Very nice! Even earlier than my L block, which is in about the same condition. Mauser made plenty of byf 42 98Ks, but most were eventually lost in the fighting in the east. That makes them somewhat rare today, except as RCs. The guns made early in 1942 retain the beautiful workmanship and slick actions of the pre-war guns since no production short cuts had yet been adopted.
If my collecting can be said to have a theme, it is the year 1942. It was the pivotal year of WWII. The Allies were losing badly on all fronts at the beginning of the year, and there was deep despair and pessimism. Ships, planes, and men sent against the Axis in those early months were almost invariably lost to defeat. The US was actually preparing plans to defend against a Japanese invasion as far east as the Rockies. Many thought that negotiation was the only solution. By the end of the year, the Allies had learned to fight the Axis, and were advancing everywhere. Unconditional Axis surrender was now the agreed ultimate goal, and the seeds of Allied victory had already been sown.
I heartily recommend Winston Groom's very readable book, "1942". (You'll recall that Groom wrote "Forrest Gump".)
