Israeli IDF Crest Belgian Mauser K98 7.62×51 23.5” Bolt Action Rifle, C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,301.00
LSB#: LSB260126WT005
Make: FN Herstal, Belgium
Model: K98k
Serial Number: 698580
Year of Manufacture: Cica, 1930s – 1940s / C&R
Caliber: 7.62x51mm NATO
Action Type: Bolt action, internal 5 round magazine
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked with an IDF crest and “7.62”. The left side of the receiver is marked, “698580 / FAB. NAT. D’ARMES de GUERRE / HERSTAL-BELGIQUE”. The toe of the buttstock is marked “7.62”. There are several factory proof marks throughout the rifle.
Barrel Length: 23.5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a post dovetailed to a serrated base. The rear sight is a v-notch sliding escalator assembly marked 1-20.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The wood stock has a semi-pistol grip, nose cap with bayonet lug, hole for the missing cleaning rod, through bolt, sling well, sling pass through, and a metal buttplate. The buttplate has impact marks, and wear along the edges. There are scratches and compression marks throughout. There are chips along the right side of the stock. There are no cracks. The LOP measures 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Black Paint parts
Finish Originality: Original To Arsenal Rework.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is defined. There is light to moderate erosion in the bore. There is moderate pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 6 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 92% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows handling and storage wear. There is operation wear. Most of the blue finish has turned to a patina. There are scratches and light oxidation. There is a faint amount of surface rust forming on the bolt release lever. There is corrosion pitting on the buttplate. There is thinning on the muzzle. There is paint chipping on the trigger guard, buttplate, and barrel band. The screw heads range from sharp to tooled with serviceable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about 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: None.
Our Assessment: The FN manufactured Mauser K98k rifles that bear Israeli markings represent a fascinating chapter of postwar military reuse and adaptation. After the Second World War, Israel acquired large numbers of Mauser rifles from various sources, including FN Herstal in Belgium, and converted many to chamber the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge. These rifles were reworked for continued service and marked with Hebrew or IDF crests along with caliber designations, reflecting their role in early Israeli military history. The Mauser action, originally developed in the late nineteenth century, remained one of the strongest and most influential bolt action designs ever produced.
This example retains about 92 percent of its arsenal reworked finish with light handling wear, scattered scratches, thinning, and areas of oxidation along with paint loss on small components. The wood stock shows moderate handling wear with scratches, compression marks, and small chips but remains free of cracks, rating in Good condition overall. The bore appears mostly bright with defined rifling along with light to moderate erosion and pitting, rating 6 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion. The action functions correctly and the rifle presents as an Israeli reworked FN Mauser chambered in 7.62 NATO, reflecting its postwar military service. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! -N.P