Excellent example of a very uncommon German Air Force standard issue 7.92mm Kar-98k service rifle made early in the war.  Principal markings include: “8559n” (serial number); “byf 41” (manufacturer’s code and year of manufacture); “Mod. 98” (model); eagle over “655” and eagle over “WaA655” (military acceptance stamps used at Mauser in 1940-1941); eagle over “L” (Luftwaffe property stamp).  Since the rifle was made in 1941, the overall manufacturing quality is exceptional – and without the production shortcuts and cheaper materials used later in the war.

The condition is excellent with overall 90 percent blue remaining.  The receiver, barrel, bolt, and forward barrel band/bayonet lug have over 90 percent blue remaining.  The trigger guard, magazine floor plate, and rear barrel band rate about 80 percent with a thinning finish (a typical wear pattern found on service used Kar-98k rifles).  The bore is excellent with strong rifling. The stock is also excellent with one small ding on the left side (forward and below the rear sight) and otherwise only very light handling marks.  The best part is that the inspection stamps, Luftwaffe property mark, and the serial number are clearly visible on the stock.  The sight hood and cleaning rod are both original.  Even the trigger guard assembly screws are serial numbered!

As designated by the “byf” manufacturer’s code, the rifle was made by Mauser-Werke AG, Oberndorf am Nekar.  Mauser manufactured approximately 460,000 Kar-98K rifles in 1941, but only 50,000 went to the Luftwaffe.  Luftwaffe property stamps (eagle over “L”) ceased to be applied to Kar-98k rifles beginning in 1942.

The rifle is fully functioning and all the serial numbers match with the exception of the bolt assembly, which is serial number 270o – meaning it is only 1,700 numbers separated from the rifle and was made by Mauser Oberndorf during the very same month!  Based on the serial number of both the rifle and bolt assembly, this 98k was made in May 1941.  The bolt assembly is also all-matching and bears eagle over “655” military acceptance stamps.

The butt-plate is the early flat type and it has a matching serial number (flat type butt-plates were used sporadically in Mauser production until 1942).

The close serial number separation between the rifle and bolt assembly strongly indicates these were mixed up while in German service and within the same unit.  Since aircraft units, signals units, or anti-aircraft units would not require a large issue of small arms exceeding 1,700 guns, this rifle likely served in a Luftwaffe ground combat unit that necessitated a much larger number of infantry arms.  A prime candidate is the 7^th Air Division, which sustained heavy casualties during the assault on Crete in May 1941 and required reforming/reequipping after the battle.  The division was renamed the 1^st Fallschirmjäger Division in early 1942.  Another candidate would be the Hermann Göring Regiment (Motorized), which also sustained heavy casualties in Russia in late 1941.

Luftwaffe Kar-98K rifles in this condition rarely come on the market!  Moreover, early-war 98k rifles have become very scarce in recent years; even much more common Army examples from 1940-1941 have been steadily climbing in price to over $3,500.  As such, this is an excellent opportunity to own a collector grade classic German rifle made for an Air Force combat unit at the height of German military success in World War II!  [sk] [ph:L]

Firearms may only be shipped to a licensed dealer (FFL Holder) - If you are not a licensed dealer, you must make arrangements with a dealer in your state to receive the firearm and transfer it to you.

DISCLAIMER: All firearms are sold as collector's items only - we do not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any antique firearm. All firearms are described as accurately as possible, given the restraints of a catalog listing length. We want satisfied customers & often "under" describe the weapons. Any city or state regulations regarding owning antique firearms are the responsibility of the purchaser. All firearms are "mechanically perfect" unless noted, but again, are NOT warranted as safe to fire.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS,

CLICK ON ‘CONTACT US’ AT THE TOP OF ANY PAGE ON THE SITE,

THEN ON ‘LAYAWAY POLICY’.

THANK YOU!