Spandau 1911, Ingolstadt and Köln Rework

[mauser1908]

Last week was gewehr packed, this was the second of three that I ended up with. Big thanks to @MichaelWC for parting with this one, it’s a dandy.

It’s hard to place what work was done at Köln, as most of the replacement parts are Bavarian. There’s always an added cool factor when the receiver and barrel proofing are from different kingdoms like this one. The barrel and most likely the stock are Bavarian. At a minimum, the stock was applied at Ingolstadt; but I’m almost positive it’s an Amberg spare from around 1912 or 13. In the 1914-16 period, Amberg was the main player in the spare parts game. They are frequently encountered during the early and mid war period before WMO and Spandau took up that mantle. Enjoy.

 

[mauser1908]

 

[mauser1908]

 

[37th Div Ohio]

Great rifle, 11 is such a hard year to find as well!

 

[Loewe]

If you desire a 1911 G98, Spandau is about the only game to be had! Pretty rare in any state but few this interesting! Had it on file but scanty in pictures... excellent pick-up!

 

[MichaelWC]

I am glad you like the rifle Sam.

 

[chrisftk]

If you desire a 1911 G98, Spandau is about the only game to be had! Pretty rare in any state but few this interesting! Had it on file but scanty in pictures... excellent pick-up!

Agreed..I love the "dead years" of 09-13 for Gew98s.

 

[joryfreeburg]

Nice rifle Sam! Anyone that appreciates Gew98’s would pick that baby up…

 

[PrayingMantis]

This is a wonderful Gew; a rare year in great condition, then being a Bavarian rework is icing on the cake.

Since you posted this i've been thinking on it, and i believe this could be a circa 1915 Amberg rework that later went through Köln. Two things support this. First, the c/J on the wrist is consistent with Amberg 1912 5578, which had the stock repaired https://www.k98kforum.com/threads/gewehr-98-amberg-1912-5578.49514/
Second, the barrel code is very close to Amberg 1915 7648h https://www.k98kforum.com/threads/1915-amberg-7648h.54262/

 

[OnlyMil]

Great rifle pickup!! Germany really recycled as much as they could to get small arms back to the front. A lot of history and service behind this one.

 

[mauser1908]

Thanks for the kind words everyone!

This is a wonderful Gew; a rare year in great condition, then being a Bavarian rework is icing on the cake.

Since you posted this i've been thinking on it, and i believe this could be a circa 1915 Amberg rework that later went through Köln. Two things support this. First, the c/J on the wrist is consistent with Amberg 1912 5578, which had the stock repaired https://www.k98kforum.com/threads/gewehr-98-amberg-1912-5578.49514/
Second, the barrel code is very close to Amberg 1915 7648h https://www.k98kforum.com/threads/1915-amberg-7648h.54262/

Thanks, Cyrus! I think you're onto something. My assumption was Ingolstadt from the Bavarian components/ barrel acceptance, but there's nothing on this gun that definitively identifies Ingolstadt. In contrast, Köln is indicated on the buttplate. I think the barrel acceptance from an entire inspection team rather than a lone firing proof like many ordnance spares probably confirms your theory. I wish there were more observed "marked" Ingolstadt depot guns that had barrels replaced; where we could see with some certainty what their proofing procedures were. I'm starting to think that full barrel acceptance is indicative of manufacturer replacement rather than depot jobs.