GUN FALL 2015
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/5/2015
EXTRAORDINARY GEW 98 RIFLE WITH LEITZ TRENCH PERISCOPE, TRENCH MAGAZINE, STEEL BOLT COVER AND RADIUM NIGHT SIGHTS. AMBERG GEW 88 5642l 7.92MM MODERN; IMPORT Cal. 7.92 MM. 30" bbl with very rare Sudicatis radium night sight mounted behind standard front sight. Adjustable rear sight. Crown/"AMBERG/1916" above chamber. Full SN on left chamber and bbl. Imperial proofs on right chamber. "Gew. 98." on left receiver. All visible numbers are matching including bolt assembly and walnut stock. Orig cleaning rod. Sling swivels with orig black leather sling. Imperial proofs on bottom of stock, the rifle complete with extra radium night fore sight. Rare Imperial proofed original 20 shot Grabenmagazine. Rare two-pc metal bolt cover marked "W/Co/DRP". Very rare "E. LEITZ/WETZLAR" marked sheet metal trench periscope with wood stock and trigger mechanism that clamps to butt of gun. A wire runs from trigger to trigger, and a periscope allows you to sight forward from stock on bottom through sights on gun above. Stock and periscope mechanism fold down for compact carrying. This device was designed to allow soldiers to fire accurately from a trench without exposing themselves to enemy fire.
PROVENANCE: Collection of Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess. CONDITION: Fine. Retaining 80% blue on gun with light corrosion. Receiver is in the white with a light patina and spots of corrosion. Wood is nicked and dinged and there is a duffel bag cut approximately 3" in front of bbl band and in front of rear bbl band. Sling is worn with typical cracking and flaking. Bore is frosted. Magazine retains 75% blue and has scattered light pitting. Bolt cover retains 70% matte finish. Periscope retains 70% gray-green paint finish with scattered corrosion and original stenciled E LEITZ WETZLAR in lens trade mark. Optics function, but mirror glass is cloudy. Trigger wire is split and repaired. Wood stock has some deep dings and gouges. Mechanics are very good. 43475-861 BWS (8,000-12,000)