Erfurt K98AZ Carbine 8mm Mauser 23.5” Barrel Bolt Action Rifle, 1917 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,125.00
LSB#: WY250320TF022
Make: Royal Erfurt Arsenal, Germany
Model: K98AZ
Serial Number: 933kk
Year of Manufacture: 1917
Caliber: 7.92x57mm Mauser
Action Type: Bolt action, internal 5 round magazine
Markings: The top of the receiver has a crown with, “ERFURT 1917”. The left side of the receiver is marked with, “933kk / Kar. 98”. All serialized parts are matched to the receiver. There are various small proofs throughout.
Barrel Length: 23.5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a triangular post dovetailed to a raised winged base. The rear sight is a v-notch sliding escalator assembly marked 1-20.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two piece wood set with a capped forend/bayonet lug, stacking rod, barrel band w/ sling bar, through bolt, semi-pistol grip, sling well/passthrough, bolt disassembly tool, straight comb, and steel buttplate. There are scratches, pressure dents, and small chips throughout. There is a repair at the heel. There is a crack in the forend. The LOP measures 13 1/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Good overall condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is light erosion and spots of corrosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 8/10.
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 70% of its metal finish. There are moderate handling marks throughout. There are spots of rust and patina. The action has light wear from use. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fair to Good 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: Leather sling.
Our Assessment: The Karabiner 98AZ, or K98AZ, was Germany’s standard-issue short rifle during World War I and served as a critical transitional design between the long Gewehr 98 and later carbine models like the K98k. Produced at the Royal Erfurt Arsenal, this 1917-dated example reflects the final years of Imperial German arms production before the collapse of the Kaiserreich. Designed specifically for use by mounted troops, artillery units, and stormtroopers, the K98AZ retained many Gewehr 98 features while shortening the barrel to 23.5 inches for improved maneuverability. Notably, it features a stacking rod, grasping grooves, and a unique bayonet lug/capped nose cap that distinguish it from both earlier and later Mauser models. This rifle retains matching serial numbers across all major components and has been refinished at some point in its life. Approximately 70% of the blued finish remains, with areas of rust, patina, and surface wear visible throughout. The bore remains bright with sharp rifling and light erosion, rating 8 out of 10. The stock has been refinished and shows evidence of both a heel repair and a crack in the forend, along with scattered pressure marks and small chips. Despite this, the wood remains serviceable and complete with all hardware intact, including the original bolt disassembly disc and stacking rod—features rarely retained on K98AZs.
As a late-war production carbine from 1917, this Erfurt K98AZ is a desirable and increasingly scarce piece of WWI military history. Its matching numbers, solid bore, and functional mechanics make it an excellent candidate for both collectors and historical shooters. While not a pristine example, its originality and completeness offer an authentic glimpse into the arms of the German Imperial Army during the Great War—a rare survivor from one of the most formative periods in modern military arms development. -R.E.
