I recently inherited this rifle which my grandfather supposedly brought back from WWII. I have been doing a lot of research and have yet to determine the date of the rifle. I have narrowed it down to a Simson sometime between 1925-1931. The strange thing about this 98b is that more of the barrel is exposed than on any other example I have been able to find. Any information on determining the date would be appreciated. Also, i was assuming this was from "d" block based on the cursive d but after looking again I guess it could be an "a". Thoughts? Let me know if I can provide any additional details. There seems to be 2 different serial numbers on this one. The stock, receiver, and barrel all have matching codes. Every other part on the rifle including the bolt has matching codes.
Karab 98b help
- Thread starter shawnuofl
- Start date
Bigdibbs88
"Ach du lieber!"
You have a very scarce rifle. I know I would like to see more pics as I'm sure others would. It is what's commonly referred to as a bolt mismatch. The stock was also post war modified/repaired and is not standard length. Most likely it was duffel cut and incorrectly repaired, but can be fixed. You also have mid to late war k98 bands on it which are not correct. Please post more pics I.e. other numbered parts, rear sight markings, top rec shot, barrel code etc.
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It is a 'd' block, so probably late 20's. From your description I assume the bolt, bands, and triggerguard do not match the rifle serial number. The bands are stamped and date to 1944 or so. The floorplate appears to be stamped, so that too has been replaced. As for the stock, I'd bet you find the stock has been cut under the rear band. Gramps lost the front section and grafted another one on and made it work. This wouldn't be that hard to fix, and if the stock matches it is probably worth it.
Can you take pictures of all the numbered parts and any markings in the wood?
Bayonet appears to be a late Japanese Type 30 bayonet.
Can you take pictures of all the numbered parts and any markings in the wood?
Bayonet appears to be a late Japanese Type 30 bayonet.
I will have more comprehensive pictures tomorrow. I have already reached my image limit on the site so I may have to resize everything and repost. I can tell you that all of the bands, trigger guard, bolt, etc all have the same serial which is different from the stock, receiver and barrel. The underside of the barrel does have a large K42B marking along with other random eagle and number markings here and there. I wasn't able to find anything in my research that referenced k42b. Steel?
That is the barrel code. The K is the manufacturer (probably Krupp) and 42B is the lot number.
There is no image limit on the site, only a limit on photos per post (20) and a limit on the file size you can upload. Shrink your images and try again. If you are having trouble, PM me.
The image limit is for newbie members, but it's lifted after you make 3-4 postings. This is an anti-spam measure, so try adding more pics now.
The Bayonet is a British Pattern 1907 for the MKIII Enfield Rifle...BILL
Welcome to the forum, I agree with the others, matching-original Kar.98b are rather rare, or at least very uncommon. The latter blocks are most common, e-f in particular.
As for when this was made, based upon a rudimentary division of known production divided by years made, it would fall to late 1928 to early 1929, but I think if you consider other factors, the likely range is probably early to mid 1928 when this rifle was made.
Whereas a simple division based upon known production: Simson made 70,000 rifles between 1924-1931, very few, under 2,000 probably in 1924, and about 9,500-10,000 in 1925 (the only full years worth of production that can be estimated), you can divide the following years by 9,500 rifles and it comes out to about 70,000 rifle by 1931. I do not think this is especially accurate though, but it is a simple and relatively accurate calculation, though I think you should adjust things a little, giving less production earlier and higher production later (I think less rifles were made in 1931, more 1928-1930).
Images of your stock and component acceptance would be helpful, an image of the acceptance stamps around your barrel code. The stock acceptance stamps (side of buttstock & wrist), a higher resolution picture of the right receiver (e/6 x2 e/43 x1) and any unit marking (usually on the takedown), if one exists would be nice to see.
As for when this was made, based upon a rudimentary division of known production divided by years made, it would fall to late 1928 to early 1929, but I think if you consider other factors, the likely range is probably early to mid 1928 when this rifle was made.
Whereas a simple division based upon known production: Simson made 70,000 rifles between 1924-1931, very few, under 2,000 probably in 1924, and about 9,500-10,000 in 1925 (the only full years worth of production that can be estimated), you can divide the following years by 9,500 rifles and it comes out to about 70,000 rifle by 1931. I do not think this is especially accurate though, but it is a simple and relatively accurate calculation, though I think you should adjust things a little, giving less production earlier and higher production later (I think less rifles were made in 1931, more 1928-1930).
Images of your stock and component acceptance would be helpful, an image of the acceptance stamps around your barrel code. The stock acceptance stamps (side of buttstock & wrist), a higher resolution picture of the right receiver (e/6 x2 e/43 x1) and any unit marking (usually on the takedown), if one exists would be nice to see.
See attached images. The spring in the rear site leaf is missing and broken off in its place. I am unable to find a seam where the stock would have been cut but I'm not sure exactly what to look for. Let me know if there are any images that I missed that would be helpful.
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I confirmed today that my grandfather was in France in Northern Ireland and England in 1943 and Normandy and other parts of France in much of 1944. I believe he was back in the states by 1945 if that helps.
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Bigdibbs88
"Ach du lieber!"
the matching small parts on your rifle are from a dot 1944 K98. thanks for the extra pictures and fantastic rifle!! 
It is just a bore measurement, it varies from 7.91-7.94, maybe more, but it has no relevance for collectors or shooters.
The unit marking is very neat, never seen one marked to a Division before. Usually they are IR (Regimental), but I looked it up and it is the 5th ID, 25th weapon. (Görtz-Bryans pg.67)
The unit marking is very neat, never seen one marked to a Division before. Usually they are IR (Regimental), but I looked it up and it is the 5th ID, 25th weapon. (Görtz-Bryans pg.67)
