Thanks for the BC, I had it already, but it is always refreshing when someone tries to help my research. This rifle has been on this forum before, MikeF owned it for a number of years, - he picked it up August 2009 off GB, which was a gamble as the auction only had four pictures. I doubt Mike changed a thing, this is the bolt it came with then and for what its worth, it is a DWM bolt. The C/Z (kind of looks like a C/3) is most often attributed to DWM during the war, though can be found on any Berlin firm, like Oberspree or Spandau.
DWM is about the only one I know that put their BC's up front, at least religiously, - you can find them here on other firms, sometimes under the RS also, which is usually a sign of rework, but with DWM it is typical. Back when DWM was just like Mauser, the premier rifle making concerns in all of Europe - both owned by Loewe, actually the factory was the original Loewe rifle factory, well at least until they built another factory during the war. Of course some might argue ÖWG was in the game too, but they were in decline by the war.
The bayonet lug, it is a logo most probably, it is unidentified so far, but seen on others. Logo & trademark research could occupy a persons entire life, - between the US, England and Germany, the three great industrial powers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, you could literally spend your entire life trying to identify and understand the trademark variations and the interrelationships between the firms. I had to give it up as an active pursuit, it is mind boggling the number of firms that existed in Germany alone, the number of failures (1870-1945) and new start ups shows the vibrancy of the German economy back then (the era of an economy based upon real money), - today's Germany is just like the US, a sad shadow of what it once was, - and all of it can be laid at the feet of modern government.
BTW, DWM didn't make many rifles in 1918, like most of the G98 (rifle) makers, they moved to P08, MG or carbines by 1918. DWM barely made it to the e-block, piddly numbers compared to 1916 & 1917. Like the BSW stock too, really nice rifle, but you might do a search as i am positive Mike discussed this rifle here before. I will attach the 2009 pictures, in case you would like to see what it looked back then...
The text, it came out of Nevada:
Description for Item # 137550147
This auction is for a World War One era German Mauser "Deutschewaffen-und Munitionsfabriken" that I received from an estate. The metal pieces have no finish left. The receiver, barrel, bands, floorplate, buttplate, front and rear sights,and stock numbers match. The bolt assembly is numbered with a different serial number throughout, however. The cleaning rod is present. It comes with the sling. The stock is in good shape for being 91 years old with few dings and scratches. The bore is shiny with strong rifling. Will ship to C&R or FFL. No sales to California. Payment must be made with Postal Money Order ONLY in order to avoid shipping delays while your payment clears my bank. If your transfer dealer insists on faxed FFLs do not bid on my items. These used guns do not carry any warranty implied or expressed by me. Shipping , handling, and insurance is fixed at $40 via Priority mail insured to the lower 48 states.
Pictures for Item # 137550147
