First off you will have to do a lot more pictures, these are the toughest to comment on, even with pictures conversions can be difficult to come to a conclusive conclusion.
What can be said so far is that it would be unlikely this was German done, obviously the stock hasn't been converted to 98k and it is rare for Germans to shorten a G98 without a full conversion (
typically they do not bother with all the alterations to the stock, usually the Germans after 1933 were lazy and just used ordnance spare components... the Republican era they were far more frugal and more salvaging was done, but a takedown and RS would be converted also); further the fact it has the Lange RS would be unusual also, obviously if you are shortening the barrel it would be SOP to upgrade the RS also, kind of necessary actually.
Try doing a lot of pictures, specifically start with stock markings, we need to be sure this is the original stock, pretty doubtful the factory original stock with those grips (
way to early for grips or TD), but more pictures would be helpful on dating it. Also the barrel outside the stock, obviously the original barrel but we are looking for clues of postwar work (
Republican and NS work, - I'm betting we won't find much, doesn't look like much evidence of post 1918 service, this is probably a wartime replaced stock). If it went through a Republican era work over the stock and receiver should have some signs of acceptance.
Odds are good some dimwit shortened the barrel more recently, which is a shame, any mostly matching 1915 is a good score, though in this case bolt mm and replaced stock don't help.
Hi, Everyone!
I need some help identifying exactly what this rifle is, as far as I can tell its a German Gew98 K98k length Spandau 1915. Can anyone possibly give me some insight as to what the history behind this rifle might be.
Thank you for all your help!
