WWII Berlin Lubecker Gewehr 43 G43 8mm Mauser Semi-Automatic Rifle 1944 C&R

SOLD FOR: $4491

LSB#: 210701DW11

Make: Berlin-Lubecker Maschinenfabrik (BLM), Germany

Model: Gewehr 43 or Karabiner 43 (abbreviated G43, K43, Gew 43, Kar 43)

Serial Number: 1935e

Year of Manufacture: 1944

Caliber: 8mm Mauser (7.92x57mm)

Action Type: Semi Auto, Detachable Magazine

Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked with a German inspection stamp “eagle / 214”, with the serial number “1935e”, eagle clutching swastika and “G.43 duv 44”. The sliding bolt carrier is marked “1935e” on the left and “eagle / 214” on the top. The rear of the stationary top cover is stamped with a small Nazi waffenamt “eagle / WaAA44”. The top of the bolt is marked with “eagle / 214” and eagle clutching swastika. The top of the barrel is marked with “C B” and inspection marks, these barrel marks are under the handguard. The right locking block andthe piston assembly each have “35” hand-scribed. We were not able to remove the bolt assembly to inspect for additional markings due to the scope mount. The belly of the stock is marked “1935”. The left of the magazine is marked “aye”, eagle over “WaA843” and “G43”.

Barrel Length: Approximately 22 Inches

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bladed post set atop a raised base and under a removable protective hood. The rear sight is a “U” notched sliding escalator marked from “1 – 12”. There is an integral rail on the right of the receiver for a scope mount. The installed mount is marked “fest” and “lose” on the locking bar and at the bottom-right with an eagle over “214” waffenamt. The locking bar is stripped, not engaging the teeth of the tightening screw, preventing the lever from being used to loosen the mount for removal. The teeth of the tightening screw show wear, but appear as though they could be used with an undamaged locking bar. Mounted is a ZF4 scope with post reticle. The left of the scope is marked “Gw ZF 4”, “dow”, with a green triangle and “23455”. The scope’s lenses are cloudy and the body shows light wear and oxidation, in about Good condition.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece laminate wood with ventilated handguard, pistol grip, straight comb, sling well and pass-through in the buttstock, sling bar on the left of the nosecap and metal buttplate with hinged door for storage. The forend is cracked through along the top, having been repaired with glue. There is a thin crack at the toe. The stocks have some scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches, most notable on the left behind the through-bolt. The LOP measures 13 1/4? from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has mostly gone to a light patina with scattered wear and infrequent erosion. Overall, the stock is in about Good-plus condition as repaired.

Type of Finish: Phosphate

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is scattered light erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 87% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. The exposed portion of the barrel has a few light scratches and handling marks. The receiver and bolt carrier show the rough finish of late-war production. There is infrequent minor surface oxidation. The receiver, bolt and bottom metal have some light nicks, scratches and scuffs. The action shows operational wear. The markings range from clear to poorly struck or worn. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. Overall, this rifle is in about Very Good condition.

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: The rifle comes with a single magazine and the installed scope as described.

Our Assessment: This G43 was made by Berlin-Lubecker Maschinenfabrik in 1944, as the ultimate outcome of WWII was becoming clear to everyone. The rough surfaces of the receiver and bolt carrier are typical of late-war German production when every effort was being made to reduce manufacturing time and costs. It has been equipped with a field-replacement scope mount (not serial-marked) as well as a Czech produced ZF-4 scope. While it is unlikely that these are original to the rifle, they are of wartime production and this makes for a nice sniper-configuration example of the G43. This example’s markings are generally clear and we could not find an import mark, so it may have even come home from the war with a GI. The G43 has a much-improved gas system (borrowed from the Russians) and is much more reliable than its predecessor the G41. This is a rifle that will add to any collection, especially a WWII collection. Please see our photos and good luck!

WWII Berlin Lubecker Gewehr 43 G43 8mm Mauser Semi-Automatic Rifle 1944 C&R
WWII Berlin Lubecker Gewehr 43 G43 8mm Mauser Semi-Automatic Rifle 1944 C&R