GUN SPRING 2017
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/11/2017
EXTREMELY EARLY MAUSER BANNER 98K RIFLE WITH SS DEPOT MARK.MAUSER98K3948 MMMODERN; C&RCal. 8mm. Fine example of early Mauser Banner rifle with low SN. Eagle over "N" proof with commercial proof on left side of receiver band, matching bolt also retains eagle proofs and tiny eagle over 140 visible at rear of firing pin. Stock is 1-pc walnut with Mauser eagle over 135 proof mark on wood stock at pistol grip with incongruous feature of having cupped buttplate proofed "gqm" (Loch & Hartenberger, Metallwarenfabrik) with "43" and eagle over WaA 286 proof. Floor plate exhibits SS depot marking which resembles a "Z" with a spike through it. Trigger guard floor plate and screws otherwise devoid of markings. SS was not able to procure rifles through normal channels until 1941. They had to scrounge ordnance equipment and would acquire commercial Mauser's and parts and scrub parts of markings in just such a manner as this floor plate has been treated. This rifle includes and orig leather sling. Forend cap, bbl band, bbl, receiver and bolt all appear to be matching numbers, bayonet lug is unnumbered as is rear sight. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish ranging from very good to fine with most of the 60% lustrous blue finish on bbl and receiver with balance of metal parts a gray patina. Stock shows some noticeable handling marks, small chips and bruises but is still attractive and without cracks. The bore's lands exhibit some light pitting with the grooves turning dark. Early Banner rifles are scarce, ones with these marking exceedingly so. A fine opportunity for the German Military collector. 51390-3 JWK61 (3,500-4,500)