J.P. Sauer K98k Serials and Data, 1934-1944

barrel of 1829 L:

Hello, I'm brand new here and this is the first forum I've ever posted on. I apologize in advance for whatever I mess up.

I'm looking for help with a family K98k. I have a vague recollection of my father telling me my grandfather brought this rifle back from WWII. Researching the markings it appears it was produced in 1936 with the serial number 4195 by J.P. Sauer & Sohn in Suhl, Germany. All of the barrel numbers match and has the proof marks 115, 214, 214 as in the pictures. The bolt doesn't seem to have any proof marks. It looks like they were removed, warn, or never there.

The biggest mystery is the stock. It doesn't look like any other Mauser stock, but is made of solid wood. No markings under the butt plate, and doesn't have a place for the cleaning rod that is supposed to be there.

My question(s): Is this a fake? Has the stock been replaced? What is the likelihood this was actually brought back from WWII?

I've included as many pictures as possible. If you need more, please let me know. Most importantly, thank you for your time! I've been going a bit crazy trying to research this.

heretolook said:

Hello, I'm brand new here and this is the first forum I've ever posted on. I apologize in advance for whatever I mess up.

I'm looking for help with a family K98k. I have a vague recollection of my father telling me my grandfather brought this rifle back from WWII. Researching the markings it appears it was produced in 1936 with the serial number 4195 by J.P. Sauer & Sohn in Suhl, Germany. All of the barrel numbers match and has the proof marks 115, 214, 214 as in the pictures. The bolt doesn't seem to have any proof marks. It looks like they were removed, warn, or never there.

The biggest mystery is the stock. It doesn't look like any other Mauser stock, but is made of solid wood. No markings under the butt plate, and doesn't have a place for the cleaning rod that is supposed to be there.

My question(s): Is this a fake? Has the stock been replaced? What is the likelihood this was actually brought back from WWII?

I've included as many pictures as possible. If you need more, please let me know. Most importantly, thank you for your time! I've been going a bit crazy trying to research this.

Click to expand...

yes, the stock has been replaced, you have what is known as a ‘sporter’, a military rifle converted for hunting/shooting, something that was ‘all the rage’ back in the ‘50s, ‘60s & ‘70s. You didn’t show the muzzle, but I’d guess the front sight has been removed (as the rear one has) & maybe the barrel shortened. The bolt handle has been replaced or cut & rewelded, reshaped, polished, as is the bolt as a whole (not military finish). The receiver has been drilled & tapped, the bases shown look like Warne steel bases for M98 Mauser. The safety is an aftermarket one designed for use w/a scope. (probably 2 position, oem had 3) It looks like the trigger guard & floorplate are non-matching, with sn’s struck out in a professional manner (as in an armorer, perhaps Norwegian?)

So it has little collectible value & has been altered enough that it’s not a good candidate for restoration, but it’s a family heirloom that is likely a great shooter, and it’s really cool that your grandfather spent the time & $$$ on it to make it what it is, a very nice K98 based hunting rifle! Any idea if your grandfather had paperwork to bring it back? (many were mailed, others cut & stuffed into duffle bags) The caliber is 8mm Mauser or 8x57JS (or IS) but NOT 8x57 JRS (a rimmed cartridge) or 8mm Magnum. The hunting stock did not use/require a cleaning rod. Is there a name/logo on either the grip cap or recoil pad?

Thank you so much, @Muncher 1953 !

To answer your questions the front muzzle actually does have the front sight. It appears to be welded, rather than a removable band. Picture is attached. The barrel measures 23" which I believe is the correct length after 1933. You are correct, the safety is a two position like you suspected.

I don't believe there was any paperwork. Information from that side of the family is thin to say the least. They all died a long time ago and at this point, their children are also passing away. So there isn't many to ask questions unfortunately. That's part of the reason I'm reaching out. I'm developing a family firearms book to document the story behind all of the weapons as best as possible. The information you supplied will now live in infamy . Thank you so much!

The hunting stock makes much more sense now. The recoil plate says "Bishop". That is the only name on the stock at all, but appears to be the stock manufacturer. Although not many seem to be available anymore.

Again, thank you so much for your time and thoughtful response. That clears up so many questions and I'm forever grateful. Now when my kids inherit the family firearms, they'll know what they're getting! Maybe they'll even take up hunting and be able to lug around a heavy piece of family history while they do it . Take care!

Here is my one and only K98k (I tend to gravitate more towards the small ring carbines). It is a 1937 Sauer & Sohn S/147 with Weimar eagles, serialized with 7843h. Started out life as a hacked up sporterized rifle (shame because the chopped walnut stock and shortened handguard were sanded to oblivion and were matching) that I was able to pick up for cheap. Fortunately the sights were not messed with and the receiver was not drilled/tapped. Sight assemblies, receiver, barrel, and trigger assemblies match and are e/214 stamped. Bolt does not match, but all bolt parts match themselves. Triggerguard, floorplate, and follower also don't match but match themselves. Barrel bands, stock, buttplate are all mismatches. It is currently in a sanded down Weimar stamped walnut stock with a bit of bug damage that I picked up from someone on GunBoards (who is also a member here). I may end up swapping the stock set again for an early e/214 walnut stock with matching components on offer from a member of this forum in the near future.

Posting for a relative...a WWII bring back from his grandfather......

CE41 RC
Here is my first Russian capture K98k: serial # 320a (no sidewall Mod.98 marking), early Mauser Oberndorf walnut stock with flat buttstock.

Nice split code, I used to have one, they’re a neat variation.

flynaked said:

Nice split code, I used to have one, they’re a neat variation.

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I am a bit puzzled by the stock, which looks as if it had never been shellacked although it was obviously refinished at some time, but possibly during the initial Soviet refurbishment as the serial number on the stock is clearly defined. Other than that, the rifle came with a Russian Mosin-Nagant type sling and a crude front sight hood.

I have a CE 43 All matching sn 4114 U

New to the K98 forum, figured I'd start here.
Just consigned to my FFL, import from Ethiopia by IO, Inc. (Royal Tiger Imports) in Melbourne, FL.
ce 43 (block): 3578 n
Slanted Mod. 98
Had some strange stamps on the barrel, a cursive "Prod" and 2 Japanese lettering I Google Translated to Otto and another letter Google couldn't translate.
No matching serials.

wilber500 said:

I am new here, I have a bnz 4 that has the tooling marks on receiver and barrel,. I have been told it is a late war model and my question is, My stock has been cut off under the band, would it be worth purchasing a period date stock to put on it, or are there other options. the serial numbers are all matching.

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This section is specifically for JP Sauer rifle information, you might want to post in the Nazi period section.

Brand new to all of this - but I recently purchased a k98 receiver only - no idea where the rest of the firearm is - here are the stamps - going to have to take care of the rust on it. If anyone knows anything about this - I'd love to hear it.

GhostofDesertFox said:

Brand new to all of this - but I recently purchased a k98 receiver only - no idea where the rest of the firearm is - here are the stamps - going to have to take care of the rust on it. If anyone knows anything about this - I'd love to hear it.

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by the inspection marks, a Walther manufactured receiver finished at Sauer, in the m block.

bruce98k said:

Section for J.P. Sauer

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S/147/G - Russian Capture

Bolt is mm, barrel and receiver match #2167
Stock RC matched

SeanBolduc23 said:

S/147/G - Russian Capture

Bolt is mm, barrel and receiver match #2167
Stock RC matched

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Your serial number is actually 2167 e.

2167 is a totally different rifle. You need to also consider the letter block.

Zeppelin5000 said:

Your serial number is actually 2167 e.

2167 is a totally different rifle. You need to also consider the letter block.

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Totally new to this, where do you find the e identifier? Appreciate the help thank you

SeanBolduc23 said:

Totally new to this, where do you find the e identifier? Appreciate the help thank you

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The small letter under the 2167. That's a cursive e.