Information on a model 1871 rifle

A local man that I previously purchased a rifle from called me and asked if I would be interested in purchasing what he described as a German Mauser model 1871 made in 1877. He said that it is in original museum quality and has un-sanded wood. It comes with a bayonet and original ammo.

My knowledge of Mausers starts about 50 years after this was made so I would be walking into uncharted territory. Are these sought after or even valuable? What are appropriate questions to ask or things to look for? This guy has nice stuff but usually demands a premium.

Thank you

Just like a K98k look for a precise model, matching numbers and original finish, then unit markings.
Models are: standard M71 rifle; standard M71 carbine; standard M71 Jäger rifle, M71 carbine partially stocked and taking a bayonet (MO only and rare).
Finish: Bolt, receiver and buttplate in the white; bands blued (also triggerguard on the Jäger), barrels may be brown or blued (varies with maker); triggerguards on rifles brass; onKcarbines steel in the white. Some rifle triggerguards painted black (aftermarket?)
Unit markings: of interest to those who specialise in such (like me )
Rarest makers: Either NA&ACo. in triangle (British contract) or Sömmerda (= Dreyse) IMO. MO scarce but not so rare except for Kar.
Production ratios in descending order: rifle, carbine; Jäger; Württemberg Kar with bayo stud.
Rarity of unit markings, in descending order by kingdom: Prussia, Bavaria, Saxony, Württemberg,; by imperial service: Navy and/or Colonial troops.
NB: There may be Reichsgendarmerie carbines.
Rarest variant: (IMO) Grenzaufsehergewehr Mod. 79 (marked: GAG Mod 79); turned down bolt, full-stocked to muzzle; 11x35R)
Values: too many variables to discuss sensibly based on info so-far provided. In general, assuming = condition, prices escalate in proportion to production/survivability but unit makings can make a big difference to us unit markings freaks...
Recommended English language reference: John Walter, The German Rifle

need to identify this Mauser 98

My partner at work acquired this Dangiz 1912 Mauser 98 from his grandfather who is now deceased. This rifle appears to be a civilian model hunting rifle. The serial number appears to be: 538. The caliber is unknown, but looks to be maybe a 6mm, 257, 22-250?? Can anyone help? We have searched on the internet and found nothing similar.

floydster said:

My partner at work acquired this Dangiz 1912 Mauser 98 from his grandfather who is now deceased. This rifle appears to be a civilian model hunting rifle. The serial number appears to be: 538. The caliber is unknown, but looks to be maybe a 6mm, 257, 22-250?? Can anyone help? We have searched on the internet and found nothing similar.

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Danzig was a Royal Arsenal, the gun was made for the Imperial German Military there in 1912, but was turned into a sporter later. You should take close-up pictures of the receiver and any serial numbers or proof marks left then post them in a new thread. Looks like a nice gun, even though I'm not a huge fan of sporterized weapons. Probably started life as a Karabiner 98, haven't seen many 1912 Danzig Gewehr 98s. Originally it would have been in 8mm Mauser, but if the barrel in replaced that could have changed.