Waffenfabrik Mauser Gewehr 98 29” 8mm Mauser Bolt Action Rifle, 1915 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,200.00
LSB#: WY240804MY025
Make: Waffenfabrik Mauser A-G, Oberndorf on the Neckar
Model: Gewehr 98
Serial Number: 2718O
Year of Manufacture: 1915
Caliber: 8mm Mauser (7.92x57mm)
Action Type: Bolt action, internal 5 round magazine
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked, “WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER A-G. OBERNDORF A/N. 1915”. The left side of the receiver is marked with an Imperial Reichsadler and “2718 O / Gew. 98.” All serialized parts are either force matched or non-matching save for the barrel. There are various small proofs throughout.
Barrel Length: 29”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a triangular post dovetailed to a knurled ramped base. The rear sight is a sliding roller coaster assembly marked out to 20.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two piece wood set with a Forend cap/bayonet lug W/ cleaning rod and parade sling hook, barrel band with sling loop, through bolt, semi-pistol grip, sling loop stud, straight comb, bolt disassembly tool, and steel buttplate. There are pressure dents and scratches throughout. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP is 13 ?”. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition for a C&R.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: The bore is very bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no notable erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 9.5/10.
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 60% of its metal finish. The barrel has been replaced at some point in the rifle’s life and retains most of its bluing. There is almost complete finish loss on all other parts. There are light pitting spots throughout the bolt. There are nicks, scratches, and patina throughout. 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 Waffenfabrik Mauser Gewehr 98, often simply referred to as the G98, is a bolt-action rifle that became the standard infantry rifle for the German military in 1898. It is chambered in the 7.92x57mm Mauser cartridge, a powerful round that was used extensively throughout both World War I and World War II. The Gewehr 98 is one of the most influential rifle designs in history, laying the foundation for many bolt-action rifles developed in the 20th century. The rifle is equipped with a long 29-inch barrel, which contributes to its accuracy and effective range. This made it an excellent choice for long-range engagements on the battlefields of World War I, where trench warfare and static lines of defense demanded rifles that could hit targets at extended distances. The Gewehr 98 is fitted with a rear sight that can be adjusted for ranges up to 2,000 meters, although its practical accuracy was generally considered effective at ranges up to 800 meters. The Gewehr 98 is known for its durability and ruggedness, capable of withstanding the harsh conditions of the battlefield. It has a wooden stock that runs nearly the entire length of the barrel, and its construction reflects the precision engineering for which Mauser rifles are known. The rifle feeds from a five-round internal magazine that is loaded with stripper clips, a common feature in military bolt-action rifles of the time. While this limited its rate of fire compared to semi-automatic rifles, the Gewehr 98’s reliability and power more than compensated for this in many combat situations.
Overall, the Waffenfabrik Mauser Gewehr 98 is one of the most iconic and influential bolt-action rifles ever made. Its innovative design, particularly its bolt-action mechanism, combined with the powerful 7.92x57mm Mauser cartridge, made it a formidable weapon on the battlefields of the early 20th century. The rifle’s impact on subsequent firearm designs and its extensive use in two world wars cement its place in military history. -R.E.
