This is interesting.........

[Anzac15]

Picked this bcd 43 98k up today at an arms show. Pretty nice rifle, non matching of course. Small import mark on barrel (didnt even see it at first) Barrel code is ch DEW 43. Interesting thing is, is that while cleaning it, I discovered a Chinese Nationalist sun mark and a star on the bolt handle. Now Im sure that this bolt could have come from anywhere, but did some of these 98ks make it to China somehow? Its definitely a German bolt, and the finish matches the rest of the rifle, as in NO finish. Thoughts?

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[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

My thought is that all the intersting stuff is in GA and most of it at your house.
Interesting find.Thanks for sharing.

[Anzac15]

Believe I have a Chinese Standard Modell bolt that made its way onto this rifle.

[Calif-Steve]

Is it a Century (CAI) import? Lots of Chinese bolts/rifles went through those guys. Some very interesting stuff for sure sold by them.

[Anzac15]

Funny you ask. The only thing the import mark says is '98k 7.92 mm Germany'. No importer name.

[Anzac15]

Kinda like to hear some opinions here..as this rifle has no finish, (and I mean like someone went to work on it with steel wool ) I've thought about the possibility of refinishing it. I never would consider it otherwise, but if there was a candidate for refinishing, this is it.
I understand some of the bcd's were phosphated, and I gather that 1943 was a bit of a 'transitional' year as far as finish goes.
Opinions welcomed!

[Sarge]

How about a good clear photo of the chinese marking? i sure don't see anything.
The import mark sound like 60s vintage altho most of those were on the rear sight base.
The bolt switch could have happened any where along the line.
Sarge

[Aragorn243]

China did indeed receive K98's from Germany. Yours however is not one of them.

38-39 was the contract period and they would be marked with the Mauser emblem on the receiver. The bolt however would be a perfect fit in a later K98 as they are the same rifle. Your bolt is a Chinese contract bolt.

[Salt Flat]

Anzac, This rifle looks fine as is. I would not do any refiniishing. It just wouldn't look right. The wear on this rifle shows how hard war is on weapons as well as people. It has nice clear markings and is a good representation of a WWII battle rifle. Just my opinion. Salt Flat

[Anzac15]

SaltFlat, I've pretty much made up my mind to leave it as is. You're right. It looks good as is.
Sarge and Aragorn, I'll get a good pic of the sun marking up. I'm pretty sure it's a Standard Modell bolt that got on here at some point.
Another interesting thing about it is the 'stock repair' on it. Little nails or screws on both sides and under the wrist. Not very Teutonic to me.
As we say, 'if only they could talk'.