Birdguy58
Well-known member
Here is one; 1916 Simson Suhl Gew. 98, a real battle rifle, been there-done that example. How I wish this one could talk! All the bluing is gone, even in the most protected areas. There is some pitting, much staining on the receiver, barrel and bolt. The trigger guard and floorplate reduced to a brown patina. The buttplate is probably in the worst condition, very pitted.
About 40% original finish remains on the stock. No import marks and appears to be all original matching with one or two questionalble parts. And no cleaning rod, although the nut is not stripped. Scrubbed out the bore to find deep rifling, but a bit rough, and no pitting.
I hope there is something here for trends, if I missed something in the photos or you need more information, I'll add it.
The stock actually appears to be sanded on one side, the side opposite of the bolt handle, what would account for this? My guess is from being slung cross shoulder, and marched for say 750km. or maybe just bouncing around in the back of a previous owner's pick-up. The barrel is also puzzling. See the photo of the front band pushed forward, I had expected to see some original bluing under the bands but not so, not even under the wood. Was it fashionable at one time to polish the barrel to white? No import marks, no export stamps, and no duffle cut.
See the cyphers on the buttstock, they are worn off also, hopefully enough is left to get a reading. But notice the B it appears a bit modern, doesn't fit with other markings, lacks the artistic scroll design. What does the B stand for?
Some statistics:
barrel, receiver, bolt handle, serial #6507f
stock, and handguard 6507
trigger guard 6507
floorplate and follower 07
front trigger guard screw 07
rear trigger guard screw missing, shucks!
front band, rear band 07
firing pin, shroud (weak), cocking piece, safety 07
extractor and collar both 07
trigger assembly 07
bolt stop 07
front sight 07
rear sight 7
rear sight base is not numbered.
buttplate pitted and worn, you can barely make out a half of 0 and a 7
Functional rifle but not real pretty, I sure am happy to get my hands on it!
About 40% original finish remains on the stock. No import marks and appears to be all original matching with one or two questionalble parts. And no cleaning rod, although the nut is not stripped. Scrubbed out the bore to find deep rifling, but a bit rough, and no pitting.
I hope there is something here for trends, if I missed something in the photos or you need more information, I'll add it.
The stock actually appears to be sanded on one side, the side opposite of the bolt handle, what would account for this? My guess is from being slung cross shoulder, and marched for say 750km. or maybe just bouncing around in the back of a previous owner's pick-up. The barrel is also puzzling. See the photo of the front band pushed forward, I had expected to see some original bluing under the bands but not so, not even under the wood. Was it fashionable at one time to polish the barrel to white? No import marks, no export stamps, and no duffle cut.
See the cyphers on the buttstock, they are worn off also, hopefully enough is left to get a reading. But notice the B it appears a bit modern, doesn't fit with other markings, lacks the artistic scroll design. What does the B stand for?
Some statistics:
barrel, receiver, bolt handle, serial #6507f
stock, and handguard 6507
trigger guard 6507
floorplate and follower 07
front trigger guard screw 07
rear trigger guard screw missing, shucks!
front band, rear band 07
firing pin, shroud (weak), cocking piece, safety 07
extractor and collar both 07
trigger assembly 07
bolt stop 07
front sight 07
rear sight 7
rear sight base is not numbered.
buttplate pitted and worn, you can barely make out a half of 0 and a 7
Functional rifle but not real pretty, I sure am happy to get my hands on it!
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