A soon to be.... 42 1938 :-)

C

Crowley

Member
Hi all... Nice to be here. Waited a while but something came up and and looks like I'm going to join the club...

So.. reasonably happy with it... just some questions as I travel the road to and in Ownership.

First question... Proof marks..

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Can someone explain... any significance in the 63?

I will need the slider that adjusts the back sight.

Needs a damn good clean... any help & pointers would be welcome...

No doubt I'll be back for more info...

Thanks in advance :cool:
 
Nothing significant at all. They’re inspection marks. Each firm had an office of inspection (WaA) with their own identifying numbers. WaA 63 applied to Mauser Oberndorf.

Looks to me like a nice original finish, but I can’t say anything more off of only one picture. As far as cleaning is concerned, I always recommend a light wipe with ballistol on a cotton rag to the metal and a dry cotton rag wipe (emphasis on dry) for the wood. Unless you live in the desert or it’s very dry leave the ballistol off the wood, although it is wood safe if necessary.

Always remember, never touch a rifle with steel wool. Always use bronze wool, if you must, and even then use caution.
 
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Many thanks to you both, much appriciated.

Will need to strip it down and give it some maintenance and tlc. Laminate stock needs a little work to clean and tidy it up...

I'll get more photos once i get my hands on it properly...

Any more general info on the 42/1938's would be great...
 
Be careful what you do to the stock. The word "clean" is a scary word for these rifles. Most stocks need nothing done to them, maybe only a light wipe down with a damp rag. For the most part, anything else hurts value. Of course, this all depends on the overall rifle, we have yet to see what ya got.

Check out the reference section here on the forum for what a proper 1938 dated Mauser-Oberndorf rifle should look like.
 
Zeppelin5000 said:
Be careful what you do to the stock. The word "clean" is a scary word for these rifles. Most stocks need nothing done to them, maybe only a light wipe down with a damp rag. For the most part, anything else hurts value. Of course, this all depends on the overall rifle, we have yet to see what ya got.

Check out the reference section here on the forum for what a proper 1938 dated Mauser-Oberndorf rifle should look like.
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I've only spent 20mins with it so far... I'll get more pictures and post once i can spend more time. It will go sit next to a .303 mk3, a De Lisle in .45 ACP and a Schmidt Rubin 7.5x55...

Looking forwards to adding the Mauser.
 
I have tons of rear sight adjusters, may even have e/63 with your serial number. Who knows? I do have original armorer spares without serial numbers as well if interested.
 
Also regarding the inspections, early rifles display many. As time goes on they gradually disappear completely from some parts, with small parts going first and even larger items (like the receiver right) reducing in number. Some makers like ERMA in particular early in production marked (accepted) LITERALLY every metal part no matter how tiny.
 
Following on, Serial number for this one is 4071

All numbers seem to match, so happy bunny atm.

Wanted list now:-
42/1938 sling
Cleaning rod (not sure length)
Rear sight adjuster
Front sight cover ring (not sure if it came with one. If it did I'd like one)
 
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Crowley said:
Following on, Serial number for this one is 4071

All numbers seem to match, so happy bunny atm.

Wanted list now:-
42/1938 sling
Cleaning rod (not sure length)
Rear sight adjuster
Front sight cover ring (not sure if it came with one. If it did I'd like one)
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You won't find a "42/1938" sling. Maybe you can find a 1938 dated sling, but nothing specific to that manufacturer. 1938 rifles shouldn't have a sight hood.
 
Thanks again.. :)

If it didn't have a front sight ring then that's ok.

As for the sling, are you saying I'll not find a Mauser AG one?... I'd like one dated 1938 all the same... not so bothered about it being stamped 42
 
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Crowley said:
Thanks again.. :)

If it didn't have a front sight ring then that's ok.

As for the sling, are you saying I'll not find a Mauser AG one?... I'd like one dated 1938 all the same... not so bothered about it being stamped 42
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Slings were produced by leather fabricators, not weapon manufacturers. Mauser-Oberndorf never made slings. They would never be stamped 42 or any other code that German weapons producers used for that matter.
 
I'd ship to the UK, sure. I have slings but none with legible markings aside from buckle markings. Have one 12.5" rod left as well. If you take down the rifle and there is the cleaning rod ferrule inside the barrel channel, it's a 12.5 rod. If the ferrule is visible on the exterior of the stock, hidden under the rear barrel band, it's a 10"rod. If the rifle went in for repairs during the war at any time, it could have been slotted for a sight hood. But originally a 1938 rifle had no provision for a hood. If you see a slot on both sides of the front sight post, you can apply a hood if you want one.
 
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