Please help me identify my K98 Mauser

jaleonard · Apr 20, 2024

I have inherited a K98 Mauser from an uncle who passed away recently. On the barrel, right behind the sight are the markings "avk 85". Moving back toward the bolt there are markings "bcd" then a large number "43". Perhaps manufactured in 1943? On the left hand side of the receiver is a number "4550 K" and above that number the a nazi swazstika in a circle in the talons of an eagle with spread wings . Then still farther back toward the bolt "Mod. 98" is stamped. The same number 4550 is stamped on the top of the bolt and on the flip safety. The rifle is in restorable condition and I would like to have it lightly restored to firing condition. Any help identifying this rifle will be very much appreciated as it is a family heirloom. My grandmother and aunt (sisters) spoke german in their home. Ironically, two of my uncles (grandma's children) were killed fighting the nazi's in WWII and her husband was severely wounded in WWI fighting against Germany (he was a medical corpsman in France). He (my grandfather) later took his own life. Thanks in advance for any assistance that can be provided to me.

Jeff

jaleonard · Apr 20, 2024

jaleonard said:
I have inherited a K98 Mauser from an uncle who passed away recently. On the barrel, right behind the sight are the markings "avk 85". Moving back toward the bolt there are markings "bcd" then a large number "43". Perhaps manufactured in 1943? On the left hand side of the receiver is a number "4550 K" and above that number the a nazi swazstika in a circle in the talons of an eagle with spread wings . Then still farther back toward the bolt "Mod. 98" is stamped. The same number 4550 is stamped on the top of the bolt and on the flip safety. The rifle is in restorable condition and I would like to have it lightly restored to firing condition. Any help identifying this rifle will be very much appreciated as it is a family heirloom. My grandmother and aunt (sisters) spoke german in their home. Ironically, two of my uncles (grandma's children) were killed fighting the nazi's in WWII and her husband was severely wounded in WWI fighting against Germany (he was a medical corpsman in France). He (my grandfather) later took his own life. Thanks in advance for any assistance that can be provided to me.

Jeff

A small bit more information. The same number 4550 appears in two places on the trigger guard assembly. On the butt plate, there is a number that appears to be either "G10" or "610". So, perhaps. the butt plate is not original? I will clean this up carefully to try to get a better reading. I removed the butt plate and a large letter K and the number 2-17-43 are stamped into the wood (embossed, not ink) which leads me to think the stock is original.

Jeff

Dankrez28 · Apr 20, 2024

A Gustloff Werke 1943 production K block k98k. The rifle was produced in 1943, is the stock duffel cut? I would not under any circumstances restore this rifle or any gi bringback rifle as this would severely depreciate the value of the rifle. Light oil, and the leave the gun the way it is. Collectors are looking for original wear on the rifle, not a restoration project….especially as 1943 rifles are not as common to find anymore.

AN-94 · Apr 20, 2024

Bcd is the three letter code for Gustloff-Werke of Weimar, Germany. They were an assembler of K98ks from 1939-1945 and the 43 underneath the bcd indicates the year of production, 1943. The "avk" marking on the barrel is the three letter code for the barrel blank supplier, Ruhrstahl AG of Bielefeld with the 85 being part of the steel lot code. The code under the buttplate is the stock completion date (day-week-year) so the second day of the 17th week of 1943 with the K probably being the laminate supplier. Given that Gustloff was an assembler of rifles, you'll probably find a few letters marked on various parts representing the subcontractors that made those parts. By restore, what exactly do you mean? Rifles are better off being left alone in almost all cases, honest use and wear are perfectly fine on these rifles. Only oil the metal and leave the stock alone as most stocks are ruined by ignorant people trying to clean or restore via sanding, refinishing, oiling, etc. More pictures would be needed to assess your rifle properly.

jaleonard · Apr 20, 2024

AN-94 said:
Bcd is the three letter code for Gustloff-Werke of Weimar, Germany. They were an assembler of K98ks from 1939-1945 and the 43 underneath the bcd indicates the year of production, 1943. The "avk" marking on the barrel is the three letter code for the barrel blank supplier, Ruhrstahl AG of Bielefeld with the 85 being part of the steel lot code. The code under the buttplate is the stock completion date (day-week-year) so the second day of the 17th week of 1943 with the K probably being the laminate supplier. Given that Gustloff was an assembler of rifles, you'll probably find a few letters marked on various parts representing the subcontractors that made those parts. By restore, what exactly do you mean? Rifles are better off being left alone in almost all cases, honest use and wear are perfectly fine on these rifles. Only oil the metal and leave the stock alone as most stocks are ruined by ignorant people trying to clean or restore via sanding, refinishing, oiling, etc. More pictures would be needed to assess your rifle properly.

Thank you very much for this very informative response. It appears that all of the numbers match on this rifle with the possible exception of the butt plate (need to clean it thoroughly). Regarding the restoration, I would like to return the gun to operable condition. The bolt is loose (functioning) as is the firing pin. My intention was initially just to clean it up thoroughly to seen what may need to be done. Nicely, I have the original bore cleaning rod with the gun too. I was told that some years ago, the stock was retouched with brown shoe polich although I can't identify any obviously retouched areas so far. I am very aware that the more restoration work is done, the lower the value of the gun. What strikes me most when examining this gun is the rather rough machining marks on the bolt and the receiver. I know the rifle was made at a pivotal point in WWII so they only performed work that was essential to the proper functioning of the rifle but still (i'm a mechanical engineer), the marks really stand out to the eye. So,I will just clean the entire rifle then lubricate the action and see what else might have to be done to get it into operating condition. If you have any advice to share with me, I ill soak it up and be grateful for the shared wisdom. Thanks again!

Jeff

jaleonard · Apr 20, 2024

Here are a few more photos of the rifle. As far as I can tell, the rifle is in original unmolested condition and is complete. What other parts would you like to see photos of?

Jeff

jaleonard · Apr 20, 2024

Dankrez28 said:
A Gustloff Werke 1943 production K block k98k. The rifle was produced in 1943, is the stock duffel cut? I would not under any circumstances restore this rifle or any gi bringback rifle as this would severely depreciate the value of the rifle. Light oil, and the leave the gun the way it is. Collectors are looking for original wear on the rifle, not a restoration project….especially as 1943 rifles are not as common to find anymore.

Thank you, this is extremely helpful.

jaleonard · Apr 20, 2024

Here are a few more photos of the rifle.View attachment 391613 View attachment 391614

Dankrez28 said:
A Gustloff Werke 1943 production K block k98k. The rifle was produced in 1943, is the stock duffel cut? I would not under any circumstances restore this rifle or any gi bringback rifle as this would severely depreciate the value of the rifle. Light oil, and the leave the gun the way it is. Collectors are looking for original wear on the rifle, not a restoration project….especially as 1943 rifles are not as common to find anymore.

The stock has not been dufle cut as far as I can tell. I do not see any join lines in the stock.

AN-94 · Apr 20, 2024

jaleonard said:
Thank you very much for this very informative response. It appears that all of the numbers match on this rifle with the possible exception of the butt plate (need to clean it thoroughly). Regarding the restoration, I would like to return the gun to operable condition. The bolt is loose (functioning) as is the firing pin. My intention was initially just to clean it up thoroughly to seen what may need to be done. Nicely, I have the original bore cleaning rod with the gun too. I was told that some years ago, the stock was retouched with brown shoe polich although I can't identify any obviously retouched areas so far. I am very aware that the more restoration work is done, the lower the value of the gun. What strikes me most when examining this gun is the rather rough machining marks on the bolt and the receiver. I know the rifle was made at a pivotal point in WWII so they only performed work that was essential to the proper functioning of the rifle but still (i'm a mechanical engineer), the marks really stand out to the eye. So,I will just clean the entire rifle then lubricate the action and see what else might have to be done to get it into operating condition. If you have any advice to share with me, I ill soak it up and be grateful for the shared wisdom. Thanks again!

Jeff

My advice to you is to post the rest of the rifle in detail as to get more information which you've already started. For pics, I'd like to see some pics of the bolt components and markings along with the rear sight components, floorplate, triggerguard, action screws, buttplate, stock serial and handguard serial number, date code on the butt. The stock should be numbered internally in the barrel channel and marked with a lowercase "c" on the keel between the buttplate and grip of the rifle. In terms of cleaning, start with a cloth patch with some gun oil on the metal. If there is any active rust, use a bronze brush or bronze wool as it will not harm the finish unlike steel wool. Clean the bore as normal with any other rifle. Also, please use a hollow ground screwdriver for taking out the screws, I've seen far too many action screws butchered because some ape took the nearest flat head to it. You can refer to the picture reference thread to compare yours to other bcd 43s that have been posted and vetted.

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Dankrez28 · Apr 20, 2024

jaleonard said:
Here are a few more photos of the rifle.View attachment 391613 View attachment 391614

The stock has not been dufle cut as far as I can tell. I do not see any join lines in the stock.

Nice rifle, I would buy a gun sock for it and store it away to preserve it. I’d reccomend with this being a bringback rifle, to refrain from shooting it as it is in good condition and should be matching. And I reccomend to look for a shooter k98 that you can have fun with. But at the end of the day its your rifle, you can do what you’d like with it

jaleonard · Apr 20, 2024

Dankrez28 said:
Nice rifle, I would buy a gun sock for it and store it away to preserve it. I’d reccomend with this being a bringback rifle, to refrain from shooting it as it is in good condition and should be matching. And I reccomend to look for a shooter k98 that you can have fun with. But at the end of the day its your rifle, you can do what you’d like with it

Thanks for the advice. I do keep it in a soft cast and have it lightly oiled. I am going to at least clean the bore, the receiver and the bolt and re-aply light gun oil. I have no children to leave this heirloom to and I have a nice collection of modern rifles. I'll think over your advice about not shooting it. I don't think these rifles are particularly valuable rifles are they? I've seen pristine examples today (doing research) that seem to sell for one to three thousand dollars. Mine is complete and numbers matching but I would not describe it as pristine. I'd guess the value of this one at perhaps $1000? Sound about right?

Dankrez28 · Apr 20, 2024

jaleonard said:
Thanks for the advice. I do keep it in a soft cast and have it lightly oiled. I am going to at least clean the bore, the receiver and the bolt and re-aply light gun oil. I have no children to leave this heirloom to and I have a nice collection of modern rifles. I'll think over your advice about not shooting it. I don't think these rifles are particularly valuable rifles are they? I've seen pristine examples today (doing research) that seem to sell for one to three thousand dollars. Mine is complete and numbers matching but I would not describe it as pristine. I'd guess the value of this one at perhaps $1000? Sound about right?

Definitely worth more than a $1000. Need better pictures of all parts, bore, but if all matching, in good condition, and a bringback, could be in the ballpark of $2000-2500. I posted my BCD 43 on here, and its all matching except the safety, and was estimated to be around $2000

jaleonard · Apr 20, 2024

Dankrez28 said:
Definitely worth more than a $1000. Need better pictures of all parts, bore, but if all matching, in good condition, and a bringback, could be in the ballpark of $2000-2500. I posted my BCD 43 on here, and its all matching except the safety, and was estimated to be around $2000

Ok, thank you again. I will do as you suggest. Perform light cleaning and oiling only and will carefully document the condition of each part during the process. I will post more photos of each component as I do this.

Jeff

Wolfsburg · Apr 20, 2024

Some good advice here! In regards to "restoration", just remember that less is more with a collectible rifle like this. It looks pretty good, at least from where I'm sitting! Congrats on inheriting what appears to be a nice rifle!

jaleonard · Apr 20, 2024

Wolfsburg said:
Some good advice here! In regards to "restoration", just remember that less is more with a collectible rifle like this. It looks pretty good, at least from where I'm sitting! Congrats on inheriting what appears to be a nice rifle!

Thank you. I am very grateful for the assistance and guidance I am receiving on this forum. Everyone is extremely willing to help and that is amazing to me. I'm very glad I found this page and this forum.

whcoyote · Apr 20, 2024

Some soft cases are not good places to store a rifle long-term. As said above, buy a gun sock. Your gun dealer will have some. They are treated with a preservative that is intended to protect your investment.

heavy_mech · Apr 21, 2024

jaleonard said:
What strikes me most when examining this gun is the rather rough machining marks on the bolt and the receiver. I know the rifle was made at a pivotal point in WWII so they only performed work that was essential to the proper functioning of the rifle but still (i'm a mechanical engineer), the marks really stand out to the eye.

Your observations are similar to me and others. The difference in the 'finish quality' is striking in these and continues to get worse. Look at some of the late Kriegsmodell guns, especially Steyr (bnz) if you really want to see some rough machined finishes. Ultimately they only cared that the piece was functional.

jaleonard · Apr 28, 2024

Hello again. I have pretty well stripped down my K98 and can confirm that it is a complete, numbers matching example manufactured in 1943. I have confirmed that the serial number, either 4550 or 4550k appears on the two barrel rings, the gunsight, the main stock, the fore-grip (sorry if my terminology isn't correct), and the trigger guard. The only part that doesn't appear to carry any markings is the folding spring clip in the magazine area. Please refer to the new photos attached. The rifle is in very good condition. The only issue I have found is some surface corrosion on the inner walls of the magazine that I am slowly removing with WD-40 and a small wire brush.

RavenOps · Apr 28, 2024

Hello,

Please don’t use the wire brush anymore. Use an old tooth brush.

Second, if you are referring to the recoil lug, just leave it alone. No need to remove it.

jaleonard · Apr 28, 2024

Ok, but I thought brass was ok, being softer than steel. What about 0000 bronze wool. Will that also do damage inside the magazine box? I don't think a nylon bristle toothbrush will remove the rust in that area.

Please help me identify my K98 Mauser

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