Opinions on byf42 I picked up today

[ChrisG43]

Even though I have "the books" I'm still learning. I haven't been to big shows or handled a lot of all matching K98's, that said I picked this up today for an excellent price, and hoping most of it checks out. I haven't had the handguard off yet to check numbers. Guess my one question is more of an education on the renumbering of the front band, and opinions on the stock serial number (which is what I'm skeptical of atm, but maybe without cause?) Thanks, Chris...

 

[ChrisG43]

More pics

 

[racerlee]

Very interesting rifle. I'm still learning also. I would like to know about the 0 or O stamped over the waffenamt on the receiver. The front band and barrel serial numbers are interesting also. The fives on the barrel, looks like they were stamped with a broken die. I would take the rifle apart and check the barrel channel for numbers. Maybe the rifle was reworked during war time, not sure.

 

[WreckTangle]

Any Depot marks? That front band is crazy. Can you post pics of right side receiver, top of barrel in front of receiver, barrel right side by receiver…

 

[mauser99]

interesting rifle.. I have to say the stock and upper H band re-numbering look legit. The 0 overstamp of the e/135 on the receiver top is maybe a cancel mark ?? Im sure Bruce and or others more familiar can possibly shed a little more light.

 

[Bob in OHIO]

I rather like it too. Barrel seems orig, but not the stock to the MO '42. I see possible sealant between the action/wood.... and recommend not to remove. The German's sometimes sealed there with (?grease/ wax/ ballistol). Sling looks good with a bad keeper

Link to sealant?

 

[ChrisG43]

Here's some more pics....Buttplate serial number also matches the rifle.... Any other thoughts about the "O" marking on the receiver?

 

[racerlee]

Is there a stamp on the bolt root. It would be on the bottom of the bolt handle.
I'm leaning towards a depot built rifle. But I could be wrong.

 

[ChrisG43]

Is there a stamp on the bolt root. It would be on the bottom of the bolt handle.
I'm leaning towards a depot built rifle. But I could be wrong.

No stamp on the bolt root.....

 

[M1903A3]

That “dwc” manufacturer code on the buttplate is one I don’t often see! (Dr. Ing. Boehme and Co.)

I think you did ok on this rifle. The cancellations are neat, and I note that the 4575 on the front band uses two different sizes of numerals. That smacks of depot or some such repair, or maybe a capture country. If it’s a capture, the “0” over the final acceptance is a pretty halfhearted attempt at obscuring the marking! A capture would also explain the stock serial number. If it is, they clearly didn’t scramble the parts. Whatever it is I like it!

 

[korea1950]

Not 100% sure if the butt plate as original to this rifle as the serial number stamping would normally also have the letter suffix below it. I don't see the W suffix.