Quite right, the rifle did not slip through the cracks, but was discussed on another site, with the general feeling being that, while it had interesting receiver markings it was pricey for what it was, vis what it was not ... however, to each his own.
IX 43 depot rifle
- Thread starter ffeng31
- Start date
Quite right, the rifle did not slip through the cracks, but was discussed on another site, with the general feeling being that, while it had interesting receiver markings it was pricey for what it was, vis what it was not ... however, to each his own.
I think the pictures are too poor to judge metal finish, but it looks "rc"ish to me... If the metal finish is original then it isn't that bad a deal I guess, depending on what matches. I mean if the complete rear sight matches, and ebox, all the better.
At least if it isn't an refinished "rc" it has something up on most of the documented rifles known. Refinished makes any rifle a shooter imo, "rc" refinished all the more, but until better pictures show up all we know is ffeng31 took a gamble on an interesting variation.
I hope he got lucky, and it isn't an rc, and it isn't refinished, and that it isn't a total mismatch. Then he will be a happier buyer. Worse case it is another "rc" and he has another overpriced "rc", which means he will be in the same boat with most people who "collect" the rc- not any worse off as many overpriced "rc" are not even attractive or as scarce a variation.
In this variations case, an "rc" is really your only realistic option as so few original rifles are known. Good luck ffeng, I have my fingers and toes crossed for you!
At least if it isn't an refinished "rc" it has something up on most of the documented rifles known. Refinished makes any rifle a shooter imo, "rc" refinished all the more, but until better pictures show up all we know is ffeng31 took a gamble on an interesting variation.
I hope he got lucky, and it isn't an rc, and it isn't refinished, and that it isn't a total mismatch. Then he will be a happier buyer. Worse case it is another "rc" and he has another overpriced "rc", which means he will be in the same boat with most people who "collect" the rc- not any worse off as many overpriced "rc" are not even attractive or as scarce a variation.
In this variations case, an "rc" is really your only realistic option as so few original rifles are known. Good luck ffeng, I have my fingers and toes crossed for you!
ffeng31
Active member
Thanks for the finger and toe crossing, mine are as well... The auction stated that the rifle is wearing its original finish and that it has none of the typical RC marks (X). This of course doesn't mean the Russians didn't have it , just that maybe they spared it their wrath. Show prices for RC K98's in my part of the world average around $350 . If what the seller indicated turns out to be fact , the $115 premium I paid will seem a paltry sum for such a unique piece. We'll know soon enough if I should give up gambling.
ditch68
I Like Bunnies
Well then I'll just consider myself lucky.Some would balk at paying that much for a mismatched rifle. I on the other hand , with what I have learned of it , am quite content with my purchase.
...and you should be. I think it is worth that, personally. I may have bid on it if I saw it, to be honest. That if I wasn't so freaking broke! Want to tade it for German militaria??
Jeff
ffeng31
Active member
Here it is . New pics.
Here she is. I have just a few thoughts. Complete mismatch but after taking it apart and seeing dirt/oil/rust patterns it is my opinion that these are the parts it has worn for quite some time. I see no evidence that anyone has recently tried to reblue anything , and can find none of the typical RC markings. It does have an import mark on the barrel but it is not recent. I cant imagine that I missed any markings considering how many pics I took but if I need to take more please let me know. I anxiously await your comments.
Here she is. I have just a few thoughts. Complete mismatch but after taking it apart and seeing dirt/oil/rust patterns it is my opinion that these are the parts it has worn for quite some time. I see no evidence that anyone has recently tried to reblue anything , and can find none of the typical RC markings. It does have an import mark on the barrel but it is not recent. I cant imagine that I missed any markings considering how many pics I took but if I need to take more please let me know. I anxiously await your comments.
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Turbo Archie
Well-known member
So thats a scrubbed and re-marked receiver?
Looks like you got the correct floor plate.
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Looks like you got the correct floor plate.
..
Well, you certainly didn't disappoint in taking pictures!
I really do not know for sure, but I suspect that is an "rc" action, or possibly an Albanian import. Though usually the Albanian imports have some matching parts and that sideways "7" looks something typical of an rc.
Anyway, that import marking is typical of how the Albanian imports were marked, and probably the earliest rc's, but I do not follow rc collecting much, but my guess is Gunboards98k would know, - they know a lot about soviet 98k's and bickering about nothing.
Not sure if much more can be said about the rifle, as although you did your part, with detailed pictures, I saw nothing new in them. Whether it is an rc or not, you could have done a lot worse imo. Many do worse all the time.
I really do not know for sure, but I suspect that is an "rc" action, or possibly an Albanian import. Though usually the Albanian imports have some matching parts and that sideways "7" looks something typical of an rc.
Anyway, that import marking is typical of how the Albanian imports were marked, and probably the earliest rc's, but I do not follow rc collecting much, but my guess is Gunboards98k would know, - they know a lot about soviet 98k's and bickering about nothing.
Not sure if much more can be said about the rifle, as although you did your part, with detailed pictures, I saw nothing new in them. Whether it is an rc or not, you could have done a lot worse imo. Many do worse all the time.
Turbo Archie
Well-known member
I believe scrubbed and reused receiver.
I also believe it was most likely an RC. The early RC's did have the less intrusive muzzle end import markings. I also agree with Paul that the sideways "7" marking is likely RC origin. The reason it isn't wearing any of the telltale signs of RC is that pretty much everything I see the rifle wearing was likely replaced by a previous US owner. The stock is a good example of this as it is Yugo marked and unless one wanted to make the argument that the rifle somehow passed through Yugoslavia postwar then there is likely no other way that the barreled action would have acquired the stock than a previous US owner. I don't think that any of the current parts were on this barreled receiver wartime. Regarding the floorplate, it is an armourer type unnumbered part and I am sure was added to the barreled receiver by whomever put it together here. The original floorplate would have been more likely been numbered to the rifle.
I also believe it was most likely an RC. The early RC's did have the less intrusive muzzle end import markings. I also agree with Paul that the sideways "7" marking is likely RC origin. The reason it isn't wearing any of the telltale signs of RC is that pretty much everything I see the rifle wearing was likely replaced by a previous US owner. The stock is a good example of this as it is Yugo marked and unless one wanted to make the argument that the rifle somehow passed through Yugoslavia postwar then there is likely no other way that the barreled action would have acquired the stock than a previous US owner. I don't think that any of the current parts were on this barreled receiver wartime. Regarding the floorplate, it is an armourer type unnumbered part and I am sure was added to the barreled receiver by whomever put it together here. The original floorplate would have been more likely been numbered to the rifle.
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BerlinerLuebecker
Senior Member
No matter the origin of its parts , it is still a unique piece. Considering the only other known examples are in the same state, I dont feel too bad . I'll just call it a "rare" RC.
You've got that right. That's why I'm holding onto my RC 660 1939. Thanks for sharing!
IX Corps Depot Non RC Mauser 98k
There is a non-Russian Capture (RC) KAR98k in my collection that I would like to post, but as a newbie, I cannot upload or post my pictures. The rifle appears to be untouched, i,e., unsanded, not refinished, has it's original blue, and though obviously test-fired has not been fired since leaving the depot. There are no marks on the breech face whatever. Perhaps after I post a few times, permission will be granted for me to post i will post pictures of this and other interesting Mausers I own.
Dave
There is a non-Russian Capture (RC) KAR98k in my collection that I would like to post, but as a newbie, I cannot upload or post my pictures. The rifle appears to be untouched, i,e., unsanded, not refinished, has it's original blue, and though obviously test-fired has not been fired since leaving the depot. There are no marks on the breech face whatever. Perhaps after I post a few times, permission will be granted for me to post i will post pictures of this and other interesting Mausers I own.
Dave
IX Korps Mauser Rifle
OK, can't post, yet. I have a KAR98k Rifle with IX and 43 on the receiver with no other marks there. All the serial numbers are in the 28xx to 29xx range. There are machining and lathe turning marks on the barrel and receiver that are under the blue that are consistent with rapidly finished weapons and not from refinishing and reblueing. There is no removal escutcheon in the buttstock. The bolt is from a KAR98a, or KAR98AZ, (Polish 29?) Mauser but has a clear deep Waffenampt and serial number. Neither the floor plate, nor trigger guard, nor the buttplate (silvery "in the white") have serial numbers. The upper band is solid without the welding on the bottom seen on late-war manufacture. There is no evidence of buffing, reblueing, sanding, oil, and the breech face has no cartridge marks whatever. There are no import marks anywhere. The only blemish is what appears to be a factory, or depot, repair 1/2" by 5/8" on the toe of the stock in a bird tail, trapezoid, shape. It is so well done that I just noticed it going over the stock. The stock is solid and not laminated. As soon as the forum allows me to post images, I will if anyone would like to see any. I value your counsel.
Dave
OK, can't post, yet. I have a KAR98k Rifle with IX and 43 on the receiver with no other marks there. All the serial numbers are in the 28xx to 29xx range. There are machining and lathe turning marks on the barrel and receiver that are under the blue that are consistent with rapidly finished weapons and not from refinishing and reblueing. There is no removal escutcheon in the buttstock. The bolt is from a KAR98a, or KAR98AZ, (Polish 29?) Mauser but has a clear deep Waffenampt and serial number. Neither the floor plate, nor trigger guard, nor the buttplate (silvery "in the white") have serial numbers. The upper band is solid without the welding on the bottom seen on late-war manufacture. There is no evidence of buffing, reblueing, sanding, oil, and the breech face has no cartridge marks whatever. There are no import marks anywhere. The only blemish is what appears to be a factory, or depot, repair 1/2" by 5/8" on the toe of the stock in a bird tail, trapezoid, shape. It is so well done that I just noticed it going over the stock. The stock is solid and not laminated. As soon as the forum allows me to post images, I will if anyone would like to see any. I value your counsel.
Dave
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