April 11-13, 2023 Firearms and Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/13/2023
Extremely scarce (1 of 3900) and desirable Standard Modell manufactured by Mauser for the Deutsches Reichspost (German Post Office) in 1934. While technically ordered for use by the post office, this example was issued to the Deutsches Reichsbahn (German National Railway), indicated by the encircled "D.R./ 2405" stamp followed by a reversed "3" containing a "Z" and "9" on the left side of the buttstock. The receiver is stamped with the Mauser Banner logo above "1934" over the chamber, with commercial crown over "B", "U", "G", and "N" on the left side, preceding the serial number. Metal components exhibit a lustrous high polish blue finish, while the stock and upper handguard are comprised of solid walnut. There are several features on this rifle that were eliminated prior to the adoption of the K98, most notable the lack of a spring for the forward barrel band, instead being retained by a single cross shaft retaining pin, thus leaving the rear barrel band retained by its own spring. This example is nearly all matching and original, with matching numbers including the receiver, bolt stop, sear, trigger, barrel, rear sight base, bolt, extractor, bolt sleeve, safety, cocking piece, firing pin, floorplate, trigger guard, stock (on the exterior and interior), as well as the upper handguard. Forward trigger guard/receiver screw does not match. Rifle is mounted with a later production brown leather sling and an original cleaning rod. CONDITION: Excellent, with metal components retaining the vast majority of their original factory blue finish, exhibiting mild thinning and light wear overall, with some concentrated spots of wear showing through to gray and brown patina on the trigger guard, floorplate, bolt stop, as well as on the bolt. Buttplate exhibits areas of cleaned oxidation and age related discoloration. Brilliant mirror bore, exhibiting well defined lands and grooves throughout. Stock is en suite, exhibiting scattered superficial marks and minor impressions from storage and handling. Extremely rare in variation alone, this is a truly exceptional example of a Reichsbahn marked Mauser Standard Modell, that miraculously survived World War II in such fine condition.