GEW98 WW1 Sniper * updated with new optics

[biggymu]

Here is my example of a scarce WW1 Sniper rifle. Not sure where to post this, so I will start here as it is an imperial weapon. I have never taken the time to take better photos of it, but since its raining all day.... The base rifle is a composition of 2 rifles. The b/r, bolt, follower, magazine, floor plate and screws all match: serialized 6311 ii. The purpose made sniper stock with all its associated hardware, bands, bayonet lug and buttplate are all serialized 2899 and match each other. The hand guard is illegible and is quite scorched inside The scope, an Oigee Luxor 3x , is named for GEW Nr. 8590. I purchased the base rifle about 12 years ago and obtained the scope from Robert Spielauer who had serviced the entire unit. I'm not sure how the mismatch occurred as there is no depot mark on the butt plate. Half of he top of the ejector box screw is broken off. A sporter rescue perhaps. I dont know how many spare sniper rifle stocks are out there so the answer is lost to history. The sling was on the rifle when I got it and was shortened by someone. Its a pain in the a$$ to remove so I left it on for the photos.

 

[biggymu]

Some more pictures. It has the GL. V marked rear sight also.

 

[biggymu]

Last ones. As always any information and comments are appreciated!

 

[chrisftk]

Nice looking rifle Rick! It looks like its a 1917 Danzig. I think definitely an original sniper receiver, though the partial m/m suggests maybe restored. The SN checks out as do the features to my eye (Georg, Sam or Wolfgang are MUCH more in tune with these though)

I like the Oigee rifles. I've got a loose oigee scope, but my two snipers are both Danzig 17 "cc" block. A Voigtländer rear offset and a Goerz semi turret. The optics companies did the action conversion on rifles supplied by the arsenal, so the bolts were not factory bent (hence them having a distinct bend)

 

[biggymu]

Nice looking rifle Rick! It looks like its a 1917 Danzig. I think definitely an original sniper receiver, though the partial m/m suggests maybe restored. The SN checks out as do the features to my eye (Georg, Sam or Wolfgang are MUCH more in tune with these though)

I like the Oigee rifles. I've got a loose scope, but my two snipers are both Danzig 17 "cc" block. A Voigtländer rear offset and a Goerz semi turret. The optics companies did the action conversion on rifles supplied by the arsenal, so the bolts were not factory bent (hence them having a distinct bend)

Thanks Chris! Are pictures of your rifles posted? I don’t know enough about stock markings and was wondering if the stock could be identified by the cartouches as to the maker (at least which maker applied the acceptances). It’s not an Ambrerg Crown/O .

 

[chrisftk]

Here are mine:

1917 Danzig/Goerz Model M Semi-Turret

On retrospect, "put together" was probably too harsh a term. Restored is more appropriate given that they tried to keep it correct. Cyrus, Sam and I were discussing prior to the auction. I did like the scope, that was interesting. I bid on that one too, but dropped off after it crossed my...

www.k98kforum.com

1917 Danzig/Voigtlander Scharfschutzen-Gewehr 98

First, let me thank Sam, Cyrus and Wolfgang for helping me identify this rifle and Marc for the peer pressure to buy it. I picked this up at the recent Amoskeag auction. My gut was that this one was fine after looking the listing over, so I took a chance. I don't typically chase sniper rifles...

www.k98kforum.com

Your stock is a Danzig for sure. The c/B is pretty distinctive.

 

[Dave Roberts]

Rick
I would ask Amber/Wolfgang as he is the one person whom IMHO is most knowledgeable when it comes to WWI Gew98 Sniper Rifle and Scope & Mounts.
Wolfgang & Thomas Meyer are my go to guys when I need info on WW1 Sniper Rifles and or Scopes & Mounts .

 

[biggymu]

Hey Dave! Thanks for that. Hopefully they may chime in. Hope all is well.

 

[biggymu]

Here are mine:

1917 Danzig/Goerz Model M Semi-Turret

On retrospect, "put together" was probably too harsh a term. Restored is more appropriate given that they tried to keep it correct. Cyrus, Sam and I were discussing prior to the auction. I did like the scope, that was interesting. I bid on that one too, but dropped off after it crossed my...

www.k98kforum.com

1917 Danzig/Voigtlander Scharfschutzen-Gewehr 98

First, let me thank Sam, Cyrus and Wolfgang for helping me identify this rifle and Marc for the peer pressure to buy it. I picked this up at the recent Amoskeag auction. My gut was that this one was fine after looking the listing over, so I took a chance. I don't typically chase sniper rifles...

www.k98kforum.com

Your stock is a Danzig for sure. The c/B is pretty distinctive

Chris, you have an impressive collection Sir. I don’t think I’ve seen 3 of these snipers come up for sale (decent ones with original parts) in 20 years. That Goerz mount has always interested me. Very cool stuff!

 

[PrayingMantis]

Even though the stock is a replacement, it’s still a great example, someone took their time and got a correct one. Thanks for sharing the photos!

 

[Loewe]

Probably a late Danzig stock, the wrist suggests this, so too the use of Latin or Roman letter use, DWM and Danzig were the first to introduce this (dropping fraktur) and C/B is common enough... someone did a good job mating these two.

 

[Loewe]

What is the suffix on the buttplate, the stock is certainly Danzig, probably around this ii-block range, surrounding blocks as this acceptance pattern fits the range of the rifle, the use of C/B below the serial ranges varies widely, but the C/B in this form(under cypher) is more narrow to the double suffix blocks, actually gg etc.. blocks. Also Danzig/17 hh-ii blocks are sniper ranges.

Having the original bolt and such a close and correct stock is pretty rare...

 

[biggymu]

What is the suffix on the buttplate, the stock is certainly Danzig, probably around this ii-block range, surrounding blocks as this acceptance pattern fits the range of the rifle, the use of C/B below the serial ranges varies widely, but the C/B in this form(under cypher) is more narrow to the double suffix blocks, actually gg etc.. blocks. Also Danzig/17 hh-ii blocks are sniper ranges.

Having the original bolt and such a close and correct stock is pretty rare...

Paul, Where would I find the suffix on the buttplate? Is another picture required?

 

[chrisftk]

Paul, Where would I find the suffix on the buttplate? Is another picture required?

Rick, check the very top of the buttplate, right above the screw. There should be a script letter there.

 

[biggymu]

Rick, check the very top of the buttplate, right above the screw. There should be a script letter ther

Here are the best pictures I can get. I dont know how to interpret this script. looks like the breast cancer awareness ribbon. hope this helps!

 

[PrayingMantis]

Here's a place to start, but the script isn't always perfectly the same, it varies a little by maker.

 

[chrisftk]

These are not my strong suit, but my best guess would possibly be "p" or possibly "g"

 

[biggymu]

What does this particular stamp imply? The letter block of the original issued rifle? Are they known to be upper or lower case in this area?

 

[chrisftk]

What does this particular stamp imply? The letter block of the original issued rifle? Are they known to be upper or lower case in this area?

That's exactly it, it's just the suffix from the serial number. They'll always be lowercase.

 

[biggymu]

This is a learning experience. Absolutely fanatical devotion to numbering parts.

That's exactly it, it's just the suffix from the serial number. They'll always be lowercase.

I was just looking at your 2 examples, both cc block. Neither one even vaguely resembles the other or the chart. They should never have given the script up, they would not have needed an Enigma machine.