OK, rifle arrived.
First impression: WOW!
Second impression: DOUBLE WOW!
Third Impression: HOLY COW WOW!
Erfurt 1914, as close to NEW as I have EVER seen in a Kar98A. EVERY number matches, inc. triggerguard screws. Stock stamps CLEAR like new - including an imperial fraktur on the EXTERNAL HANDGUARD!
Bore - AS NEW - caked in cosmo.
Blue - easily 90% plus.
Wood is GORGEOUS patina.
MAN - the Kar98A I have waited for!
Downside: British proof marks on the exposed barrel and BNP-crown on the action (small). I can live with it!
Pics later - not sure whether to remove the preservative dried ballistol off the metal or not!
Holy cow... and all this for $750!!!!!!!!!!!!! (I paid $1500 total, but that included a Mauser MS420B .22 repeater als - almost rarer!).
Shows a Vulture can also find acorns