German Marked Hungarian Gewehr 98/40 Bolt Action Rifle 8mm, 1942 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,580.55
LSB#: WY240917WJ005
Make: Metallwaren, Waffen- und Maschinenfabrik AG, Budapest Hungary
Model: Gewehr 98/40
Serial Number: 4547 l
Year of Manufacture: 1942
Caliber: 7.92x57mm (8mm Mauser)
Action Type: Bolt Action, 5 Round Internal Magazine.
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked, “jhv / 42”. The left side of the receiver is marked with a Reichsadler and, “4547 l / G 98/40”. All serialized parts are matching to the receiver. There are two Waffenamt marks on the right side of the receiver and sight block. There are various small Waffenamt marks throughout.
Barrel Length: 23.5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded blade dovetailed atop a raised block. The rear sight is a sliding escalator assembly marked out to 20.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a three piece wood stock with a forend cap/bayonet lug & cleaning rod, barrel band w/ sling bar, stock collar, semi-pistol grip, sling well, straight comb, sling loop, and steel buttplate. There are light scratches and pressure dents throughout. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP is 13 ¼”. The stock rates in about Very Good to Excellent overall condition as C&R.
Type of Finish: Blued.
Finish Originality: Original to arsenal refurbishment.
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is lightly worn. There is moderate erosion and light spots of pitting throughout. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates at a 7/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 60% of its metal finish. There is moderate thinning and light patina throughout. The leading edges are worn and there are scratches throughout. The action has moderate wear. The screw heads are mostly sharp with some being tooled, the markings are mostly clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition as refurbished 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 Hungarian Gewehr 98/40, or G98/40, is a World War II-era bolt-action rifle produced by Hungary for the German military. Developed by the FÉG (Fegyver- és Gépgyár) arms factory, the G98/40 was based on Hungary’s 35M rifle but modified to meet German requirements. This hybrid design combined features of both the German Gewehr 98 and the Hungarian 35M, resulting in a rifle chambered in the standard German 7.92x57mm Mauser cartridge. The G98/40 retained the general structure of the 35M, including its Mannlicher-style magazine, which loaded from en-bloc clips rather than the Mauser’s typical stripper clip-fed internal magazine. It featured a straight bolt handle and tangent rear sight, elements reminiscent of earlier Mauser models. Additionally, it had a full-length wooden stock, and its overall craftsmanship was characteristic of Hungarian arms manufacturing, known for quality materials and robust construction. This rifle was mainly issued to German second-line and occupation units during the war, as frontline German troops favored the more standardized K98k. Nonetheless, the G98/40 served as a reliable alternative in German-occupied territories, contributing to the German war effort by supplementing the supply of standard infantry rifles. Its blend of design influences and its historical context make the Hungarian Gewehr 98/40 a unique collector’s piece, showcasing the collaborative arms production between Hungary and Germany during WWII. -R.E.
