Polish F.B. Radom K98 Mauser Bolt Action Rifle In 8mm, 1929 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,375.00
WOA#: WY240603KN054
Make: F.B. Radom Arms Factory, Poland
Model: K98
Serial Number: 5074F
Year of Manufacture: 1929
Caliber: 8mm Mauser (7.92x57mm)
Action Type: Bolt action, internal 5 round magazine
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked with the polish crest and, “791 / F.B. RADOM / 1929” The left side of the receiver is marked, “5074F / K98” The bolt handle is marked, “5074” The ejector tab is marked, “74” The rear sight is force matched, “74” The front sight wings are marked, “74” The floor plate is force matched, “74” The bottom metal is marked, “5074F”
Barrel Length: 23.5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a chevron post set atop a ramped base with protective wings. The rear sight is a v-notch blade attached to a sliding escalator assembly.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece wood stock has a nose cap with bayonet lug and cleaning rod, hole for included cleaning rod, barrel band, barrel band with two sling loops, finger grooves, through bolts, semi-pistol grip, Straight comb, left side mounted sling bar, underside mounted sling loop, and a metal buttplate. There are pressure dents, scratches, and small chips throughout. The stock has a repair with several large cracks. The LOP measures 12 3/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in at about Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued.
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is worn. There is light to moderate erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 7/10.
Many military and C&R eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide. For example, the U.S. used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The U.S. military did not begin to phase out corrosive-primed ammunition until the 1950s.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 30% of its metal finish. Most of the finish is worn and thinned. The remaining finish has turned to patina. There are scratches and scuffs throughout the finish. There are rust spots. The screw heads show signs of moderate use. The markings are clear, with some of the smaller ones being a bit fuzzy. 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.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Polish F.B. Radom K98 Mauser is a significant and historically important rifle, representing the early 20th-century efforts of Poland to equip its military with reliable and effective small arms. Manufactured at the F.B. Radom factory, this rifle is a Polish-made variant of the iconic German K98k Mauser, a weapon known for its precision, durability, and widespread use during both World Wars. After Poland regained independence in 1918, there was an urgent need to establish a strong national defense, which included the production of modern firearms. The F.B. Radom factory, established in the city of Radom, became a central hub for the production of military rifles, including the Mauser. Initially, Poland adopted and modified existing German designs, and the K98 Mauser became the foundation for many Polish rifles. The Polish K98 Mauser was produced under license and was very similar to its German counterpart, adhering closely to the original design and specifications. The craftsmanship of the Polish K98 Mauser is notable, with high-quality materials and meticulous attention to detail. The rifle’s stock was typically made from hardwood, such as beech or walnut, and the metal components were well-machined and finished. The F.B. Radom K98 Mauser played a crucial role in the Polish military, especially during the early stages of World War II. Poland’s defense against the German invasion in 1939 saw extensive use of these rifles, though the Polish forces were ultimately overwhelmed. Following the occupation of Poland, many of these rifles were captured by the German military, who repurposed them for their own use. This reuse by the Germans during the war further attests to the rifle’s quality and reliability.
Today, the Polish F.B. Radom K98 Mauser is highly sought after by collectors and historians due to its historical significance and the quality of its manufacture. It represents a key period in Poland’s military history and the broader narrative of European conflicts during the early 20th century. The rifle is not only a functional piece of military equipment but also a symbol of Poland’s resilience and determination during a tumultuous time in its history. Whether preserved in a collection or studied for its historical value, the Polish K98 Mauser remains a significant artifact of the era. -R.E.
