Spandau Gewehr 98 29” Barrel 8mm Mauser Bolt Action Rifle, 1916 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,225.00
LSB#: WY240804MY020
Make: Spandau Arsenal, Germany
Model: Gewehr 98
Serial Number: 4252
Year of Manufacture: 1916
Caliber: 8mm Mauser (7.92x57mm)
Action Type: Bolt action, internal 5 round magazine
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked with a crown and, “SPANDAU 1916”. The left side is marked with, “4252 L / Gew. 98” with a Reichsadler. The barrel, barrel band, rear sight, and bottom metal are serial matched. The remaining serialized parts are non-matched. There are various proofs throughout.
Barrel Length: 29”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a chevron post set atop a ramped knurled base mounted to the barrel. The rear sight is a v-notch Lange Vizier roller coaster assembly.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two piece wood set with a forend cap/bayonet lug & parade hook, hole for missing cleaning rod, barrel band w/ sling loop, finger grooves, through bolt, semi-pistol grip, straight comb, sling bar, bolt disassembly disc, and steel buttplate. There are pressure dents and scratches throughout. There are cracks forming behind the receiver. There are several small chips throughout. The LOP is 13” The stock rates in about Very Good to Excellent overall condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is worn. There is moderate erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 5/10.
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 70% of its metal finish. There is moderate thinning and patina throughout. There are scratches, nicks, and light impact marks throughout. The action has moderate wear. The screw heads are moderately worn, the markings are 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.
Our Assessment: The Spandau Gewehr 98, commonly known as the G98, is a bolt-action rifle chambered in 7.92x57mm Mauser that was the standard-issue rifle of the German Empire during World War I. Manufactured at the Spandau Arsenal in Berlin, one of several state-owned armories in Germany, the G98 is part of the broader Mauser 98 series, known for its reliability, strength, and exceptional accuracy. The Spandau Arsenal produced large quantities of the Gewehr 98, which became an iconic symbol of German infantry power during the early 20th century. The G98’s design featured a robust bolt-action system with a controlled-feed mechanism, which reduces the risk of jamming and allows for smooth cycling, making it especially reliable in the rigors of trench warfare. The rifle’s bolt has three locking lugs, providing enhanced safety by withstanding high chamber pressures, a key feature that distinguished it from other rifles of the time. The bolt handle is straight, a characteristic of the original G98, and the rifle is loaded through a five-round internal magazine using stripper clips. The G98’s bolt system is known for its durability and became the foundation for many later Mauser and Mauser-inspired designs worldwide. Chambered in the 7.92x57mm Mauser cartridge, the G98 was powerful and effective in terms of ballistics. The round provided substantial stopping power and a high-velocity trajectory, enhancing the rifle’s effectiveness at extended ranges. This caliber was one of the most widely used military rounds and was valued for its balance of range, accuracy, and impact, suitable for a variety of battlefield roles.
The Spandau-manufactured G98 rifles are particularly interesting, as Spandau was a principal German state armory and produced high-quality firearms. Many of these rifles bear intricate proof marks and acceptance stamps, reflecting the German military’s rigorous inspection standards. Over the years, the G98 served as a base for various modifications, including the carbine versions and later the Karabiner 98k, which became the standard rifle in World War II. -R.E.