K98k Laminate Stock Date and Supplier Codes

Stephan98k · May 4, 2019

Most of you already know that I do stock research for some years and now I have to ask for your support. Many forum members have nice Mauser Oberndorf rifles and the data from the laminate stocks would be very important, therewith I can continue with my study. It's okay if smaller parts or the bolt are not matching, just the stock has to match to the action. The examples from the Volume I, II, III books I know already and some additional ones I could find in the forum.

The following data is important:
- Code and year
- Serial number with suffix
- Stock completion date code with laminate code (you can find these markings in the barrel channel up to 1940 and then it was moved to the stock under the buttplate)
- Presence of letter "P" or "K" on the stock, you can find it behind the the grip ball.

Here is a Mauser Berlin example which I have borrowed from Bruce, I hope you don't mind:

Thank you in advance for your support.

Regards,
Stephan

flynaked · May 4, 2019

I can’t fully help as I don’t have the action, but here’s a loose stock if any info helps at all. Good luck with your study :happy0180:

ltong29 · May 4, 2019

-42 1940
-8216n
-Bo 1 8 40
-P

Stephan98k · May 5, 2019

Thanks a lot to both of you! :happy0180:

@flynaked
Your Mauser Berlin stock will help even in another topic, it's from a Nordsee fleet Kriegsmarine rifle and I'm sure also Andrew will be happy about the new data. Is the serial number visible in the barrel channel and do you can confirm the "746u"?
- 243 1939
- 746u
- Kr 6 23 39
- "P"

@ltong29
At first glance you could think that the stock completion date code fits, but according to my studies it deviates too much from other Mauser Oberndorf examples. Based on the serial number I estimated the calendar week and the 17th or 18th week was my result, therefore I looked again. If you look closer, there is a light struck number "3" in front of it:

The correct stock completion date code is "Bo 3 18 40".

flynaked · May 7, 2019

Stephan, yes indeed 746u, here’s a picture in the channel too.

Wolfsburg · May 7, 2019

Here’s some relevant pics from my ‘39 Mauser Berlin. I couldn’t find anything but the serial (1565f) in the barrel channel (maybe I missed it) but there are some hard to read (at least by me) stock markings under the buttplate along with what appears to be some pencil scribbling. Apparently I never took any pics of the grip ball area but it does have a “P” as I recall. I also have a ‘41 Mauser Berlin but I’ve not disassembled it. Once I can get some pics, I’ll try to add them here!

bruce98k · May 7, 2019

Laminate codes

That under the hood pic is very unique.
Looks like the code is stampe in small ink numbers along with what appears to be a military inspection (Waffenamt).
If so I have never encountered a Waffenamt on the wood behind the buttplate.

Supplier code is Br, date code is 7 51 1938. Would be curious if the Waffenamt number could be discerned.

Hambone · May 7, 2019

Stephan, we can stick this thread so it stays up top if you would like. This is interested information and research.

Stephan98k · May 7, 2019

Thank you very much for the new data!

Wolfsburg, Bruce is right and there is stamped the supplier code Br and date code 7 51 1938. I suppose it's an Luftwaffe rifle?

Bruce, it looks like it has been mistakenly stamped with the laminate code Kr and a wrong date code, this was crossed out in pencil and then re-stamped with the correct data. It's interesting.

Craig, that's a good idea and maybe more members will see and participate.

Wolfsburg · May 7, 2019

Ah, very fascinating! Thanks for the information! It is indeed a Luftwaffe rifle. I’ll try to get better pics of the markings when I can. I didn’t notice a waffenamt at the time I had it apart but I’ll look more closely.

Stephan98k · May 7, 2019

I was asked why I'm not looking for data of the other manufacturers/assemblers and that's a good question, I should actually expand my search a bit. From Sauer & Sohn and Gustloff Werke I have already a lot data, therefore I haven't asked for it.

Berlin-Lübecker Maschinenfabrik, Erma/Feima, in addition Brünn I and Brünn II are also important. It would be great when you share your data with us.

Wolfsburg · May 7, 2019

Duly noted! I’ll try to get pics of my ‘39 Erma when I get a chance!

bruce98k · May 7, 2019

Current thread

We should rename the thread to "K98k Laminate Stock Date and Supplier Codes" and make this a sticky.

Stephan your thoughts?

As a sticky it would be free running and always on top.

Amberg · May 7, 2019

bruce98k said:
We should rename the thread to "K98k Laminate Stock Date and Supplier Codes" and make this a sticky.

Stephan your thoughts?

As a sticky it would be free running and always on top.

What about G24(t), G29/40 and G33/40 data?

bruce98k · May 7, 2019

Laminate codes

Wolfgang, we could include those as well in the same topic - list them under the K98k section.

Stephan98k · May 7, 2019

Bruce, that's a good idea and maybe Craig could rename this thread and make it a sticky.

Wolfsburg and Wolfgang, thank you very much for your support.

mb44kar · May 7, 2019

I like this thread! My favorite aspect of k98ks are the stocks for some reason.
I tried to get a photo of what's under the buttplate of my byf43 but the buttplate wouldn't budge and I didn't want to harm the rifle getting it off.

So here's my dot 1944 serial 20597, bolt m/m but I believe the (sanded) stock matches (impossible to be sure, there are virtually no markings but it is a Czech 1944 stock at the very least based on the lack of cleaning rod provision and the magazine well shape).

jbmauser · May 7, 2019

Being a late war collector, I can't help much. The only dated laminate I have is from a byf44 a block. Serial 10643a. Matching except the upper band. No P on the keel of course.

Stephan98k · May 7, 2019

Jeremy, every rifle is a big help, thank you very much. By the way, in Volume II is another early "a" block and the stock has the same stock date.

jbmauser · May 9, 2019

This evening I went through all my byf44's that I have never had the bp off of and did not find any other examples with the date and supplier stamped under the bp. It would be very interesting to see if there are any examples before or after the a block that are stamped, hopefully more people will dig into their collections.

I did remember my byf42 k block is stamped and will also add my byf43, even though it isn't a laminate.

byf42 2340k matching, red glue laminate, Bo 5 19 42, no P on keel.

byf43 7954f matching, walnut, Ra 2 30 43

K98k Laminate Stock Date and Supplier Codes

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