BCD BNZ 4 Single Rune

[m4a3sherman]

I don't feel there is any question in terms of authenticity; I have seen some legit German rifles that looked as if the most anal armorer in the world had handled them and some that look like they were stamped in the middle of the night by a private in a drunken rage. Prime example is my BCD G43; it's also of 1944 production and exhibits some rather sloppy workmanship in terms of machining, proofing and other stamping. And, when one considers that the workforce was less than motivated to strive for quality, sloppy markings are possible. Another example are the Brits, whose enfields take a noticeable dip in stamping quality as the war goes on. Anyone who has handled many enfields and seen where numbers have been struck out FOUR different times on a nose cap (!) or a rear sight will know that they can be just as nit-picky as the German armorers but sometimes, as the war went on, there just was not time to do so.

In terms of the numbers not matching... That too is also possible; in the turmoil of post Nazi Germany and Austria, I can imagine more than one rifle was assembled from spares and taken home. In terms of rarity... Dual maker marked rifles are an oddity, and the Rune is an additional boost of value. Unfortunately, in poor condition and without matching numbers, it wouldn't command as much as it could in better shape (obviously) and so I would put it in the very uncommon to rare category, and would expect one in great shape with matching numbers to go for maybe 800 or so on gunbroker, maybe more. One in lesser shape... hard to say; it all depends on whose looking when you posted it. For me, I would love it, but probably would try to hold out for one in better shape, matching numbers, etc. I would keep it if I were you; its an odd bird and despite condition, a hard to find piece.

[Sarge]

Yiou don't show either side of the receiver. What proof marks are on the right side? What is the letter under the ser nr?
Sarge

[Promo]

Gave the rifle back to it's owner, sorry. No S/N on reciever, just on the barrel. There you also find the BNZ over 1 within a "shield" (at least that's what it looks like), a WaA623 and the Nazi eagle.

[m4a3sherman]

Some late war K98s don't have serial numbers on the receiver; they don't appear to be particularly common but without the serial number, It's hard to tell how many were produced. Also, the BNZ inside the shield just means the barrel was made by bnz. That at least means the barrel is likely original to the rifle.

[Calif-Steve]

I have a dual code upstairs. Didn't bother to check it out, now sorry. My rifle and this one in question seem worlds apart. I'll get upstairs tomorrow and post something.

[Tom in N.J.]

I bought one of the single rune single, "4" dated K98s from a gun store in the early sixties. The receiver, stock. hand guard, barrel and bolt were matching numbered. The balance of the parts were not numbered. I asked some of my co-workers who had been in the German forces about the rifles. They all agreed they were second rate assemblies (single rune is the insignia of the Hitler Youth) for training use by the HJ. One remembered numbering trigger guards and small parts in his unit as tradition stated they should be numbered and match. I have read all kinds of ideas as to their being SS contracts and the like , but the authors of this information were not there. The one I had required the use of a mallet to open the bolt after firing 7.9 service ammo.

[Calif-Steve]

I have a bcd/ar dual code 1942 Kar98k. Not so sure this helps the data base. This rifle is a very nice Russian Capture and appears near new. No single rune at all.

[m4a3sherman]

bcd/ar is a co-manufactured gun by Gustloff Werks (bcd) and Mauser (ar). They are also noted in Law's book and would not really be correct with the Rune, or at least from the factory. It is always possible that any rifle could have been pressed into SS service and stamped accordingly.

[20131k98]

its not a fake rifle and the markings seem to be real,and i dont know if the book has been proven to have fakes in it or not so i assume not.your k98 is great and rare,i wish i could tell you more.