really counts. Really nice markings on the stock though someone had a bad day with that front action screw.

 

[Loewe]

Agree with all said, the restrike stock serial is very common passing through a depot, - and the stock acceptance matches perfectly with this maker, date and range (it is the original factory stock); to help research you might consider photography of the right receiver acceptance and lower bolt flat (lower flat opposite the serial on the top bolt flat... trends are reasonable in this regards but the more recorded lend more to developing a reliable patterns)

Good save!

 

[Loewe]

Never mind on the lower flat, I just noticed you caught that angle (a rare occurrence!)

*** C/Q is consistent! (this changes in the m-block...)

 

[mauser1908]

This is a great untouched midwar Spandau. Very solid first gewehr.

 

[joryfreeburg]

Nice rifle…. Good pickup