March 1-2, 2018 Firearms, Militaria & Sporting
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/1/2018
This rifle has matching serial number on barrel, frame, front band, trigger guard, floorplate, safety, bolt shroud, bolt, and rear sight; no visible non-matching numbers. No import stamps. Barrel is stamped "S" for the S ammunition. Stock is stamped with four numbers that cannot be read; has numerous German Imperial marks. Barrel is a grey patina. Frame has been cleaned into the white and is stamped "GEW 98". Has the M98 S "Rollercoaster" rear sight. Features pistol grip stock, short hand guard, cleaning rod, bayonet lug, front sight muzzle cover, sling swivels, and rear offset claw mount to allow use of sights. Include period sling No. 6157. Has a "GEWEHR NO. 1998 VIS-AR 2-3/4X EMIL BUSCH A-G RATHENOW" scope with thick line and post and thin top vertical line. Both rings are stamped "B". Scope and rings retain the majority of their original blue. Wood stock is excellent. Fine bore and action. There were dozens of different claw mount designs for these World War I rifles; the scopes were generally pulled from civilian usage, but this one is marked "GEWEHR". Bolt knob is not ground flat. Great example of a type of rifle used for sniping during the Great War by the German Army. All aspects of this rifle appear authentic, although it is impossible to determine who manufactured this example. Claw bases appear original. Scarce German World War I sniper rifle.