Identifying a M98 sporting rifle

[kammerherren]

I got this nice rifle included in the collection about 6 month ago. I have not had the time or opportunity to really dig into it until now. I bought it as a Sauer & Sohn sporting rifle, and I believe this is correct based on the different details on the rifle. The only minor detail is that I have not been able to source any book that can help me find proof marks that actually confirm it is produced by Sauer & Sohn. I have not removed the wood since it takes a bit more effort than normal due to the peep sight, so I will look into that later. I don’t want to rush into anything and possibly ruin the wood. Anyone seen a rifle like this? The serial number is 32561, and if the action is sold by Mauser Oberndorf prior to WW1 it dates the action to 1910. To me, the rifle looks like it is produced prior to WW1. Is there anyone who would recommend a book with German proof marks that include Sauer & Sohn?

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[kammerherren]

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[kammerherren]

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[mike ford]

kammerherren,
You will have to remove the stock to see the most important proof marks, photos of which we will need. The style of the rifle WW1 era, as you surmised. You didn't say why you think is from Sauer and Son, is it marked as such? Many rifles were built in this style by others as well as Sauer. It is typical for a Sauer produced rifle to have a small "S&S" stamped on the muzzle end of the front sight ramp.
Mike

[kammerherren]

I intend to have the stock removed, absolutely. The seller claimed it was built by Sauer & Sohn, but he did not bring any evidence to the table. The rifle is in very good condition, and I really don’t care if it’s produced by S&S or not, I just want to find out who built it. I found this book, Standard Directory of Proof Marks - B066. Anyone here who has it? Can I expect to find all kind of marks in there? Many brands? Civilian or military? I really appreciate any advice for good literature regarding proof marks for this kind of rifles.

[sharps4590]

It appears nearly identical to my S&S Mauser but that style was popular at the time. Mine is stamped S&S on the rib. Appearance doesn't prove anything, however. If the book you're referring to is by Gerhard Wirnsberger it's definitely worth the investment but it doesn't reflect any military stamps.

Yours is a fine looking rifle!!

[kammerherren]

That is the book I am referring to, yes. I’ll order it then, always good to have some literature available. I’m not that interested in the military models, so that’s just fine.