Custom H. Zehner Mauser Mod. 98 20” 7x57mm Bolt Action Rifle, 1930s C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,052.77
LSB#: LSB260220WP003
Make: Mauser-Werke A.G. Oberndorf a/N / H. Zehner
Model: Standard Modell 98
Serial Number: 116196
Year of Manufacture: Circa, 1930s C&R
Caliber: 7mm Mauser (7x57mm)
Action Type: Bolt action, internal 5 round magazine
Markings: The left side of the receiver has several German commercial proofs with the serial number, “116196” followed by “MAUSERWERKE A.G.OBERNDORF A/N”. The barrel is marked with the caliber, “7 x 57” and, “H. ZEHNER FRANKFURT A/M”. All parts are serial matched. There are various commercial proofs throughout. The floor plate and bottom metal have oak leaf engravings with an elk.
Barrel Length: 20”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed into a knurled ramped base. The rear sight is a v-notch blade with two folding leafs for different ranges. The top of the receiver has German claw mounts with a Leupold STD style base. There is a Pecar 6×59 scope mounted to it. The scope is in Good condition.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The mannlicher stock is a single piece checkered walnut with a sling loop, capped semi-pistol grip, straight comb w/ european cheekpiece, sling loop, and checkered plastic Mauser buttplate. There are light scratches and pressure dents throughout. There are a few minor chips at the edges of the bottom metal. There are no cracks. The checkering is mostly pronounced. The LOP measures 14” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall the stock rates at about Very Good + overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some faint stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 9.5/10.
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 97% of its metal finish. There are light scratches and handling marks throughout. There are a few small spots of thinning throughout. The action has faint wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good + overall 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 Mauser Standard Modell 98 served as the foundation for some of the finest European sporting rifles of the early 20th century, and this custom example by H. Zehner of Frankfurt am Main reflects that tradition of high-quality craftsmanship. Built on a commercial Mauser 98 action produced by Mauser-Werke in Oberndorf, rifles such as this were often transformed into elegant sporting arms by skilled gunsmiths. Chambered in 7x57mm Mauser, a cartridge introduced in 1892 and widely respected for its balance of mild recoil and effective performance, the platform became a favorite among hunters across Europe and abroad. The combination of controlled round feed, smooth bolt operation, and refined sporting features made these rifles highly regarded for both precision and reliability. This example presents in very good plus overall condition, retaining approximately 97 percent of its original blued finish with light handling marks and minor areas of thinning. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and only faint fouling present, supporting strong performance potential. The Mannlicher-style walnut stock remains in very good plus condition, showing light wear with no structural issues, and features a European cheekpiece and well-preserved checkering. The rifle is enhanced with engraved bottom metal featuring oak leaf motifs and an elk, along with German claw mounts fitted with a Pecar 6×59 scope, adding to its period-correct sporting configuration. The double folding rear sight leaves and refined front sight further reflect its intended use as a precision hunting rifle.
This H. Zehner custom Mauser represents the tradition of European gunmaking, where military actions were transformed into finely finished sporting rifles. Its combination of matched components, engraved details, and classic Mannlicher styling highlights the craftsmanship and attention to detail characteristic of the period. With its strong condition and refined configuration, it stands as a representative example of a custom Mauser sporting rifle from the interwar era. -R.E.