Crown Jewel of my collection; matched bringback svwMB K98k

[majspud]

I've been collecting Mausers for 19 years, and finally got my friend to part with this gem of a K98k. Vet bring back, acquired from the son of the man who took it in trade from the Vet for a transmission job in the 1980’s. All matching, in as-issued condition. This is one of the very last of the 14 million K98ks produced by Germany; this one in April of 1945. A total of 18,000 svwMB’s were produced, but only 2,500 were German produced and proofed. The remainder were produced under French occupation to rearm France before the allies blew up the factory. Unusual piece reflecting the chaos in Germany in the last days if WWII. The rifle sits in a left over Sauer made stock (WaA37*); Sauer stopped making K98ks in 1944, and the remaining parts were shipped to Mauser. As a 1944 stock, this one is in full trim with take-down washer, cleaning rod channel and lug, and bayonet lug. Most pieces at this time were in full Kriegsmodel mode. Original sling and sight hood. Bolt, barrel, trigger guard are phosphate finished, bands and bayonet lug are bright blue. Solder runs left unfinished on front and rear sights. Rifle was brought home without a cleaning rod, and with a dress bayonet that I have as well. I have added an original late war cleaning rod to fill the space. Non import, exceedingly rare, and un-improvable.

First 50 pics.

T

Information

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[majspud]

Remaining pics. Told the prior owner I would put only one box of ammo out of it (Hornady vintage load BTHP). High hits until I settled my POA at the bottom of the target.

T

[25-5]

That is very nice. A pleasure to see.

[Calif-Steve]

Rare gun. Thank you.

[Harlan (Deceased)]

Outstanding rifle, majspud!

Thanks for posting all the great photos too.

~Harlan

[Bearstopper]

That would make a great deer rifle if the stock and barrel weren't so long!

[boltaction]

Beautiful! An excellent find! Definitely one to treasure.

Now you just need to sand down some of those rough spots on the stock, followed by a coat or two of tru-oil to bring out the grain, slap a Weaver mount on it, and you've got yourself a bang-up hunting rifle!

Seriously, though, as collectors we are really just temporary custodians of these pieces. I have a large Ross collection, and worry about what will happen to the pieces when I'm gone. My kids are somewhat interested, but time will tell whether that continues or not. I guess just keep good records of the values and what they are, so that they don't get sold off for next to nothing to some unscrupulous person after I kick the bucket.

I suppose the one good thing about these older rifles is that the ammunition is not as readily available, so they are much less likely to be cut down as sporters or otherwise butchered than they would have been 30 years ago.

Ed

[Rhpd201]

Beautiful! An excellent find! Definitely one to treasure.

Now you just need to sand down some of those rough spots on the stock, followed by a coat or two of tru-oil to bring out the grain, slap a Weaver mount on it, and you've got yourself a bang-up hunting rifle!

Seriously, though, as collectors we are really just temporary custodians of these pieces. I have a large Ross collection, and worry about what will happen to the pieces when I'm gone. My kids are somewhat interested, but time will tell whether that continues or not. I guess just keep good records of the values and what they are, so that they don't get sold off for next to nothing to some unscrupulous person after I kick the bucket.

I suppose the one good thing about these older rifles is that the ammunition is not as readily available, so they are much less likely to be cut down as sporters or otherwise butchered than they would have been 30 years ago.

Ed

Ed, I'm with you 100%. The small town I live in started up a museum not long ago. I've thought about donating my WWII collection to them (or something similar) if my kids don't want them.

[mike webb]

Very nice late war rifle. That stock is really cherry, nice crisp stamps and chatter marks in the wood. I like the phosphate parts and rough machining on the action too. The pre war K98k's are a thing of beauty but the rough late war rifles have their own appeal as well.

[Calif-Steve]

My thoughts on small museums are this. The guy who starts it up dies. His wife sells everything off and that's it. Placing your collection in the right hands is a real challenge. Start now to figure it out. Good luck.