1915 Amberg Gewehr 98 29” Barrel in 8mm Mauser Bolt Action Rifle, C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,320
WOA#: WY240311DS007
Make: Gewehr/Amberg Arsenal, Bavaria
Model: Model 1915 Gewehr 98 Rework
Serial Number: 1343
Year of Manufacture: 1915 (Rework Date)
Caliber: 8mm Mauser (7.92x57mm)
Action Type: Bolt action, internal 5 round magazine
Markings: On the left side of the receiver, there is an Amberg Coat of Arms Holding A Sword followed by, “1343” Further down is, “Gew, 98.” The top of the receiver is marked, “AMBERG / 1915” with a crown. The barrel is “S” marked with “1343 / 7,9”. The bolt is marked, “7746 / 42 / 42” The bolt takedown lever, rear sight, action screws, barrel bands, buttplate, cleaning rod, and bottom metal all have matching serials to the receiver. The floor plate is marked, “504” There are several crown proofs on the stock along with “1343”
Barrel Length: 29”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade post set atop a knurled base mounted to the barrel. The rear sight is a v-notch blade attached to a sliding escalator assembly marked out to 20..
Stock Configuration & Condition: This rifle has a smooth two piece tiger striped wood stock with a sloped comb, semi-pistol grip, steel buttplate, and extended forend that is capped with a bayonet lug/stacking lug. There are pressure dents, scratches, and small chips throughout. There is a very faint crack forming at the tang. The LOP is 13” The stock rates in about Excellent overall condition for a C&R.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original to factory rework
Bore Condition: The bore is light gray and the rifling is sharp. There is some erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 7/10.
Many military and C&R eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide. For example, the U.S. used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The U.S. military did not begin to phase out corrosive-primed ammunition until the 1950s.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish as factory reworked. There are scuffs, scratches, and loss of finish on various parts. The barrel is factory replaced. The non-replaced parts have light patina and more finish loss. The screw heads are lightly worn, the markings are exceptionally clear on both the stock and the rifle. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition for a rifle over 100 years old.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Nylon Sling.
Our Assessment: The Amberg arsenal Gewehr 98, or G98, was a standard-issue rifle used by the German military during World War I and World War II. Manufactured at the Amberg arsenal in Bavaria, this rifle was renowned for its reliability, accuracy, and robust construction. This rifle played a significant role in many historical events, including trench warfare on the Western Front during World War I and the German military campaigns of World War II. It was known for its long-range accuracy and was used by German snipers with telescopic sights. After World War I, many Gewehr 98 rifles were reconditioned and continued to serve in various military forces and conflicts around the world.
This particular rifle is an exceptional example with a 1915 factory rework. Most of the parts are matching, and the rifle’s markings are fantastic. The Amberg Lion Crest is well defined. The wood on this rifle is in fantastic condition with original proof markings and a fantastic tiger striping. Overall this is an amazing collectors piece. Please see the photos for more information, and good luck on your bid! -R.E.