WWI Kar98az - what do I have here?

[Patrick Chadwick]

No arsenal or armory would have sent out a rifle with a bayonet lug looking like that!
It seems to be a "mixmaster" - a rifle that has been completed by somebody, somewhere, somewhen, using whatever bits could be scrounged together.

The original number was 4210 - as can be seen on the stock, receiver and bolt. Be happy that at least these components are matching. Since some parts were stamped with shorter numbers, for lack of space, one can only say that parts numbered 210 or 10 are probably original to the rifle. Parts numbered otherwise are definitely not original to that rifle, and there seem to be quite a few of those - safety lever, bolt catch, floor plate, such items hardly wear out and need to be replaced ... - more than would be likely for a refurbishment. The bayonet lug looks as if it is bent - replace it!