K98az

[Sigismund]

Hello all

May be in the wrong section, but im a gambling man, so here goes.

I came across a k98az at this weekends calgary easter show.

The seller wanted 650. It was all matching except for the fireing pin, the fireing pin lug, and it seemed as if the follower had been polished.

The reason I didnt pick it up was, the screw holding the barrelband in place looked like bubba had screwed it in just minutes before the show. I am not well educated on the k98az rifles, so I passed on it, because of this.

However, after seeing the MKL post on said rifle I have a slight feeling. Since there is supposed to be a screw there. Despite this screw had a certain polished look to it, it can be replaced.

Overall finish was pretty nice, 80% blueing, great stock, very nice bore, and the overall wear was in a pretty manner, if you catch my drift.

What would an estimate value would be? Or rather, what is fair market value of a nice k98az. Should I try and hunt the seller down or hope for a reply to my WTB add?

Thanks in advance.

Information

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[Badger]

Well, without seeing pics it's hard to tell, but ...........

$650 for an all matching (except for small parts as you describe) Kar98a in today's collector market is a fair price, at least in my opinion. Actually, after seeing pics and validating that it is "all matching" (even under the wood?), I might even say that I would have paid $750 or more.......

Ask yourself a question. When was the last time you saw a virtually "all matching" Gew98 or Kar98a advertised anywhere in Canada? They are increasingly rare and even the one in the MKL has a mismatched bolt. Remember, under the terms of the Versailles Treaty the number of rifles the German Army was limited to were 84,000 Gew98’s and 18,000 Kar98a’s (later increased by 50,000 rifles to be used as a reserve).

As you've seen from our MKL entry on the Kar98a, the screw is correct, although it's possible that the one you saw on that rifle might be a modern day replacement. It's not a big deal though and I know there's a few collectors in the U.S. with parts who could help with that.

Regards,
Badger

[Sigismund]

damnit...

Thanks badger, I will now try and find this seller.

EDIT: The hunt is on, ill keep those interested posted.

[Claven2]

ALOT of 98az's came back in the 20's as war trophys and were promptly robbed for the actions. Small ring 98's were THE hunting rifle back then before cheap .303's hit the market, though Gew98's were more common as many more were made.

Very few nice ones survive, sadly.

[Sigismund]

Im selling my swede mauser and hopefully this az is still for sale. Lets hope it will find a good home with me
Ill keep you guys posted if I get lucky.