Kar98a choices

[7up]

Hi , I'm looking at getting a kar98a after dithering for too long
There is an old thread that i started with a Berlin Spandau / or other group ? (BS) marked Erfurt 1917 with beech finger grooved stock. I know the seller in person. Just now come across two Danzigs , both have walnut stocks with bolt take down and no finger groove. The Danzigs are 1914 and a 1918

Obviously pictures will help, but assuming all same condition which one would be a more desirable purchase (all same price) .
The Danzig 1918 I would suspect based on the last production year. Hoping its a complete gun.

Sadly also came across an amberg (410'd nooo)

 

[RTB]

I’d be tempted by the Erfurt based off your description? As ever buy on actual condition!

 

[7up]

Thanks, when I get more pictures I'll collate them on this thread. Both the Danzigs bores are tired, not sure on the Erfurt yet.

 

[Cyrano4747]

I'd probably go with the BS marked one just because those markings are such an interesting little mystery and I'm a sucker for stuff like that.

That likely makes me the wrong person to ask, though.

 

[Loewe]

If I understand correctly there are a Danzig/14; Danzig/18 and maybe Erfurt/17 (BS)? The general rule is to go with the most factory original... assuming all are relatively equal (BS would have pluses and minuses, but would or could be more intriguing, -not necessarily more valuable as few are perfect, by their nature they tend to be diverse, no two alike).

I will leave the BS aside because of the diversity involved, - Danzig/14's are rare, they barely break into the a-block, much scarcer than a Danzig/18 but the variables of each rifle will make the ultimate decision, - matching can have different interpretations and there are variables to consider, for example some Danzig/14 were finished by Erfurt, though most wouldn't care but still very rare and that might matter to an experienced collector or specialist (specialization can make a big difference in some cases...)

***Unless the Danzig/18 is exceptional in some way I would lean Danzig/14 if condition is close

 

[7up]

Thanks so much. Will get information all all of these and come back!

Sounds like any of these three could be good thus far

 

[RTB]

Are you UK based?

 

[7up]

Are you UK based?

Yes mate

 

[RTB]

Ok. I’ll send a pm

 

[Brooksy]

I'd buy all of them.

 

[7up]

Yes , that's usually my method!
Sadly not enough money!

 

[Brooksy]

I'd have my wife go get a 2nd job.

 

[7up]

Okay some crappy (sorry) pictures of the Danzig 1918. Not that much to go on. Bolt appears to be blued, it's half sphered. Not sure if matching as can't see serial on bolt. Apparently no stock markings, but like the pictures i am relying on someone else

 

[RTB]

Wouldn’t work for me.

 

[Loewe]

Okay some crappy (sorry) pictures of the Danzig 1918. Not that much to go on. Bolt appears to be blued, it's half sphered. Not sure if matching as can't see serial on bolt. Apparently no stock markings, but like the pictures i am relying on someone else

Probably a b-block going by trends (What can be guessed by the poor picture and right receiver, probably not e-block; doubt it L-block but L-blocks are rarely seen-poorly documented to be sure); as you are in the UK I can't judge the merits of the rifle (available market), but if you were in the US I would give it a pass with these pictures, not trying to be Debbie Downer but it probably not sell for much in the US.

*Might be a bargain in the UK though?

 

[7up]

Thanks. Yep will pass i think. With respect , the first batch of pictures i couldn't see anything, so asked for more closeups and got these. Seller don't seem bothered, so i won't either.

No serial on the bolt, bore is fair. Price is mid range for over here. On to the next...