Oh, I have a high regard for my opinion, as you know, just saying I am surprised by how much you have accumulated all on your own, in such a short period. While all the material is excellent, some of it is exceptional! I still haven't integrated it all into my database, but it essentially doubles what I have.
Interestingly, while filing this new rifle, I noticed a slight trend, and while I had noticed it before something occurred to me in regards to the S28. There was always odd things about these late 1918-1919 Oberspree's and DWM rifles, but especially the Oberspree rifles.
Specifically, note that the ranges of the "normal" 1918 Oberspree's are all late, o-r ranges, none earlier, and I just assumed this is because Oberspree just didn't rollover from 1917-1918 serial ranges, they stop around the "o" block in 1917 and 1918 the normal ones pick up here. No "normal" 1918 Oberspree is known before the "o" block (some "n" are reported but they are actually "p" blocks).
Now of course we have the no-blocks or the 1st block of rifles, including that 2667. These all have the square "W" Bruce recently connected to DWM, the r/s acceptance, similar RR acceptance patterns. A few 1917 & 1919 WOK are known with these same characteristics, I call these rifles Gew.98's with S28 traits. I think these were made later, around the time they made the 1919 dated Oberspree rifles, and these are the origins of the S28 Kar.98b, at least the parts originate from this production.
We have already discussed my opinion on the following events, how these S28 trait rifles led to the actual S28 Kar98b, but the trick is still to find out where, and by whom, they were assembled. We can all guess, and unless someone finds something conclusive, that is all it is, guessing, - not finding something is not the same as finding something - but I have faith you will find that connection!
Vaughn, I can use them- as SimsonSuhl says, any late WW1 Gew.98 rifle would be useful.
SimsonSuhl, give yourself a lot of credit here! Your depth and understanding of the WW1, Reichswehr era is deeper than the ocean. Without your perspective I would be lost! Can't wait to get the info from that DWM!
Mike