Rare All Matching Duffle Cut Karabiner 98B W/ Presentation Bayonet, C&R
SOLD FOR: $6,035
WOA#: WY240312JV001
Make: Mauser Werke A.G.
Model: Karabiner 98B
Serial Number: 8806 C
Year of Manufacture: Post 1923
Caliber: 8mm Mauser (7.92x57mm)
Action Type: Bolt action, internal 5 round magazine
Markings: The receiver is marked, “8806 c / Karab.98b” With the Imperial German Reichadler. The other side is marked with three refurb marks. The barrel is marked, “8806 c” With another Reichadler and three refurb marks under the rear sight base. The rear sight, bolt body, safety flag, firing pin housing, bottom metal, floor plate, action screws, bolt locking tab, and barrel bands are all matching serials to the receiver.
Barrel Length: 29”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade post set atop a straight base mounted to the barrel. The rear sight is a v-notch blade attached to a sliding escalator assembly.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The wood stock has a semi-pistol grip, nose cap with bayonet lug, hole for a cleaning rod, barrel band with sling swivel, through bolt, sling swivel, bolt disassembly disk, and a metal buttplate. There are compression marks, scuffs, and scratches throughout the wood. There are no cracks there is a chip on the wrist. The stock is duffle cut under the barrel band. The LOP measures 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued.
Finish Originality: Original to factory refurbish.
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 8/10.
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 85% of its metal finish as factory refinished. There is thinning throughout and light wear on the leading edges. The barrel band, floorplate, bottom metal, and endcap are worn of finish with some patina. There are drag lines on the action. The screw heads show moderate use. The markings are legible. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition as refinished. The bayonet has light wear and is in Very Good condition W/ its original frog. Please see photos.
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: Bayonet.
Our Assessment: The Karabiner 98b (K98b) variant is an interesting chapter in the history of Mauser rifles. Developed during the interwar period between World War I and World War II, the K98b was a transitional design that influenced later Mauser rifle developments. The Karabiner 98b has many design elements of the later Kar98K rifles such as the turned down bolt handles and other various elements. The Karabiner 98b was labeled as a “Carbine” by the German Government due to the treaty of Versailles restricting Germany from producing rifles. This method of naming was used to circumvent the treaty and allow them to arm soldiers before world war two. The Karabiner 98b saw limited service with the German Army during the interwar period. It was primarily issued to cavalry units, artillery crews, and other support troops who required a lighter and more maneuverable rifle than the standard infantry rifle. However, with the outbreak of World War II, the K98b was largely replaced by the Karabiner 98k (K98k), which became the standard-issue rifle of the German Army.
This particular rifle is in fantastic condition with a bright barrel, well kept bluing, and a smooth action. This rifle has a duffle cut underneath the barrel band indicating that it was a bring back to America. This rifle comes with an amazingly well kept presentation bayonet that is marked for what appears to be Lt. Herrmann of the 3rd East Prussian Grenadiers King Fredrick The Great. (3rd E Prussian, No. 4) The bayonet has a beautifully engraved blade as well as an eagle head pommel with horn panels. There are brass crests set into the grips. Overall, this rifle/bayonet pair is a collectors dream and would be a great addition to any rare Mauser collector’s collection. Please see the photos for more information, and good luck on your bid! -R.E.
