This is a good discussion. Stock condition, especially with G/K43 rifles, has always been a "sensitive" topic....and it always will be. Yes, we all love the "chatter/roughness" found on some of the later war (particularly Walther made G/K43s)...obviously many of the GIs bringing them back did not lol. The levels of "roughness" does vary a fair amount, even with later examples from all manufacturers. Storage conditions over the last 70 years also effect this. Then there is the issue of the FNG receiving their brand new, in the white (most likely) K43...which stands out in the field, like a sore thumb. So, they do whatever is necessary to help tone down that bright stock a bit. I have heard from veterans it could be motor oil, grease, dirt..whatever. I am sure this happened occasionally and I suspect many also did not care. I would say over 80% of G43s out there will have molested stocks in one way or another. This is maybe another discussion.
Now, The rifle in this discussion is what I personally would consider an "entry level" example, and the price should reflect that. In my opinion, and others, I suspect, view the value of the stock to be as much as 50% of the overall rifle. The pictures are rather poor overall from the OP. However, it is clear that the stock has been somewhat "molested" over the years, be it a light sanding and some type of finish applied to it, its been done. The stock proofs are very readable, and the original shape of the stock seems to remain. In my opinion, this puts this G43 into an entry level example. It is certainly a collectable rifle. I would picture a new collector buying it (at a price that reflects condition), enjoying it, learning from it etc,, then, when a nicer one comes along..and it will, they will see the difference....buy the better one and sell off the lesser one. Part of the collecting process.
Again, just my opinions here.
Now, The rifle in this discussion is what I personally would consider an "entry level" example, and the price should reflect that. In my opinion, and others, I suspect, view the value of the stock to be as much as 50% of the overall rifle. The pictures are rather poor overall from the OP. However, it is clear that the stock has been somewhat "molested" over the years, be it a light sanding and some type of finish applied to it, its been done. The stock proofs are very readable, and the original shape of the stock seems to remain. In my opinion, this puts this G43 into an entry level example. It is certainly a collectable rifle. I would picture a new collector buying it (at a price that reflects condition), enjoying it, learning from it etc,, then, when a nicer one comes along..and it will, they will see the difference....buy the better one and sell off the lesser one. Part of the collecting process.
Again, just my opinions here.
