Help identifying dot k98 (video)

[Orwell84]

I recently bought this Mauser. The finish on it looks quite shiny and nicely blued. The quality of the finish actually has me some what confused. The eagles and swastikas are peened, and all numbers match (except the bolt release lever). The front barrel h-clamp is even numbered. Bolt is blackened.
Someone told me that East Germany likely refinished this gun and force matched the parts, using actual number punches rather than electropencil like the Russians did.

Anyone have any ideas?

Information

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[browningautorifle]

Welcome to the forum. It's still hard to say even from your vid...but I think it may be original finish. I had an offshore contract Mauser come to me new in the grease about 35 squares ago and it had a beautiful polish and blue finish. You need close clear still to show us detail. Others may not agree...on that.

[Badger]

More information on DOT Mausers ...

The “dot” coded K98k. Waffenwerke Brunn. AG Brunn
Written by Robert Jensen as edited by Peter Kuck 06/10/2002
PDF File Download
PDF file size= 60kb



(Click PIC to read and save Adobe PDF File)
(Right Click on PIC and choose "Save Target As..." to download PDF file)

Regards,
Doug

[Orwell84]

Source of biggest confusion for me is the polished, shiney finish. I've looked around googel images and it seems like most 1944 dots are pretty rough with visible tool marks on the reciever. This one looks gorgeous and bright and polished. So weird.

[browningautorifle]

Well, it's possible it's been polished and blued since the last world war... If you take some clear stills for us and nice and close we can see better. It's hard to tell much from the vid.

[Orwell84]

Google Drive folder with pictures....

[browningautorifle]

I had a good look at the pics and I don't think it HAS been polished and redone. There are still raised edges on number/letters and there are a few properly worn spots. The buttplate speaks for itself. It could just be correct like it is...?

[Calif-Steve]

Re-blued for sure. Nicely done, by the way.

[browningautorifle]

Then I wonder how it was polished? By hand I should think? There's no blending of the edges or blurring of numbers/letters.