I bought a K98k, 243 1938 two weeks ago. Serial number 7327 n, WaA 280. It's not a Russian capture, is in overall very nice shape with an excellent bore. The bolt is a mismatch, but all other numbers and WaA match. It differs a bit from yours having the flat butt plate. The part with the bayonet lug is steel, not blued, but parkerized (I believe). It's that light gray, non reflective finish I associate with the phosphate process. Try a magnet on yours..I'd bet it's made of steel. I've been looking at K98k's since the 1960's and don't remember seeing one with that finish anywhere on the rifle. But wear and oxidation could change the appearance so I didn't notice it. Regarding the cleaning rod....the lug was so full of crap I had to oil up a much smaller rod (intended for a .177 air rifle) to clean it out. But the stock forearm is drilled for the rod. I lucked out and found a pre-war Mauser with very little use and was well cared for back in the day.