The bolt maker could be identified with the acceptance under the handle stem, the lower flat should have acceptance marks which should be able to determine maker.
Yes, it looks like it was shortened too, but it isn't a Simson barrel either, it was installed by a depot, probably early in WWII or just shortly before, originally the depot would have probably stamped an acceptance on the stock, usually wrist, but could be anywhere on the buttstock too. The rear sight is original, not to 1925, but probably to a subsequent upgrade, the spring is a 1930's part and the e/81 is a late Simson acceptance, seen much later than 1925. This rifle probably went through a depot a couple times after 1925. How long is the barrel?
Originally it would have been just under 29 inches, the same length of a G98, if it were 23 inches it might have been a 98k length barrel, a few were altered to 98k, usually by depots recycling a 98b receiver (
not true conversions, - true conversions are rare and desirable - for further explanation see my blog on the subject- http://militaryriflejournal.wordpress.com/2014/08/12/modell-98-conversions/); I can't tell what kind of barrel you have by the markings you show, it could be a G98 length replacement, which it probably was, or a 98k length barrel, the markings under the wood would probably tell, but several makers made both length's through about 1938-39.
Well, as for a money pit, all resto's are, you will never make one profitable, it is why "generally" they should be avoided, but no collector is immune to the lure of finishing one. I still cling to the possibility of restoring a Simson/24, but all I have is the stock and action, no bands, TG etc.. when done it will still be worth more in parts than together. Worse case in your situation is you have some neat parts, an original TG is tough to find, though yours matching probably means you would not want to separate it... so while valuable you can hardly part with it as long as you intend to restore it.
The bolt numbers are 5500 with a bent bolt handle.
i figured the barrel wasn't original. It seems short when compared to other images Ive found. Not sure if it is, but seems that way, and the slimmed down tip and lack of front sight with no signs of machining to remove it. Will I have to replace the whole barrel to actually have a proper, functioning front sight?
Id like to utilize the iron sights. I used to do competition shooting in my pre-teens and we could only use iron sights. Id like to get back into doing so just for personal sport.
This weapon seems like it is turning into a money pit without spending a dime.
