June 25-28, 2018 Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/25/2018
Humongous T-Gewehr anti-tank rifle made by Mauser-Werke, Oberndorf in 1918 to counter newly developed Allied tanks. The T-Gewehr was essentially a single shot, upsized Mauser 98 but was the first of its kind officially adopted and used in the last part of World War I in an attempt to provide German dismounted troops a man portable anti-tank weapon. The T-Gewehr uses the large 13mm steel cored, high velocity, armor piercing bullet which was effective against early armor plate of World War I tanks which rarely exceeded 12mm thickness. The weapon is quite heavy at 41 pounds with bi-pod and loaded and offered brutal recoil. Approximately 15,000 were produced before the end of the war and many were brought back as souvenirs and put on display in museums and local VFW posts but are rarely offered in the market today. Receiver ring is marked with the Mauser banner and the date “1918”. Receiver and sight sleeve were observed to have matching serial numbers. Trigger guard, front band/bi-pod attachment and bolt as well as stock are also matching numbered. Bolt and cocking assembly are not numbers matching to rest of rifle. No additional disassembly was effected to check for other matching numbers. Accompanied by a 1918-type detachable bi-pod. Fine condition, numbered as noted above. Barrel retains about 90% orig blue, thin about the middle. Receiver and bolt are a mottled grey metal patina. Trigger guard retains about 95% original blue. Stock has numerous bruises, nicks, dings and scratches but is completely solid with a hand worn patina. Mechanics are fine. Bright shiny bore. Bi-pod is fine and retains substantial original black paint and is possibly a contemporary replacement. Complete with one 13.2mm loaded cartridge.