Mauser 98 S/42 1937 8mm Bolt Action Rifle Totenkopf Stamp On Stock 1937
SOLD FOR: $1,256.00
LSB#: LSB250512SG074
Make: Mauser
Model: Karabiner 98k
Serial Number: 226
Year of Manufacture: 1937
Caliber: 8mm Mauser (7.92x57mm)
Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle Fed by Internal Magazine
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights / Optics: The rifle is equipped with a hooded front sight blade dovetailed to a raised base and a tangent rear sight graduated to 2,000 meters.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a hardwood full-length configuration with a single-piece handguard, cupped steel buttplate, and semi-pistol grip. The wrist of the stock behind the lower tang bears a stamped Death’s Head (Totenkopf) emblem. The wood shows moderate handling wear, scattered dings and compression marks, and a darkened finish in the grip area. The forend shows thinning and minor edge wear. The handguard matches in tone. The stock rates in about Good condition overall given its age and service life.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Appears Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright, the rifling is worn but visible. There is light erosion and freckling throughout the grooves. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 70% of its metal finish. The metal shows thinning, edge wear, and surface oxidation consistent with age and use. There are small impact marks on the barrel band and minor pitting scattered over the receiver and floorplate. The barrel band is force-matched. The top of the chamber is marked “s/42” and “1937”, with three Eagle over Swastika Waffenamt stamps on the right and two additional acceptance marks on the left. The serial number “226” is visible on the receiver ring. The bolt is mismatched. The markings are clear where legible. Overall, this rifle is in Good condition for its vintage.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The bolt cycles and locks properly, and the trigger breaks cleanly. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Our Assessment:
This Mauser Karabiner 98k was manufactured by Mauser-Werke Oberndorf in 1937, designated by the wartime code “s/42.” As a standard service rifle of the Wehrmacht, the K98k is one of the most iconic bolt-action rifles of the 20th century. It saw extensive use across all European theaters in WWII and remains a benchmark in military rifle design.
What makes this example especially intriguing is the Death’s Head (Totenkopf) emblem stamped into the wrist of the stock—a symbol associated with elite units such as the SS-Totenkopfverbände. While we cannot verify the authenticity or originality of the stamp, its presence gives this rifle a particularly provocative and conversation-starting aesthetic. Regardless of provenance, it adds an element of historical mystique. I have never seen this mark on the wood like this.
Though somewhat mismatched (mostly 226 marked) and showing signs of honest use, this K98k still bears original German wartime markings and a visible date of manufacture. Whether for historical display, collecting, or as a restoration project, this rifle stands as a tangible artifact of WWII-era German arms production, offering value to both collectors and history-minded shooters alike. So bid high and bid firm. I encourage you to look at the condition of the item in our high-quality photos. Good luck with your bid. -K.F.
