German 1898 Gew.98 8mm Mauser Roller Coaster Sights Bolt Action Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $1225
LSB#: 210702FD02
Make: Danzig Arsenal, Germany
Model: Gewehr 98 (Gew.98 or 1898)
Serial Number: 491rr
Year of Manufacture: 1916
Caliber: 8mm Mauser (7.92x57mm)
Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine
Markings: There is no visible import mark. The top of the receiver is marked “crown / DANZIG / 1916”. The left side of the receiver is marked with a German “eagle”, the serial number and “Gew 98”. The right side of the receiver is marked with three “crowned letters” and 2 small stampings. The barrel shank is marked with the serial number and “S”. The bottom metal, and some of the metal parts are marked with numbers that relate to the serial number. The bolt assembly is marked with numbers that do not correlate to the serial number. Many of the metal parts are marked with “crowned letters”. The bottom of the bolt handle is marked with a German “eagle” and a “crowned letter”. The bottom of the grip, bottom of the butt and right side of the butt are each marked with faded “crowned letters”. There are a few other small markings on the rifle.
Barrel Length: Approximately 29 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an inverted “V” post set atop a small ramped base. The rear “roller coaster” sight is a sliding “V” notched sight escalator that is marked for differing elevations on the top, left and right of the sight base. The top of the base is marked from “5-20” and the sides are both marked from “4 – 20” in increments of 2.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece hardwood stock has a pistol grip, nosecap with stacking hook, hole for the missing cleaning rod, barrel band with sling loop, through bolt, marking disk, sling loop under the butt and metal buttplate. The buttplate and stock hardware show scratches & surface erosion. The stock shows numerous scrapes, scratches & compression marks. Several have damaged or removed small portions of surface wood. Most of these marks have been oiled over. 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 overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dark and the rifling is defined. There is erosion throughout the bore with more prominent erosion in the grooves.
Overall Condition: This rifle has lost its metal finish to oxidation. The metal shows scrapes, surface erosion and a brown patina. The screw heads show use and oxidation. The markings on the wood are faded. 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.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: This German Gewehr 98 Mauser was made back in 1916 at the Danzig Arsenal in Germany. The rifle has seen better days, but it is over 100 years old. The rifle comes with its original “roller coaster” sights. The bore is not the brightest but it can still put lots of 8mm down range. This is a tough Gew 98 that you can add to your collection.