Offset scope GEW 98 - 1916 Danzig, Emil Busch 2 3/4x

[Frommer]

I recently had the opportunity to document this 1916 Danzig GEW98 Scharfschützengewehr, equipped with a 2 3/4x Emil Busch scope. It's an odd pattern, having the scope offset to the left side of the receiver to facilitate the use of stripper clips. The scope bases are soldered to the receiver, and are also fastened with screws, all of which appear to be correctly clocked, and there appears to be plenty of age induced wear to the bases and mount

 

[biggymu]

The soldered bases and finely finished screws are period correct. All the more remarkable is the offset mounts having a scope that fits them. Does the scope match? Any more photos? If so please post as many as you can. Nice looking rig.

 

[Dave Roberts]

This Gew98 Sniper Rifle sure looks promising . I look forward to what the WW1 Sniper experts have to say about this example

Does the Scope and Rings match the Base rifle ??

 

[Frommer]

Thanks for your comments. To address the elephant in the room, yes, the scope and rings match the rest of the rifle. In fact, the only non matching component is the cleaning rod. I will try to get some more pictures this evening.

 

[Absolut]

Another forum member had send me exactly these pictures (and a few more) of this rifle and told me this one had appeared on Facebook. We both liked it and I asked him if he is going to buy it or if I was to get a chance ...

 

[Frommer]

Sorry for not posting additional pictures sooner, will try to get a few more today. Was able to get this colorized, period photo from a fellow collector yesterday, showing similar rifles in use!

 

[pwcosol]

My example bears a Voightlander "Skoperette". Unsure of the actual manufacturer of the rifle due to the bases. ID disc in stock and no finger-grooves. Matching other than scope. Have read references to this pattern as "Prussian" w/offset optic. This pattern has a much more massive set of blocks on the receiver as well.

 

[biggymu]

My example bears a Voightlander "Skoperette". Unsure of the actual manufacturer of the rifle due to the bases. ID disc in stock and no finger-grooves. Matching other than scope. Have read references to this pattern as "Prussian" w/offset optic. This pattern has a much more massive set of blocks on the receiver as well...

Very cool. I’ve not seen any recent pictures of mounts of this design. Thanks for posting.

 

[hale1940]

Very cool rifle! Excited to see more pics!

 

[Frommer]

After a long hiatus I've gotten a few more pics

 

[biggymu]

Any photos of the scope serial? I see a 63 on the rear mount and something like a makers mark on the rear of the front mount.

 

[Absolut]

Any photos of the scope serial?

I assume you mean rifle serial on scope tube not scope serial? Attached what I got shown.

 

[Absolut]

My example bears a Voightlander "Skoperette". Unsure of the actual manufacturer of the rifle due to the bases. ID disc in stock and no finger-grooves. Matching other than scope. Have read references to this pattern as "Prussian" w/offset optic. This pattern has a much more massive set of blocks on the receiver as well...

That is a bit weird at the rear with the nut? Seems like an intermediate piece to raise it at the rear? Maybe you could take off the scope and show a closeup? Possibly your rifle is worth its own thread.

 

[Amberg]

Possibly your rifle is worth its own thread.

It sure is!
The rifle/bases are for an early Emil Busch Visar 2 3/4x scope.
The Skoparette scope on your rifle is as wrong as it can be.
It is a Bavarian scope that was only used with Amberg rifles. Not even halfway correct for your rifle.

 

[biggymu]

As for the OP’s rifle, it is exciting to finally see a matching rig. How many are known? It would be nice to see it properly photographed from all aspects.

 

[pwcosol]

Interesting comments. Will go ahead and move discussion of my offset Gew98 SSG to a new thread for clarity...

 

[Amberg]

to finally see a matching rig.

I dare to doubt that it is originally matching. I do not like the rifle# engraving on the scope at all.
But it is very difficult to say for sure with only one poor photo.

 

[Frommer]

I dare to doubt that it is originally matching. I do not like the rifle# engraving on the scope at all.
But it is very difficult to say for sure with only one poor photo.

Out of curiosity, what, in your opinion, is off about the engraving? The scope tube is straight where the numbers are engraved, not dished or showing any other signs of the number having been scrubbed. I would like to see other examples, perhaps you have a few to contribute as a counter example.

 

[Amberg]

Well,
first of all, Busch bases usually have a push button as locking device, not a lever. I've never encountered a 100% authentic Busch scope with rings for the lever locking. But that does not mean much. For sure I did not yet see all variations of German WWI scope variations.
Concerning the engraving, ....... I simply don't like it. There is a certain feeling in my finger tips that say: "not original." Sorry! ;-)
There are two other details I simply do not like.
Would love to see a close up of the markings on that scope and the rings.

I do not have all my scopes on file, but attached a few shots for comparison.