German 243 Code K98k 23.5” Barrel 7.92x57mm Bolt Action Rifle, 1940 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,500.00
LSB#: LSB260508SH012
Make: Mauser-Werke AG, Werk Berlin-Borsigwalde, Eichborndamm, Germany
Model: K98k
Serial Number: 3146n
Year of Manufacture: 1940 / C&R
Caliber: 7.92x57mm (8mm Mauser)
Action Type: Bolt action, internal 5 round magazine.
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked with, “243” with “1940”. The left side of the receiver is marked, “3146n / Mod.98” with a Reichsadler. All serialized parts are matched. There are various Reichsadler and Waffenamt stamps throughout. The stock has a faint Heerswaffenamt.
Barrel Length: 23.5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a barleycorn blade dovetailed to a serrated base. The rear sight is a v-notch tangent sliding escalator assembly marked 1-20.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two piece laminate wood set with a forend cap/bayonet lug & hole for missing cleaning rod, barrel band w/ sling bar, through bolt, semi-pistol grip, sling well & pass through, straight comb, bolt disassembly studs, and flat steel buttplate. There are scratches, pressure dents, and several small chips throughout. There are cracks forming at the wrist. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates at about Good overall condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original w/ Cold Blue Touch-Ups
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is pronounced. There is moderate to heavy erosion and light pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 6.5/10.
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 35% of its metal finish. There are light spots of thinning, scratches, and nicks along with moderate thinning and heavy patina. The screw heads show light use with strong slots. The markings are mostly clear with the smaller ones being blurry and filled in. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fair 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: Leather sling.
Our Assessment: The German Karabiner 98k was the standard service rifle of the German armed forces during World War II, combining the controlled-feed Model 98 action with a shortened 23.5-inch barrel, five-round internal magazine, and compact military furniture. This example was manufactured in 1940 by Mauser-Werke at its Berlin-Borsigwalde facility under the 243 factory code. It retains matching serialized components, numerous German military inspection and acceptance stamps, and a faint stock acceptance mark, giving it strong collector interest as a substantially matching early-war K98k. This rifle remains in Fair condition, retaining approximately 35% of its original blued finish with localized cold-blue touch-ups. The metal surfaces exhibit moderate thinning, heavy patina, scratches, nicks, and scattered finish loss. The screw heads show light use but retain strong slots, while the principal markings remain mostly clear and several smaller stamps are worn or filled in. The bore is gray with pronounced rifling, moderate to heavy erosion, and light pitting, rating 6.5/10 in this writer’s opinion. The refinished laminate stock shows scratches, pressure dents, several small chips, and developing cracks at the wrist, rating in Good condition.
The matching serialized components, 1940 production date, Berlin-Borsigwalde factory code, and surviving German military markings give this rifle considerable historical and collector appeal despite its worn finish and bore. The rifle retains its laminate military furniture, original sighting arrangement, flat steel buttplate, sling hardware, and functional action, though the cleaning rod is absent. Accompanied by a leather sling, this remains an honest and representative early-war K98k with substantial original character. -R.E.