German K43 Karabiner 43 G43 Nazi qve 45 8mm Mauser Semi Auto Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $3596.01
LSB#: 210515MW37
Make: Berlin-Lübecker Maschinenfabrik (BLM). In 1945 “qve” was the Nazi code for Berlin-Lübecker Maschinenfabrik.
Model: Karabiner 43 (K43). Previously designated as the Gewehr 43 (G43).
Serial Number: 5780d
Year of Manufacture: 1945
Caliber: 8mm Mauser (7.92x57mm)
Action Type: Semi Auto, Detachable Magazine
Markings: The import mark on the barrel reads “CAI ST A VT / G43 8MM GER”. The left side of the receiver is marked “eagle / 214”, with the serial number, with 2 post WWII East German Border Guard “sunburst” proofs, “K.43” and “qve 45”. The top cover is marked with the serial number in electric pencil (no letter suffix) and with numbers that do not correlate to the serial number. The non matching numbers have been finished over. The right side of the bolt carrier, buttplate and bottom of the butt are each marked with the serial number (no letter suffix). The top of the bolt head is marked “eagle / 21”. The bottom of the magazine is marked “MADE IN DENMARK”. The interior of the reproduction sling is marked with imitation Nazi marks.
Barrel Length: Approximately 21 ¾ Inches Here
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a tall bladed post set atop a ramped base and under a removable protective hood. The rear sight is a “V” notched sliding escalator marked from “1-12”. The right side of the receiver has integral rail for an optic.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece laminate stock has a pistol grip, metal nosecap with sling bar, hole for the included cleaning rod, through bolt, sling well with pass through and a metal buttplate with hinged door for storage. The buttplate shows scrapes, small scratches and some discoloration. The nosecap shows scrapes. The wood shows several scrapes, scratches and compression marks. Many have damaged small portions of the surface wood. Most of these marks have been oiled over. The LOP measures 13 ½ inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good Plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Arsenal Refurbished
Bore Condition: The grooves are dark and the rifling is deep. There is erosion present, mostly in the grooves.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. The metal shows scrapes & small scratches.The screw heads show use. Most of the markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus to Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle comes with one ten round magazine. It shows scrapes & scratches. It is in about Very Good Plus condition. We found a K43 oiler in the butt. It shows scrapes, oil residue and oxidation. Overall it is in about Very Good condition. The rifle comes with a reproduction K98 sling that is in Excellent condition.
Our Assessment: This German K43 (Karabiner 43) was made by Berlin-Lübecker Maschinenfabrik (BLM). It is marked with the scarce “qve” code. In late 1944 and in 1945 “qve” was the new Nazi code for BLM. After WWII the rifle was Arsenal Rebuilt and issued to East German Border Guards. It is distinctively marked with 2 East German “sunburst” proofs. This is a great rifle for a collector. It even has a scarce K43 oiler stored in the butt.