German K98 Israeli Mauser Nazi Steyr 7.62 NATO Bolt Action Rifle 1939 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1145
LSB#: 211109RT34
Make: Steyr, Austria. In 1939 “660” was the Nazi wartime code for Steyr-Daimler-Puch AG.
Model: K98
Serial Number: 9623
Year of Manufacture: 1939
Caliber: 7.62 NATO (7.62x51mm or .308 Winchester).
This rifle was originally chambered in 8mm Mauser (7.92x57mm).
Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine
Markings: The import mark on the barrel reads “K98 GERMANY 8MM / CAI ST ALB VT ”. The top of the receiver is marked “7.62” and “660 / 1939”. The left side of the receiver has had its Nazi “eagle / swastika” defaced. This area shows tool marks. The left side of the receiver is marked with the serial number and with a small Hebrew character. The right side of the receiver is marked with 3 faded “eagle / swastika / WaA623” Waffenapts. The right side of the rear sight is marked with 3 “eagle / 26” inspection stamps. The bolt assembly and other metal parts are marked with numbers that do not correlate to the serial number and/or “eagle” inspection stamps. The bottom of the butt is marked with a large “7.62”. The bottom of the grip is marked “8”. There are a few other small markings on the rifle.
Barrel Length: Approximately 23 ¾ Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an inverted “V” post set atop a ramped base and under a protective hood. The rear sight is a “V” notched blade attached to a sliding sight escalator marked from “1-20”.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The hardwood stock has a pistol grip, scallop for the bolt handle, nosecap with bayonet lug, hole for the missing cleaning rod, barrel band with sling bar, through bolt, scallop for the bolt handle, sling well, sling pass through, and a metal buttplate with a hole for firing pin disassembly. The buttplate shows surface erosion and a brown patina. The stock hardware shows scrapes & surface erosion. The wood shows small surface repairs at the through bolt. The wood shows numerous scrapes, scratches, and compression marks. Several of these marks have damaged or removed small areas of the surface wood. The LOP measures 13 ¼ inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Good to Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original to Rebuild
Bore Condition: The grooves are dark. The rifling is deep; less pronounced at the muzzle. There is erosion in the bore; heavier in the grooves.
Overall Condition: This rifle has lost its metal finish. The metal shows scrapes, scratches, surface erosion, and a brown patina. The screw heads show heavy use & oxidation. Most of the markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle comes with a leather sling. It shows scrapes, discoloration, and a spew of fats & oils. It is in Very Good Plus condition.
Our Assessment: This Nazi Germany K98 Mauser was made by Steyr back in 1939 when Austria was part of the Third Reich. It most likely saw action during WWII. After WWII, Nazi Mausers found their way to Israel. In 1948 Israel declared statehood and was immediately attacked by 5 Arab Nations. Many countries declared an arms embargo in the Middle East, so the Israelis bought what they could to fight. The arms purchased included surplus Nazi K98 Mausers. In the 1950s the K98’s were converted to 7.62 NATO and became a standard for the Israelis into the 1970s. The “7.62” is marked on the receiver and stock to denote this. This K98 has seen some use but it has quite a history. Good luck.
For more information see page 168 of Joe Puleo’s book, Bolt Action Military Rifles of the World.