How Rare Is This Please - 1936 Mod98 100% Matching, w/ Capture Papers

[JustFrank]

Hello Everyone,

Before considering if I would even sell this rifle, the last rifle I have from the collection I inherited from my Father In-law's collection, I really need to understand it much better... ANY help that could be provided from a group I've come to trust would be greatly appreciated!

Here is what I know...

I have the capture papers which are original (see first picture).

While it would be too much to show every single place now, I've already found about 30+ places where this rifle has stamps which are the same serial number. I've read in some places about 4 versus 2 digits of the overall serial number, but no explanation.

I have to guess there are many more places that have the number stamped, and I'm totally amazed at what I've found so far.

Perhaps this is not a big deal to some members, but for me to see the accuracy with which these stamps were made, considering almost 100 year old machinery that did it, I'm pretty floored.

From what I have discovered and written in this message, there is only one piece that I am not sure is the same in number, and only because I just can't make it out. It appears the same, but has clearly been a little mashed/squitshed. It may not make a big deal to a collector, and I can see how it could be easily lost, but replaced in the field. I'll send that as the last picture and by itself.

OK, that's it for me tonight, but I have several more images (first 5 here). I'd really appreciate input, and places to learn more.

At the end of the day, is this a good "keeper", or a good one to part with - and why?

[JustFrank]

Second Part of Images

[Steve Whitley]

Highly desirable and very collectible. One of the early K98k rifles and matching numbers. Military arms collectors would pay a premium for it, especially with even a copy of the capture papers to give it provenance. This one made by Mauser Oberndorf and showing all of the military (Waffenamt) acceptance stamps is a rare example, and not in bad condition at all, either. Refer to Richard Law's "Backbone of the Wehrmacht" for one source of info on it. The earliest ones produced typically had practically all parts numbered, as yours does. This practice was later discontinued to a large extent to save time and speed production for the demands of supply to the military more expediently. Another recommended information source with even greater detail was written by Bruce Karem and Michael Steves in three volumes. Their book about the development of this design and early production of them would be especially rewarding for you to read.
Steve

[mike ford]

JustFrank,
Others here are much more knowledgeable of military rifles, than I , so I offer this as a veteran grandfather. Since you have capture papers, still with the rifle almost 75 years later, it would be a prize beyond value for your children or their cousins. The other guns you have from him will also be special to them, but this one can be documented as having been captured by him. It is an important part of family history. If you could find them, it would be good to gather his uniform, awards, wartime photographs, papers, and any other keepsakes together and preserving them also. Of course, matching numbers are an enhancement to it's monetary value, but that is insignificant compared to family value.
Mike

[JustFrank]

Thank you Mike, and I certainly see your points - from many angles.

Beyond the rifles, there have been many WW2 capture items, artifacts (in the families) from others, that have already been parted with. I think it's difficult for those 45 years, or younger to fully grasp just what took place in our world from the early 30's to early 80's. I point no fingers, and I realize this is a forum about German guns, but a better understanding of the firearms, for me, is one method to pass overall knowledge.

All that said, the sad reality is the next best video game, or cell phone seems what's the most important. Nuff Said!

I do appreciate your input, Mike - Thank You.

I look forward to other's thoughts, and what they might do, and how.

[JustFrank]

Thank you very much Steve, I must have overlooked your reply earlier. I will look into your recommendations later today/tomorrow. I'm not at all sure what to do at this point, hence placing it in the Members Only section of the community first.

Thanks again.

[JustFrank]

More Images To Learn From A

[JustFrank]

More Images To Learn From B

[JustFrank]

More Images To Learn From C

[JustFrank]

More Images To Learn From D

[JustFrank]

***update***

PLEASE NOTE - The original offering included a replacement stock, which is no longer part of the offering. The remainder of the offering remains the same, and is unchanged. Thanks for your patience, and understanding.

Hello Everyone,

I’ve decided that finding a new home for this rifle is the best course of action to take.

So, I’m offering this rifle for purchase, but am currently doing so only in our forum.

Beyond what’s already in this Posting (text & images) please note all that follows:

1: A local gunsmith did look over the rifle, and I’ve added an image of his notes (first image).

2: I’m convinced all pieces of the rifle match. The only unclear spot is as I described before “…there is only one piece that I am not sure is the same in number, and only because I just can't make it out. It appears the same, but has clearly been a little mashed/squitshed. It may not make a big deal to a collector, and I can see how it could be easily lost, but replaced in the field. I'll send that as the last picture and by itself”

3: After posting, and through the disassembly/reassembly process (searching for more serial numbers) I discovered the end of the stock had cracked off, but been professionally repaired. This is not visible as you look at the rifle, as a whole, because where the crack occurred is beneath necessary bands. (second & third images)

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As I’ve mentioned this in previous postings, I am paralyzed from the chest down from an auto accident survivor (C6/C7 Tetraplegic), and stroke survivor - that leaves me with 25% useful on my left hand, and 70% useful on my right hand.

So, whoever I might work with on a purchase, and ultimately transfer/shipping of the rifle will have to be patient in getting it to them. In other words, I’m NOT Amazon!!! This would take a few days to execute, but I do have reliable help.

I’m offering this rifle 100% as-is. I’ve never fired it (and can’t now). I’ve held nothing back, and furthermore won’t. If you have questions, please do ask here, in the forum, so everyone can stay on the same page. That said, I will not discuss and questions about a desired amount here.

So that’s my “disclosure” of sorts.

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Most importantly… This offering is not a slam-dunk, desperate sales situation, and I’m a bit embarrassed that there is nobody left in our families to take care of this important reminder.

PLEASE be mindful/respectful of what my Father-In Law went through, and ALL people went through, D-day + 2, until the very end –
Very unimaginable, for all people, in all corners of our world.

The best way to go about working on this is one of my personal email accounts: justfrank42@gmail.com and I will alert the forum if the rifle is sold, but not to who, or the price.

After 7/12, I’m not quite sure what I’ll do with the rifle yet, so please be aware of that.

Thanks to all for your help, and consideration

[mike ford]

JustFrank,
The stock you posted the photo of seems to be for a Springfield, Mod 1903A3 instead of Mauser 98. I suggest you not include it with the Mauser, but sell it separately. Many sporterized Springfields are being restored to military configuration and stock/forearm sets with complete hardware, such as this one, may command a significant price.
Mike

[JustFrank]

Thanks kindly Mike, I will do just that. I've never found ignorance on my part to be without value. At the end of the day, it's often how I learn best!

I the mid 80's, I penned my first quote... "Experience is what you get, when you didn't get what you wanted." -Just Frank-

I'm not sure it's my quote to claim, but I am sure it's very true.

Thanks again

[JustFrank]

Hello Everyone,

Just letting the forum know this rifle has been auctioned to someone that's indicated it will be treated well/respected. Of that, I'm appreciative.

As I tried to mention early on, I'm not so proud I did, but it's what I had to do that day! I sense there will be more "parting of treasures" abit down the line, but truly hope not! I guess that all depends on the state of health insurance for me in the end of 2018, into 2019!

Thank you for listening, either way.