Persian Mauser 98/29 Iran Czech 8mm Matching British Marked Bolt Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $2500
LSB#: 230411RH010
Make: Brno Factory, Czechoslovakia. A contract rifle for Persia (Iran).
Model: 98/29 Long Rifle (1898/29)
Serial Number: Y3124. Added by the Importer.
Year of Manufacture: 1931 to 1938. Page 282 of Robert Ball’s book, Mauser Military Rifles of the World 5th Edition.
Caliber: 8mm Mauser (7.92x57mm)
Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine
Markings: The serial number at the left front of the receiver was added by the importer.
Most of the markings are in Farsi. Translation and information are taken from pages 240-245 of Joe Puleo’s book, Bolt Action Military Rifles of the World.
The top of the receiver is marked with the Persian crest “crown / sun / lion holding a sword”. The left side of the receiver is marked with the original Persian serial number in Arabic and “Rifle Model 1309 BRNO Arms Factory”. The Iranian year “1309” corresponds to the Western model year of 1929, as this is a 1929 contract rifle. The right side of the receiver is stamped with Persian acceptance marks. The top of the bolt handle and right side of the buttstock are marked with the Persian serial number in Arabic. The buttstock is marked “Infantry” below the serial number. The Arabic numbers on the receiver, bolt and stock match. The bottom of the bolt handle and bottom of the cocking piece are marked with a small Czech “circled Z”. The bottom of the bolt handle is also marked “N7”.
The left side of the buttstock is marked “I.S.A.” (Inspector Small Arms) and “13” (rack number). These are British marks that were added during Iran’s occupation in WWII.
The bayonet is matched to the rifle. The Arabic symbols on the base of the grip match the rifle’s serial number.
Barrel Length: Approximately 29 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an inverted V post set between two protective ears that were milled as part of the barrel. The rear sight is a V notched blade attached to a sliding escalator assembly marked in Arabic.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece hardwood stock has a pistol grip, finger grooves, metal nose cap with bayonet lug, hole for the included cleaning rod, stacking loop, barrel band, 2 sling loops, through bolt, marking disk on the butt and a metal buttplate. The refinished buttplate shows scrapes, thinning, and small spots of surface erosion. The wood shows numerous scrapes, scratches and compression marks. The butt shows adhesive residue. The LOP measures 13 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The muzzle and grooves are light gray. The rifling is deep. There is erosion in the bore, mostly in the grooves.
In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 7 out of 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 1950’s.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish as refinished. Surface erosion shows through the new finish. The metal shows small scrapes & scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads show moderate use. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus condition, as refinished.
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 Czech made VZ-23 sword bayonet and scabbard. This is the correct bayonet for the rifle. It is matched to the rifle; the Arabic symbols match the rifle’s serial number. The bayonet mounts the rifle properly.
Our Assessment: This Persian Model 98/29 Long Rifle was made during the 1930s. It has been refinished so it looks good. The rifle still has nice deep markings on the metal and wood. The markings include a large Persian crest on the receiver. The serial number is in Arabic. The Arabic symbols for the serial number on the receiver, bolt handle, stock, and bayonet handle match.
The buttstock is stamped with British markings that were added during Iran’s occupation in WWII. Britain and the Soviet Union jointly invaded Persia due to their pro-Germany sentiments.
This 98/29 was made by the Czechs at their famous Brno factory. The orders for these Mausers were not completed as the N@zis took over Czechoslovakia prior to all rifles being made. The Czech made Persian Model 98/29 Long Rifle is considered to be one of the best Military Mausers ever made.
For more information see pages 280-282 of Robert Ball’s book, Mauser Military Rifles of the World 5th Edition or pages 240-245 of Joe Puleo’s, Bolt Action Military Rifles of the World.
…Now go shoot something!
