September 5-7, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/7/2023
Standard configuration K98k bolt action rifle manufactured by J.P. Sauer & Sohn for the Heer (Army) in 1938. The receiver is stamped with J.P. Sauer & Sohn's clandestine "147" manufacturer code above the 4-digit date of manufacture "1938" over the chamber, with 2 early Sauer droop eagle over "214" waffenamts on the right, preceded by an "(Eagle)/ 359" waffenamt, indicating that this receiver was produced at the Walther factory. Early droop eagle firing proofs are present on the left side of the barrel and receiver. Stock is stamped with an "(Eagle)/ H" indicating issue to the Heer, with J.P. Sauer "(Eagle)/ WaA214" waffenamts present on the underside and right side of the buttstock. Metal components are blued, the stock is made of solid walnut, and the handguard is a laminated wood replacement. Nearly all numbers match and include the receiver, bolt assembly (minus the firing pin, which is not serialized, but bears a J.P. Sauer waffenamt), rear sight assembly, barrel, front barrel band, trigger guard, floorplate, receiver screws, buttstock, as well as the buttplate. Handguard is unserialized, and the rear barrel band is mismatched. Captive receiver screws are not present. The rifle is accompanied by a rare Elite Diamant bayonet, marked "40" on the spine, with its scabbard and canvas frog. The bayonet and scabbard retain traces of what appears to be period tropical (tan) paint; the bayonet and scabbard match. CONDITION: Metal components retain large amounts of their period arsenal blue finish, exhibiting areas of thinning and wear overall that show through to pleasant brown and gray patinas synonymous with use. Bright bore, exhibiting some mild pitting and strong rifling throughout. Stock exhibits scattered dings and marks from handling and storage, with 2 small losses on the right side of the butt, neither of which affect serviceability. A nice example of a desirable pre-war J.P. Sauer & Sohn K98k, paired with a rare tropical-painted Elite Diamant bayonet.
Manufacturer
J.P. Sauer & Sohn