German Gew 98 Gewehr 8mm Mauser Bayonet Coaster Sight Bolt Action Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $1225
LSB#: 210918MW16
Make: Mauser Obernforf, Germany.
Model: Gewehr 98 (Gew. 98 or 1898)
Serial Number: 8937
Year of Manufacture: 1918
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 “WAFFENFABRIK / MAUSER A.-G. / OBERNDORF A/N / 1918”. 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”. The barrel shank is marked with the serial number and “S”. The bottom metal is marked with the serial number. Many of the metal parts are marked with numbers that do not correlate to the serial number. The bottom of the bolt handle is marked “O” and “Z”. Many of the metal parts are marked with “crowned letters”. The right side of the butt and bottom of the grip are marked with “crowned letters”. There are a few other small markings on the rifle. The base of the 1898/05 Sawback Bayonet (Butcher Bayonet) blade has faded markings on one side that include “FRISTER & ROSSMANN / BERLIN”. The opposite side is marked with 2 “stick figures”; it has been “double maker” marked. The rear of the leather bayonet belt frog is marked “R86 / SC”.
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 included cleaning rod, barrel band with sling loop, through bolt, sling base under the butt, and metal buttplate. A brass quick release sling loop is attached to the trigger guard. The buttplate and stock hardware show scratches, discoloration from oxidation and light surfea erosion. The stock shows several scrapes, scratches & compression marks. Many have damaged small portions of surface wood. The most prominent marks are on the handguard. Most of these marks have been oiled over. The LOP measures 13 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue. Receiver & Bolt “in the White”
Finish Originality: Original. The metal has been treated with cold blue.
Bore Condition: The muzzle & grooves are dark. The rifling is deep; shallow at the muzzle. There is erosion in the grooves and at the muzzle.
Overall Condition: This rifle has lost most of its metal finish to oxidation. The metal has been treated with cold blue. The metal shows scrapes, scratches, and a freckling of light surface erosion. The metal shows discoloration from oxidation and from the cold blue. The screw heads show heavy use and oxidation. One of the bottom metal capture screws is missing. The markings on the metal are deep. 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 bayonet mounts the rifle properly.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle comes with a Model 1898/05 Sawback Bayonet (Butcher Bayonet), Scabbard & Belt Frog. The bayonet blade shows light scrapes, discoloration, surface erosion and paint residue. The metal scabbard shows scrapes, small scratches, thinning and discoloration from oxidation. Overall the bayonet & scabbard are in about Very Good condition. The leather belt frog shows scrapes, surface loss, soiling, and heavy discoloration. Overall it is in about Good condition.
Our Assessment: This German Gewehr 98 Mauser was made back in 1918 at the Mauser Oberndorf. The rifle still has lots of nice markings on the metal. The roller coaster sights are in good shape for being over 100 years old. The rifle comes with a Model 1898/05 Sawback Bayonet, Scabbard & Belt Frog. The rifle looks impressive with the “Butcher Bayonet” mounted. This is a Gewehr 98 Mauser that will add to your Military collection.