German DWM Gewehr 98 Bolt Action Rifle In 8mm Mauser, 1917 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,148.00
WOA#: WY240603KN088
Make: Deutsche Waffen-Und Munitionsfabriken (DWM), Berlin Germany
Model: 1917
Serial Number: 9092
Year of Manufacture: 1917
Caliber: 8mm Mauser (7.92x57mm)
Action Type: Bolt action, internal 5 round magazine.
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked, “DEUTSCHE WAFFEN-UND MUNITIONSFABRIKEN / BERLIN 1912” The sides are marked, “9092 / Gew.98 / NA CO” The bolt release tab is marked, “51” The bolt is marked in Turkish with circle “Z” proofs. The bottom metal is marked, “2162” and the floor plate is marked, “00” The forend cap is marked, “36” The right side of the barrel is marked, “CAI 8MM TURKEY” There are various proofs throughout.
Barrel Length: 29”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a triangular post dovetailed to a raised knurled base. The rear sight is a V-notch sliding escalator assembly marked out to 20.
Stock Configuration & Condition: This rifle has a two piece wood stock set with a end cap / bayonet lug w/ cleaning rod, barrel band with a sling loop, finger groves, through bolt, semi-pistol grip, sling loop, straight comb, with steel buttplate. There are minor pressure dents and scratches throughout. There are small chips throughout. There are no cracks. The LOP is 13 1/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stock rates in at about Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
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.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 30% of its metal finish. The finish has gone to patina. There is heavy thinning, scratches, and impact marks throughout. There is pitting at the stock line and on the bolt handle. The screw heads are moderately tooled and the markings are lightly worn to blurry and incomplete. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition as a C&R.
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 German DWM Gewehr 98 is one of the most iconic bolt-action rifles in history, representing the pinnacle of German military firearm design at the turn of the 20th century. Introduced in 1898 by Deutsche Waffen und Munitionsfabriken (DWM), the Gewehr 98 (G98) became the standard-issue rifle for the Imperial German Army during World War I. Its design was based on the Mauser 98 action, which became a benchmark for bolt-action rifles around the world due to its strength, reliability, and accuracy. The rifle was designed with a long barrel, measuring 29 inches, which contributed to its impressive accuracy and range. The long barrel, combined with the 8mm Mauser cartridge, allowed German infantry to engage targets effectively at extended distances, making the Gewehr 98 well-suited for the open battlefields of World War I. The rifle was equipped with iron sights, including a Lange Visier rear sight that was adjustable for range up to 2,000 meters, although actual combat effectiveness was generally much shorter. The front sight was a simple blade, providing a straightforward and reliable sight picture. The Gewehr 98 saw extensive use during World War I, where it served as the primary service rifle for German forces. Its long-range capabilities were particularly valued in the trench warfare that characterized much of the conflict. After the war, the Gewehr 98 continued to be used in various forms, and many were later modified into the shorter Karabiner 98k, which became the standard German rifle during World War II. This particular rifle has an import mark indicating that it came from Turkey and the bolt has been replaced with a Turkish marked one. This rifle was most likely supplied to the Ottoman Empire by Germany during WW1 as they cold not obtain or produce enough for themselves during the war.
Overall, the German DWM Gewehr 98 is a legendary bolt-action rifle that played a pivotal role in German military history. Built around the exceptional Mauser 98 action and chambered in the powerful 8mm Mauser cartridge, the Gewehr 98 was known for its accuracy, reliability, and long-range performance. Its extensive use during World War I solidified its place as one of the most important military rifles of the early 20th century, influencing bolt-action rifle design for decades to come. -R.E.
