GUN FALL 2016
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, October 4, 2016.
FANTASTIC ORIGINAL GERMAN SS DEATH HEAD PRE-WAR SHORT SIDE RAIL 98K SNIPER RIFLE.MAUSER98K3663H8 MMMODERN; C&RCal. 8mm. Death's head markings on bbl, scope and pistol grip of stock. This rifle is made up with a scrubbed GEW 98 receiver and mag assembly as based on the Prussian Police standard short side rail sniper and assembled with commercial proofing and no maker mark on the rifle. Orig leather sling is included. The SS was not able to procure rifles through normal channels until 1941. Prior to that date the Army was not providing them anything and and they had to scrounge their ordnance equipment. They acquired ordnance wherever they could and had work done. This specimen has a beautiful commercial 1-pc walnut stock, matched in number to the rifle. Nearly all rifle parts and scope base are matching numbers, bayonet lug is marked "81". Buttplate is "2294" struck through with "63" softly stamped below it. Sight base and ladder is marked "S/42G", as is bbl on right side below sight together with Weimar era droop wing eagle proofs. Death's head marking below "SS 2" clearly visible on left side of bbl near receiver band. Bbl also retains eagle over 280 proofs indicating Erma inspection. Middle scope mount is numbered "7946" with scope itself numbered "5585", scope is also marked on adjustment knob base with Death's head logo and "SS Dienstglas". The scope and mount was not with the rifle when it was brought back but rather a separate purchase by the previous owner. The rifle was a duffle cut stock which was personally repaired by the previous owner, and according to his statement, using 2-pcs of threaded drill rod screwed in on one end and epoxied on the other, one cannot tell this was ever cut unless the band is removed. CONDITION: Extremely attractive, retaining well over 90% of attractive, lustrous Nazi era finish with scope finish consistent with the rest of rifle. Loss of finish to muzzle and front sight base to gray metal with some light pitting, some wear to gray patina to the bolt and buttplate. As stated above this is a re-work done in Germany of a commercial Mauser. Stock has light handling marks and a couple of bruises and dings yet is exceedingly attractive. Bore is shiny and bright with some darkness just starting in the grooves, Optics are clear. Previous owner was the third person to own this rifle since the Germans and it was in his collection for over 50 years. This is a tremendous benchmark rifle where one can note what the correct Death's head proof marks look like. A rifle without any import marks for the most advanced and discerning German WWII military collector. 50821-1 JWK59 (15,000-25,000)