Israeli IDF Star Of David Crested FN Mauser K98 In 7.62 W/ Bayonet, 1949
SOLD FOR: $1,004.00
WOA#: WY240407SK032
Make: Fabrique Nationale Herstal (FNH), Israeli arsenal rework.
Model: K98k
Serial Number: 604000
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1949 (Date Inscribed On Bayonet)
Caliber: 7.62x51mm NATO
Action Type: Bolt action, internal 5 round magazine
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked, “7.62” with a Star of David crest. The left side of the receiver is marked, “604000 / FAB.NAT.D’ARMES de GUERRE HERSTAL – BELGIQUE” The bottom metal and floor plate are marked, “17687 / 17687” There is a CAI import mark on the barrel. There are various proofs throughout. The bayonet is marked, “17324” with “1A I am the creator 101” in Hebrew on both the blade and scabbard. There is a Star of David on the scabbard.
Barrel Length: 23.5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a chevron 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, wear along the edges, with rust throughout. There are compression marks, scuffs, minor chips, and scratches throughout the wood. There is a crack at the forend behind the endcap. 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.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refurbished by Israil.
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is semi-sharp. There is moderate erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 6/10.
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 80% of its metal finish. There are scuffs and scratches throughout the metal surfaces. There is heavy patina throughout. The bolt has finish wear, the barrel band, end cap, and bottom metal have finish wear and patina. The screw heads show moderate to heavy use. The markings are mostly well-defined. 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. The action cycles and ejects cartridges smoothly and reliably.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Bayonet, Article.
Our Assessment: The Israeli IDF Mauser K98 is a notable variant of the Mauser Karabiner 98k. This rifle played a significant role in Israeli military history, particularly during the early years of the state of Israel, Haganah, and the formation of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Following World War II, Israel acquired a significant number of surplus Mauser K98 rifles from various sources, this particular one being from FN in Belgium. These rifles were initially chambered in the 7.92×57mm Mauser (8mm Mauser) cartridge. However, to standardize ammunition across their armed forces and align with the supply of British surplus rifles and ammunition, Israel rechambered many of these Mausers to the more widely available .308 Winchester/7.62×51mm NATO cartridge. The Mauser K98 retains the robust and reliable design characteristics of the original German Mauser K98. The rifle features a bolt-action mechanism renowned for its strength, smooth operation, and accuracy. The receiver, marked with Israeli military symbols and often with Hebrew lettering, reflects the rifle’s unique history and service in the Israeli military. The rechambering of the Mauser K98 to the .308 Winchester/7.62×51mm NATO cartridge was a significant modification. This cartridge is known for its excellent ballistics, availability, and versatility, making it a suitable choice for both military and sporting applications. The modification process involved rebarreling the rifles or adapting the existing barrels to safely fire the new ammunition. The IDF Mauser K98s saw extensive use during Israel’s formative years, including the 1948 Arab-Israeli War and subsequent conflicts. It served as a primary infantry rifle for the IDF until it was gradually replaced by more modern firearms such as the FN FAL and later the IMI Galil. Despite this, the Mauser K98 remained in service for many years and continued to be used by reserve units and for training purposes.
Overall, the Israeli IDF Mauser K98 is a historically significant firearm that reflects the early years of the Israeli state and the development of its armed forces. Rechambered to .308 Winchester/7.62×51mm NATO, it retains the robust and reliable characteristics of the original Mauser K98 design. Its service in various conflicts and unique markings make it a valuable piece for collectors and historians, highlighting a significant chapter in the history of military firearms. -R.E.
