K98k rifle identification

Hi, I'm hoping for some help. I just got a K98k (byf 42), it's in fine shape, but the marks are confusing. The research says that the serial number should be 4 digits followed by an alpha. This rifle is W2750, the alpha in front of the number. On the stock is also 2750 with NO alpha.

I have many more questions, but I'd like to start with the above. This is my first German rifle, the rest of the collection is US made and much more easily researched!

thanks for your help, larry.k

PS: thanks for the advice. I've added new photos, sorry I"m so late getting back to this. larry.k

I suspect you are going to have to provide more photos in order to create more context for analysis. You are right - there should not be a prefix on a byf 42 Mauser. As you can imagine, this opens up Pandora's Box. Does the rifle have the expected Waffenant proofs? On what other parts does the SN appear? Do you have a pic of the upper receiver? Etc., etc. I think if you pose your questions framed in dribs and drabs, you are less likely to get a knowledgeable answer from a knowledgeable forum member. I know only a very tiny bit about German Mausers, and it is a vast and arcane subject with many rabbit holes.

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Originally Posted by larryk

Hi, I'm hoping for some help. I just got a K98k (byf 42), it's in fine shape, but the marks are confusing. The research says that the serial number should be 4 digits followed by an alpha. This rifle is W2750, the alpha in front of the number. On the stock is also 2750 with NO alpha.

I have many more questions, but I'd like to start with the above. This is my first German rifle, the rest of the collection is US made and much more easily researched!

thanks for your help, larry.k

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As said, gonna need more photo's of the rest of the rifle first, but that's not an original byf 42 serial number.

You indicate the stock is also marked "2750." Where? Inside the handguard? On the buttstock near the bolt take down disc? More pictures are definitely needed if you really want to know what you have.

Yugoslavian rework.

-E-

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Originally Posted by Nehalem Man

Yugoslavian rework.

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Why do you think that?

I would expect to see a Yugoslavian crest on top of the receiver between byf and 42, which is why I suggested a top-of-receiver photo to the OP. I'm not sure why we don't have more photos. I think your guess is certainly plausible, given what little we have to go on.

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Originally Posted by FSR17601

I would expect to see a Yugoslavian crest on top of the receiver between byf and 42, which is why I suggested a top-of-receiver photo to the OP. I'm not sure why we don't have more photos. I think your guess is certainly plausible, given what little we have to go on.

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Many of the early K98k re-works before 1948 did not get the familiar Yugo crest that later rebuilds received. Generally, these early reconditioned capture rifles were inspected and only what needed repair to bring it into operational order was fixed. Also, often times not all of the German proof marks and stamps would be scrubbed, but the four digit serial numbers would be stamped on the left side of the stock.

-E-

Thanks - just went back and checked my source, and it says the same thing about the early Yugoslavian K98s. I knew they weren't completely scrubbed, but missed the part about the Yugo crest - some have them; some don't. I think your ID is a good one.