December 16, 17, & 18, 2025 Firearms & Militaria
Lot #1144:
(C) HIGHLY DESIRABLE WWI GERMAN OBERSPREE KORNBUSCH SCHARFSCHUTZEN GEWEHR 98 BOLT ACTION SNIPER RIFLE.
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/16/2025
Manufactured by Waffenfabrik Oberspree Kornbusch & Co., the scarcest of the World War I G98 contract makers, in 1915 with final assembly completed in 1916 as indicated by the "1915/16" double receiver date. This example converted into a Scharfschutzen sniper rifle mounted with a WWI Dr. Walter Gerard B3X scope with duplex cross hairs. Scope is numbered to a pair of additional rifles which have been lined out, with an additional hand engraved "GewNr 6834" (Rifle Number 6834) added matching this gun. Scope is mounted with commercial, nonoffset claw bases dovetailed into the receiver, largely obscuring the maker marking. A windage adjustment key is included for the rear mount. Bolt handle has been turned down and the safety shortened to accommodate the optic. Standard finger groove walnut stock also modified with a dish added to operate the turned down bolt, as well as a hand stippled butt plate. Rifle retains the standard barleycorn front sight and rollercoaster rear. Matching numbers observed on the receiver, barrel, bolt handle, follower, stock, bottom metal including screws, barrel bands, and scope. No visible import marks. A period muzzle cover and leather sling are included. CONDITION: Good. Finishes have largely faded to patina with some evidence of older cleaned oxidation. Stock appears lightly cleaned with markings legible along with scattered impressions and staining. Crisp, well defined bore. Fine mechanics. Optic has some clouding. A seldom seen icon of First World War trench warfare.