All matching 1943 Sauer 98k.

Today at a flea market I ran across a helluva find..an all matching 1943 Sauer 98k with original sling. Every number matches on this rifle. It did need a very light going over, so I oh so carefully disassembled it. After doing so, I discovered something I've never seen before. The mag assembly is two toned. At an angle. Upper part blued, lower half..not? It's definitely not a result of wear, the line between the two finishes is too defined. This was a bring back, and is absolutely a 'time capsule' of a rifle. Original sling, red rust protectant under the buttplate, laminated stock(I believe) script CE code on receiver..very happy with this one. Was just wondering about the two toned mag. I'll snap some pics, if anyone could post them that would be great, as I can't right now. Would like for everyone to see this one. Thanks!

It's possible it's two different grades of steel. Is the TG a stamped and welded part? If not, it might bean it was hardened through only half the part.

Saw something interesting today..found a copy of 'Backbone Of The Wehrmacht' today, and in a section concerning Sauer 98k's, it states that the lowest known serial number for these is 8216 (if I remember correctly) Mine is 105*.

---------- Post added at 04:29 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:28 PM ----------

Did I read that wrong? It just didn't sound 'right'....

My "Backbone " confirms that (P.210). You have pushed the limit down a lot. Send a photo to the author, so that it can be incorporated in a future edition.

I think I shall! Thanks Patrick!

---------- Post added at 04:51 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:43 PM ----------

I'm sorry....got my first two numbers reversed there. It's 150*....

Well, you'll just have to get out there and find another one:D

Think I will go back to the gun show and purchase the book. Seemed to be a pretty good source of info. And will definitely forward the author some pics and info about this rifle.

I think Richard Law is deceased. I have CE 43 sn.1399m. Also a vet bring back, matching and in nice shape.

Richard Law dies of brain cancer close to 10 years ago. The current K98k "bibles" are the books being published by Mike Steves and Bruce Karem. It's a 3 volume set and makes BBOTW more or less obsolete.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Anzac15

Saw something interesting today..found a copy of 'Backbone Of The Wehrmacht' today, and in a section concerning Sauer 98k's, it states that the lowest known serial number for these is 8216 (if I remember correctly) Mine is 105*..

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Just stating the four-figure number doesn't make sense for a German Military rifles because they recycled the numbers and the number was followed by a letter suffix.

So the full identification of a manufacturer's rifle consists of the Year Date ( that will be prominently stamped on the firearm) a four-figure number and a suffix. So, for example, the full identification for my Sauer K98k is: 1940, 73xxb

The four numbers without the year and suffix are meaningless for identification purposes.

BTW most dealers and police forces in the UK seem unaware of this and so on my Firearm Certificate, the serial number of one of my Lugers has a suffix and the other does not, which is also the case for my K98k. Of course, none of them have the date and one of them according to my local constabulary was manufactured by a company called "Luger".

Correct. I believe mine is an 'h', although I have a tough time sometimes reading those script letters.

The first run of 10,000 won't have a suffix. The second run will have an "a" suffix, third run a "b" suffix, fourth run "c" suffix and so on. When they exhausted the alphabet they would start with "aa", then "bb" and so on. It's perfectly normal to have a first run with no letter suffix.