Mauser-Werke Matching ar Code British Capture K98k 7.92x57mm Bolt Action
SOLD FOR: $2,247.22
LSB#: LSB260430DE007
Make: Mauser-Werke, Berlin-Borsigwalde, Germany
Model: K98k
Serial Number: 120 b
Year of Manufacture: 1942
Caliber: 7.92x57mm (8mm Mauser)
Action Type: Bolt Action, Control Feed Internal Magazine Fed Rifle.
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked, “ar / 42” with a “26” Waffenamt. The left side of the receiver is marked with a British crown over “BNP” followed by a Reichsadler and the serial number, “120 b” and “Mod.98”. The barrel is marked with several British and German proofs. All serialized parts are matched. There are several small Waffenamts and Reichsadlers throughout. There is no visible import mark. The ZF-41 scope base is marked “duv” with a “214” Waffenamt. There is an “h” station mark on the underside. The scope tube is marked, “+CXN ZF. 41/1”. The sun shroud is marked “27-1079J2”.
Barrel Length: 23.5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a dovetailed barleycorn blade set on a knurled ramped base with a protective hood. The rear sight is a V-notch tangent leaf marked out to 20. The side of the rear sight base is dovetailed for the included ZF-41 scope. The scope is in Fair condition. The lenses are cloudy and the reticle is difficult to see.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two piece laminate set with a steel end cap / bayonet lug and cleaning rod, barrel band with sling bar, bolt handle scallop, through bolt, semi-pistol grip, bolt disassembly disc, sling well/passthrough, straight comb, with a steel buttplate. There are light scratches and pressure dents throughout. There are no cracks, however there are a few small repairs. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall this stock set rates about Very Good + overall condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is sharp. There is light erosion in the bore along with some faint stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates at a 7/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 80% of its metal finish. There are light spots of thinning, scratches, light patina, and nicks throughout. The action has light wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are mostly clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about 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, ZF-41 scope & case.
Our Assessment: The German Karabiner 98k was the standard service rifle of the Wehrmacht during World War II and represented the culmination of decades of Mauser bolt-action development. This example was manufactured in 1942 by Mauser-Werke AG at Berlin-Borsigwalde. Chambered in 7.92x57mm Mauser, the K98k combined the strong controlled-round-feed Model 98 action with a five-round internal magazine and compact carbine-length configuration. This rifle is also equipped to accept the ZF-41 optical sight, a compact, long-eye-relief scope developed to increase the practical accuracy of selected infantry rifles without creating a conventional dedicated sniper system. This example retains approximately 80% of its refinished blued finish, with scattered thinning, scratches, small nicks, light patina, and limited operational wear. The semi-bright bore retains sharp rifling with light erosion and faint stubborn fouling, rating 7/10 in this writer’s opinion. Its refinished laminated stock shows light scratches and pressure dents, along with several small repairs, but remains free of unrepaired cracks and rates in Very Good Plus condition. The serialized components are reported as matching, and the rifle bears both German military inspection markings and later British commercial proof marks. The included ZF-41/1 scope is marked “cxn,” while its mount bears the “duv” code and eagle-over-214 inspection mark. The optic is in Fair condition, with cloudy lenses and a reticle that is difficult to discern.
Matching 1942 Mauser-Borsigwalde K98k rifles are desirable representatives of German wartime production, and the included ZF-41 scope, mount, case, leather sling, and cleaning rod give this example additional historical and display appeal. The ZF-41 system is particularly interesting for its role as an early attempt to place magnified optics into broader infantry service, despite its limited field of view, low magnification, and demanding eye relief. While the rifle has been refinished and the optic’s clarity has deteriorated, its matching configuration, extensive markings, British proof history, and included optical equipment make it a noteworthy package for collectors of German military rifles and World War II optics. -R.E.