1934 K98 Mauser Banner D.R.P.

Hello,

New member looking to make an informed decision as to whether to restore or sell this Mauser, any input would be appreciated.

This piece, an Arisaka and a 1921 M&P P.08 were part of an inheritance which I purchased from the Daughter of the collector. There is no story she was able to give only to say when asked that her Father was in WWII but she knew not his rank nor where he was stationed.

The Mauser is all matching including the D.R.P. stock which has been "Sporterized". It has Lyman front and rear sights, the rear peep has been tapped into the receiver. The original rear sight is missing. The bore is clear with deep lands and grooves, I was only able to run a patch through and can see it needs to be brushed properly.
I cannot see any brazing or silver solder securing the front sight, I did not try to remove it so cannot say if it's only slipped-on but that doesn't seem like the right thing anyone, especially in the fifties would have done. The barrel has not been cut.

I tried to take the best photos I could but found rifles difficult to capture.

Thank you for taking the time to view this. I am very much looking forward to reading everyone's opinions and I will answer any questions posted, please know I am not versed in long guns.

Regards,
Gary

After some guessing and trials it appears that the marking in the cutout for the frog (of the sling) reads "DRP Ldsht" for "Deutsche Reichspost Landshut". Landshut is in Bavaria and nearby Munich.

It is a big pity this rifle was sportered, it appears to have been in nearly unmolested condition since the DRP marked rifles generally did not see the heavy service military rifles at the front were facing. The front sight appears only to have been slided on and maybe glued or soldered in place (probably also screwed, maybe if you pull out the blade you'll see a screw right below it). The stock was cut at the very rear position and therefore can't be repaired rather invisible with a duffle cut (which is a huge pity, given the nice cartouche it has on the stock).

On the one hand you have a rare rifle in very nice condition which would deserve to be restored, on the other hand so much was destroyed in sporterizing it that it never be what it originally was. Restoring it will take high effort and a very good gunsmith, and still you will only have a restored rifle. Plus it won't be matching again. I don't know how good you are at restoring nor how much time and patience you have in finding the correct parts, but if it was me I would rather sell the rifle.

Maybe the guys over at k98kforum.com can give you a different input, but this is what I would do.

Thank you for the information Promo, I appreciate it. -Gary