German Marked Hungarian Gewehr 98/40 Bolt Action Rifle 8mm, 1943 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,154.01
LSB#: WY241122AS035
Make: Metallwaren, Waffen- und Maschinenfabrik AG, Budapest Hungary
Model: Gewehr 98/40
Serial Number: 7890
Year of Manufacture: 1943
Caliber: 7.92x57mm (8mm Mauser)
Action Type: Bolt Action, 5 Round Internal Magazine.
Markings: The top of the receiver has a Reichsadler and, “jhv / 43”. The left side of the receiver is marked, “7890 / G 98/40”. All serialized parts are matching save for the bolt. There are various small proofs throughout. There are various Waffenamt and Reichsadler throughout. The bayonet is marked, “2239h / clc 43”. clc is (Richard Herder)
Barrel Length: 23.5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a triangular blade dovetailed atop a raised block. The rear sight is a sliding escalator assembly marked out to 20.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The refinished 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 scratches and pressure dents throughout. There are chips in the wrist. There are no cracks. The LOP is 13 ¼”. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued.
Finish Originality: Original to arsenal refurbishment.
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is worn. There is heavy erosion throughout the bore and moderate erosion throughout. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates at a 3/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 10% of its metal finish. There is heavy thinning and patina throughout. There is dried grease throughout. The bolt and action have moderate wear. The screw heads are mostly sharp, the markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition. The bayonet has light wear and thinning. Overall the bayonet is in Very 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: Leather sling.
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.
