December 10-13, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/11/2024
Production of K98 sniper rifles at Oberndorf began in 1940 and continued into 1945. This example is correctly marked on the barrel after the serial number, and on the right side of the rear scope base with Mauser eagle over "135" waffenampts. Receiver tang is also stamped with a characteristic "U" inspection seen on Mauser production high turret snipers. Rifle is finished in standard arsenal blue with a lightly oiled red glue laminate stock. Late, stamped and welded construction stock mounts with an appropriate checkered cupped butt plate as were supplied on later K98 sniper rifles. Safety is also the milled, shortened variety without serial number, allowing clearance under the scope. The turret bases are affixed with solder. Forward ring is numbered with "36996i" and bears "N" inspection mark in the top. Rear ring is unmarked. Scope is a bmj code Dialtyan 4X scope with standard post reticle numbered "69825". Scope mounts are currently locked in place and could not be removed by the cataloger for further inspection. Externally visible serial numbers on rifle are matching, including full serial numbers stamped on both barrel and receiver, a trait present on Mauser sniper rifles beginning in the late "K" block. Complete with period cross hatch pattern leather sling and contemporary leather scope covers. CONDITION: Fine. Rifle retains more than 90% original finish with scattered marks and some minor wear, as well as a few scattered older oxidation spots. Stocks likewise have only a few impressions. Takedown disk has been heavily cleaned. Scope displays significant portions of fading original finish. Optics somewhat clouded from age. Very fine, bright bore with crisp rifling. Excellent bolt face showing little to no use. Fine mechanics.