Third Party Press

'38 Luftwaffe MO Local Find

chrisftk

Moderator
Staff member
Good evening all, I came across this one locally a couple months back on consignment. I made an offer on it back then and the guy accepted today, so I picked it up. All matching with an unmarked 10 inch cleaning rod.

It has a very dark stock, which I initially thought has some coating on it, but after closer inspection appears original finish, just a really dark redish stain on the laminated wood. The metal and wood have honest wear with a really nice "been there" look.

The safety is odd, only 2 serial digits and appears to be force matched to the rifle. I can't discern the inspection mark. I'm assuming a field or depot replacement. The rest of the characteristics are textbook for the Luftwaffe MO rifles that show up late '38.

Receiver: 42 1938, SN 8188 r, e/63 (x3)
Barrel: 38Dö39, 8188 r, e/63 (x4)
Stock: 8188, side: e/L, e/63(x2), e/63 on wrist
Bolt body: 8188 r , e/63 (x2)
Bolt shroud: 8188, e/63 (x2), RW marked
Cocking piece: 8188, e/63, RW marked
Firing pin: 8188, e/63, "S" marked
Safety: 88, /?
Extractor: 88, e/63
Extractor collar: e/63
Triggerguard: 8188, e/63(x2), "S" marked
Floorplate catch: e/63
Floorplate: 8188, e/63, "S" marked
Follower: 88, e/63 RW marked
Front/rear screws: 88, e/63
Lock screws: e/63
Front/rear bands: 8188, e/63
Band spring: no SN, e/63
Bayo lug: 88, e/63
Buttplate: 8188, e/63
Front sight blade: 88
Rear sight sleeve: e/63 (x2)
Rear sight ramp: 8188, e/63
Rear sight spring: e/63
Rear sight leaf: 8188, e/63(x2)
Rear sight slider: 88, e/63
Bolt release: 88, e/63
Takedown disc: e/63(each side)
Recoil lug: e/63
Sear: 88, e/63(x2)
Trigger: e/63

Pics:






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Very nice. The safety is, I believe, replaced, a cannibalized part from another rifle, armorer stamped. I also believe this a legit period replaced safety.
 
That is one nice rifle. Very envious. I wonder the color is from the aging of linseed oil or like vs stain.
 
Nice pick up Chris glad you were able to work out a deal with this one. And yes we can't argue with Mauser's quality of workmanship.
 
That one saw some use. I like it. Can you get a clearer shot of the safety inspection?
Here's about the best I can do. It's really hard to see. No other markings on the flats either. Looks like a faint "S" like the early Sauer safeties. IMG_20191113_194220674~2.jpg

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Thank you all- this was an unexpected find given the relatively slim pickings in MD usually.
 
..this was an unexpected find given the relatively slim pickings in MD usually.

Great rifle. Glad you got it and I would have tried for it too. It eases my mind a bit when I see quotes like this because I look a lot and never find nice unmolested pieces. Seriously. Never. I see tons of sh*t, almost always overpriced to boot so this gives me hope. Have to keep looking if you ever hope to score one I guess. Congrats on your acquisition!
 
Great rifle. Glad you got it and I would have tried for it too. It eases my mind a bit when I see quotes like this because I look a lot and never find nice unmolested pieces. Seriously. Never. I see tons of sh*t, almost always overpriced to boot so this gives me hope. Have to keep looking if you ever hope to score one I guess. Congrats on your acquisition!
Yeah, I'd say 90% of what I buy is online or through friends. That being said, the last 3 things I've found/bought locally are this rifle, a bolt mm '38 BSW and an untouched ac44 g43 closet find. Around here, i guess it's the two extremes. Either sporters/crap or gems. Haha

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