Single shot Mauser 98 bolt?

[HerrWolfsberg]

Recently, this bolt found its way into my friends workshop. It is identical to a standard K 98k bolt save for two differences:

a) the bolt face opening is on the opposite side. The standard Mauser 98 bolt face is open from the bottom, allowing the cartridge to slip under the extractor while being fed from the magazine. However, this bolt has an opening from the top, as if made to be used in a single shot rifle fed manually from the top.

b) it is not set up for a cartridge with a diameter of the base of app 12 mm as usual. The diameter of the base woud be app 11 mm.

Would someone here know what rifle does this belong to? Unfortunately, there are no stamps whatsoever on the bolt, nor any other markings.

 

[Fal Grunt]

I don't know what rifle it belongs to, but some more pictures might help decide that.

I notice the bolt face is in bad condition, can you post a clear picture of the bolt face?

I also notice there is no guide rib, another difference from a standard bolt, but maybe if it has round vent holes it was a late war bolt modified?

Is the cocking cam the same as a standard 98?

 

[HerrWolfsberg]

I made a few more pictures. There is no rib and the vent holes are round. It fits perfectly in a standard M98 system with a standard bolt sleeve mounted, cocks, locks, fires etc. The only thing is that the bolt face rim is open on the other side and that it does not fit an 8x57 case. On the other hand, a 7,62x39 mm case and other cases with the same diameter of the base fit perfectly.

 

[Fal Grunt]

This confirms what I thought. If you look at the bolt face, this has been welded on and modified.

The "stand offs" are not "correct" or original, they have been modified.

It was likely a attempt at building a 7.62x39 rifle or something similar. Why upside down? I have no idea!

 

[HerrWolfsberg]

Perfect! Thanks a lot.
I was afraid that it might be something special. But knowing this, it will be restored back to the proper function and reused.