Is my mauser k98 matching or not?

Hi there everybody. I have a mauser k98. The rifle says ax 41 on the receiver which I believe was made at the ERMA factory in 1941. On the left side of the receiver, near the stock, there is the number 2302 with a lowercase "e" under it. The stock also has the number 2302 on the left side behind the bolt disassembly hole. On the right side of the reveiver, there are three eagle-like characters with the number 280 underneath. These three marks are in a row. Also, on the right side of the rifle, underneath the rear sight, there are two WaA655 markings. On the safety lever, the number 7286 is visible. On the rear of the firing pin cover of the bolt, there is another lowercase "e" with the number 8387. On the top side of the ring of the bolt, there is the number 22847 and on the underside of the bolt handle is the number that is double stamped and I cannot read it because it is too blurry. Also on the rear sight base, there is the number 2240. The floorplate of the gun has the number 3506, the front barrel band is numbered 7877 on the left and WaA63 on the right. The rear barrel band is only numbered 5776 and the buttplate is numbered 572 with a lowercase "h" underneath it and another eagle-like character clutching a 26. These are all the marks I can find. I would like to know if it is matching, my guess would be that it's not because of the wide array of numbers. I would appreciate any help you could offer. Sorry, I'm a newbie and I need some help to understand all of these markings:D Thanks again for the help.

it doesn't sound like it is, but pictures would sure help.

I'll see what I can do but I can't promise anything tonight.

it sounds like the barrel and action match with the stock, and you basically have a mismatched bolt and parts (mixmaster). the eagles (waffenmarks) are different proofings and there should be other marks too that other members can do a better job of explaining than myself.

does the receiver have an X stamped on it? alot of times it's by the serial number.

it' a Russian Capture. it is not all matching.

after the war, the Soviets completely stripped, checked, cleaned, repaired and put back together all of the millions of 98ks they captured. because of the way they did it, they are not matching.

Russian captures are about $350 and all matching 98ks go for well over $1000. now then, on to the stamps.

ax 41 is a harder to find coded rifle and it was made by Feinmechanischewerke Erfurt (who later became Erfurter Maschinenfabrik). "2302 e" is the main serial number of that rifle. it's what would have been on all the parts if it were all matching.

the serial number on the left side of the stock behind the take down disc was put there by the Soviets. the Germans only marked the serial number under the butt and in the barrel channel and hand guard of the rifle. the eagles over 280 are the Waffenamts, or inspectors' stamps.

the rest of the numbers are all serial numbers and Waffenamts from other rifles.

How do you know it's a russian capture? It doesn't have the shellac finish or electro-pencil markings like the standard rc mauser k98's that I've seen. Could you verify this information somehow?

everything mismatching is a huge indicator of a captured rifle. is it a Mitchell's Mauser? that would explain the lack of shellac and electro pencil.


or is the serial number behind the take down disc horizontal or vertical? if vertical, it would be a Yugoslavian capture if i recall correctly. it is definitely not matching though

You are right. I bet it is a Russian captured gun. It's not a Yugoslavian capture and it is definately not a Mitchel's mauser. This might be a helpful hint....on the top of the receiver, I noticed a star punched in below the ax but above the 41. Is this a communist star that was pounded into the gun when it was captured? Anyway, you've been a great help kar98k. I really appreciate your effort in helping me:)

there were multiple little marks the Russians put on the receiver, but the most common was an "x" shape. some are very obviously "X's" while others don't really resemble an "x" at all

and i'm happy to help

There is no x marking on the receiver but after reviewing the information you have told me, I believe that it is a Russian capture k98k. Thanks a lot. YOur knowledge has really helped me.

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Originally Posted by ww2freak

There is no x marking on the receiver but after reviewing the information you have told me, I believe that it is a Russian capture k98k. Thanks a lot. YOur knowledge has really helped me.

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again, glad to help.

that star is more than likely a Soviet stamp. 2 of my RCs have diamonds with the number 3 in them on the stocks and those are Russian stamps

It is really interesting to learn about the history of these guns. I think that's why I enjoy them as much as I do. Your mausers sound pretty cool. I just started collecting these military surplus guns about a year ago and I never plan on turning back. There's always something you can learn when it comes to these things. Once again, I really greatly appreciate the help:)

Occasionaly the RC X is on the bbl between the rear sight & the rec.
Also occasionaly there is no RC X. However the ser nr on the left side of the butt makes it an RC.
Sarge

Thanks for the info Sarge13! It's very much appreciated.

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However the ser nr on the left side of the butt makes it an RC.
Sarge

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Or Yugo. Most of the Yugo Mod98's well have a crest roll stamped and the plant number. A few well not have the crest or plant ID, just scrubbed with a few dirty birds on them, some matched, some not.

Read the thread! His rifle does NOT match any of your criteria for a Yugo!
Sarge

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Originally Posted by Sarge13

Read the thread! His rifle does NOT match any of your criteria for a Yugo!
Sarge

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I agree, my comment was the Yugo also has the serial number on the left side.:thup:

I don't know much about ax 41 but on my byf 41 the serial number is on the left side of the receiver ring. I thibnk this was the standard place to put them.

According to Richard D Law's book "Backbone of the Wehrmacht", the WaA for 1941 Erma rifles is WaA280 - WaA655 was the Mauser Oberndorf number up to 1942.

If you can get a copy (and I'd recommend it!) check out p.172.

As far as I know rifles with a serial number stamped into the left side of the stock are/tend to be RC?

On the "original" stocks I've seen any WaA/German stamps are on the right side of the stock in a line "aft" of the stock disc with the WaA and sometimes the arm designation letter (depending on year of manufacture), never a serial number.

On an ax41 there may be the serial number stamped into the bottom of the stock.

The butt plate is the other place where I'd expect a matching serial number...and possibly a sub-contractors ident/WaA....bpr41 is a common "supplier".

Anything that is not WaA280 is, IMHO probably not original to the rifle.

Thanks for the extra information you guys. I just might have to get a copy of that book OxfordAndy:)

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Originally Posted by ww2freak

Thanks for the extra information you guys. I just might have to get a copy of that book OxfordAndy:)

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even the updated version is old and there are a lot of mistakes in it but BBOTW is a good book for the Mauser 98k collector

I just bought it on kar98k's recommendation. Great book. Keep an eye out for a copy on ebay, that's where I got mine for quite a bit less than the going rate from the booksellers.