Question re Kar 98 az versus WS29

General hypothetical question. From a collection standpoint (desirability/rarity etc) and understanding that collecting is an individual taste, is a Polish Wz29 with scrubbed receiver and the added sling "scoop" on the left side of the stock a better buy than a Kar98az. Assuming that the rifles were basically in equal condition. Just want to get a feel from the experts. I don't have any in my sights so just trying to learn. I am not familiar with either type so opinions are welcome. Many Thanks

I assume you are speaking about Spanish Civil War Kar.98a and wz.29's? The distinction is important because generally Spanish imports are less valuable than normal rifles from other sources.

The Polish rifles sold to Spain were bought by the the "republican" forces (far left socialists, "intellectuals", reds-communists, unions, atheists etc.. basically Spain's version of the Popular Front in France), ostensibly the "government" or loyalist forces, who highjacked the government (period articles exist that list the numerous discrepancies in the then current government legitimacy). These rifles were bought with Spain's gold reserves from Poland, because there was a League mandated embargo (and probably considerable embarrassment for the Poles to deal with communists, - ideologically the Poles were opposed to the Spanish "republican" government, but gold/hard currency has a way of lessening hostility) the rifles were scrubbed of their markings. This scrubbing considerably reduces the value of these rifles.

The German rifles sent to the Nationalists (Franco) were not scrubbed generally, so they retain some value, but most were subsequently altered by reworks and more importantly by importers.

In short, you need to judge a rifle from Spain, or any other rifle, by the characteristics of the rifle, its originality, its condition, which means that most Spanish imports will have limited collectors value to German rifle collectors. Naturally collectors that focus on the Spanish Civil War, a very interesting campaign of its own, will find merit in the rifles that have features that reflect the period (naturally many of the rifles imported into the US since the 1960's will be seriously compromised for them as well..)

I think for most German rifle collectors, most Spanish Civil War rifles will have limited appeal, for our purposes here the Polish rifles that were scrubbed will have very little appeal. Which is a shame because Polish marked rifles in fine condition can be worth more than German rifles in the same condition. They have a strong following.

Thank You Sir. As always an incredible amount of information and knowledge and you share it on every post. I have been fortunate since I started collecting to have bought some nice rifles and it has always been based on the help I get from the members of this board. Although some stray puppies do follow me home from time to time ( I am a sucker for basket cases) I am learning not to impulse buy but to ask the questions here first especially if something has a high asking price. Your knowledge and wisdom is much appreciated. Thanks Again

Your welcome PJ, while the forum is primarily a research forum, Mike, Bruce and Craig place significant importance to helping new collectors learn so they do not have to "experiment" (get screwed on bad rifles) like we had too, - so no need to take a beating on a bad deal, all you need do is come here and ask first, or email one of the moderators or numerous specialists that post here regularly. Most will help new guys with opinions on rifles at auction, I do it all the time...