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Probably the single nicest 1940 42 code Luftwaffe 98k out there.

8x57mauser

Senior Member
Just acquired this. Probably the nicest 42 1940 out there or at least pretty darn close to it. I work in a local gun shop so we get a lot of collections in that we clean and prep for auction. We also have a lot of regular customers well advanced in age. This one gentleman that comes in 95 years old, 101st vet always talks to me when he's in. He wants my WWI issued 1911 I carry on my person in the shop. So yesterday he came in, had this in a case with the Luger and holster. (he knows I collect mausers) "I brought this home from the war" he clearly can see my excitement over it. I asked him what he wanted to do with it. He said its time to move it on and he was looking to put it on consignment/sell it. I asked what he wanted for it. He pointed at my hip, "that 1911 and we call it even." ouch it hurt to let that 1911 go....I'll likely never be able to afford anther WWI issue 1911 ever again. I bought the 1911 3 years ago for $2195 so that's what I'm into these for. I know I definitely got the better end of the deal. The luger was missing both mags but otherwise all matching. We had a WWII production mag in the shop and it feeds well. I'll post about that on the handgun forum.

The 98k I don't think has been apart since 1940. the bluing is near perfect, the stock untouched, 100% matching and the sling is dated 1938 so probably originally with this rifle. Bore was still packed with cosmoline, and is in pristine condition. some crusty cosmo still in there but I'm not shooting it so im not too worried about getting it out.

Otherwise I'll let the pictures do the talking and there are a lot, 46 in all.

I need to add this to my insurance policy, what would you say would be a good insurance value? $2500?

Luger post: http://www.k98kforum.com/showthread.php?30513-1918-DWM-Luger&p=226209#post226209

EDIT: With a 52 40 date in the stock I believe that's February 21st 1940, and I'm assuming the A block would be also about February production. Could have potentially seen action in France.
 

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Pictures part 2
 

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I would have him write everything down and get some pictures of him with it. Nice!
 
Not for the poor guy who trade them! I realize he made the call for the deal, but my conscience would bother me on that one.

Go buy a complete WWI 1911 rig, original finish 90%+ with 4 original WWI mags and original WWI holster. You will find that it greatly would exceed the value of the rifle. I paid $2195 for the rig a few years back because nobody bid on it. Its worth significantly more than that.
 
Go buy a complete WWI 1911 rig, original finish 90%+ with 4 original WWI mags and original WWI holster. You will find that it greatly would exceed the value of the rifle. I paid $2195 for the rig a few years back because nobody bid on it. Its worth significantly more than that.

You were using a 90%+ ww1 1911 as a carry pistol? You’re a braver man than I!
 
You were using a 90%+ ww1 1911 as a carry pistol? You’re a braver man than I!

I only carried it in the shop. More to show it off than anything else.

Turned down a few $4,000 offers for just the pistol from some 1911 collectors that came in
 
Congratulations on that rifle (Luger too)! It's absolutely amazing. How it survived the war, and all these years in such fantastic condition is incredible. That old vet should be congratulated for such great care. As he is now 95, and you know him, maybe you can get first buyer option when he decides that he's now had the 1911 long enough. It may have just been the chase. I think it was a good deal for you both. He knew what he wanted, and he's happy and satisfied. He grew up in the post WWl era, and it may be those firearms that most interest him. In addition, he'll probably never (as with most of us) come across another 1911 rig like the one that he just traded for. It's truly a beautiful Luft maked rifle. The only other thing I wonder about is--did you get the story? His story, and the events on how he came about it. I think, if possible, an audio story directly from him would be awesome. (Capture papers by chance?)
 
Go buy a complete WWI 1911 rig, original finish 90%+ with 4 original WWI mags and original WWI holster. You will find that it greatly would exceed the value of the rifle. I paid $2195 for the rig a few years back because nobody bid on it. Its worth significantly more than that.

This. That M1911 is what he wanted and I think relative values are that he got a good deal. For a non-K98k collector it could be looked at easily like he got the better end of it. I think you need to get a letter from him with the serial of the rifle describing the provenance.

That 42 1940 is beautiful, congrats, pic sticky on this one. :happy0180:
 
He had papers but thinks they got lost over the years. He's going to write it all down and get it notarized.

Congratulations on that rifle (Luger too)! It's absolutely amazing. How it survived the war, and all these years in such fantastic condition is incredible. That old vet should be congratulated for such great care. As he is now 95, and you know him, maybe you can get first buyer option when he decides that he's now had the 1911 long enough. It may have just been the chase. I think it was a good deal for you both. He knew what he wanted, and he's happy and satisfied. He grew up in the post WWl era, and it may be those firearms that most interest him. In addition, he'll probably never (as with most of us) come across another 1911 rig like the one that he just traded for. It's truly a beautiful Luft maked rifle. The only other thing I wonder about is--did you get the story? His story, and the events on how he came about it. I think, if possible, an audio story directly from him would be awesome. (Capture papers by chance?)
 

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