So I did a couple of searches and didn't find anything related to what I am asking. I have a Russian capture K98 that I would love to know if I could possibly find out what unit the rifle was issued to so I can know what battles it possibly fought in. I know at the very least it was on the eastern front. Does anyone know of where I might find that information? I know its a shot in the dark but I thought I would try.
Information
Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.
The marking of rifles to specific units was abandoned with the introduction of the K98k in 1934. See Wacker & Görtz - Handbuch Deutscher Waffenstempel - P269.
"...what unit the rifle was issued to..." German records would have been destroyed by the RAF and USAAF. Figure it's year of manufacture. Then you can assume it was used in all the battles from thence forward.
"...what battles it possibly fought in..." None. It's an inanimate object that cannot do anything by itself.
At best, you might be able to determine which arm of service the rifle was originally issued to, Heer, Kreigsmarine or Luftwaffe, if the stock is original and the stamped markings are still visible on the side of the butt.
Stocks on Russian captures are not original to the rifle in question. You can tell only what arm of service the stock was originally issued to. They took the rifles apart completely, inspected the individual parts, scrapped those that were not usable and placed the rest in individual bins specific to that type of part. Then they reblued them and reassembled them just by picking them from the bins. Non necessary parts like the lock screws and sight hoods were simply scrapped.
capture K98
PM
Originally Posted by improperlyaged
