Second Boer War Gewehr 98 Bolt Action Rifle In 7mm, Circa, 1900 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3,725.00
WOA#: WY240603KN007
Make: Deutsche Waffen-Und Munitionsfabriken (DWM), Berlin Germany
Model: Gewehr 98
Serial Number: 8969
Year of Manufacture: Circa, 1900
Caliber: 7mm Mauser (7x57mm)
Action Type: Bolt action, internal 5 round magazine.
Markings: The receiver is marked, “8969 / Deutsche Waffen-Und Munitionsfabriken / Berlin” the bolt handle is marked, “8969” The firing pin housing, safety flag, and firing pin are marked, “69” The buttplate is marked, “158” The bottom metal is marked, “8969” the floor plate is marked, “69” The right side of the stock is engraved with, “H.C. ERRIDGE VEREENIGING” and “H. Erridge” on the left side. There are various proofs throughout.
Barrel Length: 29”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a triangular post dovetailed to a raised knurled base. The rear sight is a V-notch sliding escalator assembly marked out to 20.
Stock Configuration & Condition: This rifle has a two piece wood stock set with a end cap / bayonet lug w/ cleaning rod, barrel band with a sling loop, straight wrist, sling loop, straight comb, with steel buttplate. There are heavy pressure dents, scratches, and small chips. There is a very large dent on the forend. There is a crack at the top of the wrist. The LOP is 13 1/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stock rates in at about Poor condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is semi-sharp. There is light erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 7.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The finish has gone to patina. There is heavy thinning, scratches, and impact marks throughout. There is pitting at the stock line and on the bolt handle. The screw heads are moderately tooled and the markings are lightly worn to blurry and incomplete. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition as a C&R.
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 Gewehr 98 bolt-action rifle in 7mm is a significant firearm associated with the Second Boer War, a conflict that took place from 1899 to 1902 between the British Empire and the two Boer states, the South African Republic and the Orange Free State. The Gewehr 98, or G98, was originally developed by the German arms manufacturer Mauser in 1898 and quickly became one of the most iconic and widely used military rifles of its time. Although the Gewehr 98 was primarily chambered in the 7.92×57mm Mauser (8mm Mauser), several variants were produced, including those chambered in 7mm Mauser (7×57mm). The 7mm Mauser cartridge was popular for its flat trajectory, moderate recoil, and excellent accuracy, making it an effective round for both military and sporting purposes. During the Second Boer War, the Boers, who were primarily farmers and skilled marksmen, relied heavily on accurate long-range rifles. While the British were equipped with the .303 caliber Lee-Enfield rifles, the Boers made use of various Mauser rifles, including the 7mm Gewehr 98, which they had imported from Europe, particularly from Germany. The Boers’ expertise in marksmanship and their use of rifles like the Gewehr 98 allowed them to effectively engage British forces at long distances, often from concealed positions, giving them a tactical advantage in the early stages of the war. The Gewehr 98 in 7mm played a crucial role in the guerrilla warfare tactics employed by the Boers, who often conducted hit-and-run attacks against British columns. The rifle’s accuracy and range made it ideal for these tactics, enabling the Boers to inflict significant casualties on British forces while remaining difficult to engage. Despite their tactical advantages, the Boers were eventually overwhelmed by the superior numbers and resources of the British Empire. However, the effectiveness of rifles like the Gewehr 98 in the hands of skilled marksmen left a lasting impression on military strategists and contributed to the development and adoption of similar bolt-action rifles by other nations.
Overall, this rifle would make a fantastic collector’s item. Collectors would appreciate the rifle for its role in the Second Boer War and its influence on the design of subsequent military rifles. The Gewehr 98 remains a symbol of the era and a testament to the quality and innovation of Mauser’s firearm designs. -R.E.
