Decent 1915 WMO Gew 98

[cj556]

Had this one since November but figured it was time to post decent photos of it. All matching down to the rod. In reasonably good shape for a 1915 gun too IMO. The only detractors are a slightly cleaned reciever and an old inventory number stamped on the underside of the butt.

 

[cj556]

More photos

 

[Warrior1354]

I think that's more than just a decent rifle Marc that's a very nice rifle lol.

 

[chrisftk]

Glad you got this one up. It's a good example of the fad in the 80s of "enhancing" rifles by collectors. Making the receiver extra bright and polishing/cleaning the stock to make it look new (this one avoided wood cleaning mercifully). On one hand, it's a shame, but on the other I'm thankful they usually stopped there! Fortunately bleaching stocks wasn't "hip" on gew98s like it was on k98k. Lol.

In no way trying to diminish, it's good for newer guys to see/understand. I've got some with similar work. I'd certainly buy this if I came across it.

All that being said, in spite of the misguided attempts at beautification, it's still a nice example of a less common year. Congrats and glad you got it!

 

[PrayingMantis]

Thanks for the photos, Marc. I’ll get it in the reference. Always interesting to see what has acceptance on it in what era. This retains acceptance on small parts that will be dropped by 1916. The acceptance on buttplate screws is especially interesting.

I’ve had a number of Gews with that refinished dull grey color on the receiver. By no means a deal breaker, but also makes you want to wring the necks of some collectors. The other bright metal, like the stock disk, is so much more attractive.

 

[cj556]

Glad you got this one up. It's a good example of the fad in the 80s of "enhancing" rifles by collectors. Making the receiver extra bright and polishing/cleaning the stock to make it look new. On one hand, it's a shame, but on the other I'm thankful they usually stopped there! Fortunately bleaching stocks wasn't "hip" on gew98s like it was on k98k. Lol.

In no way trying to diminish, it's good for newer guys to see/understand. I've got some with similar work. I'd certainly buy this if I came across it.

All that being said, in spite of the misguided attempts at beautification, it's still a nice example of a less common year. Congrats and glad you got it!

Thanks Chris. I’m a bit confused on the stock though I can’t see what was done to it. What tells you it’s been cleaned on this one?

 

[jbc98k]

Its a very nice rifle Marc, we can chalk up any shine on the receiver to depot sanding.

 

[PrayingMantis]

Thanks Chris. I’m a bit confused on the stock though I can’t see what was done to it. What tells you it’s been cleaned on this one?

I think Chris means that was usually done alongside metal cleaning. From the photos it looks like there are some abrasions on the wrist but the rest looks like honest wear.

 

[chrisftk]

Thanks Chris. I’m a bit confused on the stock though I can’t see what was done to it. What tells you it’s been cleaned on this one?

I think Chris means that was usually done alongside metal cleaning. From the photos it looks like there are some abrasions on the wrist but the rest looks like honest wear.

Cyrus beat me to it-- Sorry Marc-- I wasn't as clear as I should have been--I was making a general statement on the stocks. This one escaped meddling on the wood, IMO.

Again, I'll say I like this one and glad you got it.

 

[AN-94]

Even with the slight cleaning on the receiver, it's still a very nice rifle! Useful to see an example of what an "enhanced" Gewehr 98 looks like, especially for new guys like me. Least the wood was spared on this one, it seems like every German rifle I see in person got hit with sandpaper at some point in its life.

 

[Warrior1354]

Guys I'm a little bit confused here? Marc posted up a rifle that may have a slightly cleaned receiver, or it may not. But, it seems like we are dogging his rifle for some reason. What I really don't understand. Is that in the last couple of years. I've seen many members in this section post rifles up. Which clearly have cleaned receivers, and stocks. But, nobody says anything? And the comments replied is that's extraordinarily nice? So what's going on here?

 

[joryfreeburg]

It’s a nice looking rifle and all matching…. I think pretty much any of us that post here in this section wouldn’t kick it out of bed…. Nice WMO

 

[PrayingMantis]

I wouldn't say everyone is dogging it by any means; it's a great one overall and anything dated 1915 was made rarer through attrition during the war. The receiver is definitely cleaned though, as Marc pointed out, and we mentioned how common that was in the past unfortunately. Tolerating flaws is inherent in collecting Gews, finding one without a problem is damn near impossible, and ignoring them instead of pointing them out helps no one. As AN-94 said, it's helpful for people who aren't as well versed in them.

Back back to the topic at hand, got it in the reference, Marc. Even though WMO is pretty consistent with the c/U, it's great to get to have more detailed examples for the reference.

 

[chrisftk]

Guys I'm a little bit confused here? Marc posted up a rifle that may have a slightly cleaned receiver, or it may not. But, it seems like we are dogging his rifle for some reason. What I really don't understand. Is that in the last couple of years. I've seen many members in this section post rifles up. Which clearly have cleaned receivers, and stocks. But, nobody says anything? And the comments replied is that's extraordinarily nice? So what's going on here?

Jordan, just to restate what was already said; I noted in both my initial comments and follow-up that it's a nice rifle and I'd buy it if it were offered to me. I also apologized to Marc both publicly and privately for the fact that my initial comment was not artfully said (and I added a clarification) I own a few with similar cleaning and I don't regret my decision to buy any of them-- and am proud to own them, as Marc should be with this one.

But, to avoid any further confusion- I'll say it again: It is a nice pick-up that not many folks here would pass on.

My intent was to decry these overzealous cleaning practices-- This and most are mild by comparison. (unlike a certain pimp-shined 05 Spandau/ 14 Danzig we all shudder to think of ).

I think newer guys need to be aware of the practice so that they aren't carnival barked into paying a premium for "mint unissued" rifles by unscrupulous dealers. I also hope that we can educate folks about not aggressively cleaning going forward.

Again, no malicious intent here---For my part I'll put myself out here too: here are a few of mine with similar or maybe worse metal cleaning that I do not regret buying in the least. I know many other members here have similar ones too.

 

[Warrior1354]

That did not answer my question Cyprus. Why did we specifically point out a small flaw on Marc's rifle? But, not on other rifles that have been posted up? Some of these other rifles show signs of polishing on the receiver, or a cleaned stock? And they are also in the reference. But there were no remarks commented on the issues present. It just seems like his rifle was specifically targeted.

 

[Warrior1354]

By the way I'll also post up one of mine that was lightly polished on the receiver. I had to use the way back machine because it was not posted in the reference. Took some time to find it.

 

[chrisftk]

By the way I'll also post up one of mine that was lightly polished on the receiver. I had to use the way back machine because it was not posted in the reference. Took some time to find it.

View attachment 348180

I for one vote this one to the reference-- it's one of my favs you have Jordan. The way you got it was a good story too.

 

[PrayingMantis]

That did not answer my question Cyprus. Why did we specifically point out a small flaw on Marc's rifle? But, not on other rifles that have been posted up? Some of these other rifles show signs of polishing on the receiver, or a cleaned stock? And they are also in the reference. But there were no remarks commented on the issues present. It just seems like his rifle was specifically targeted.

Idk Jordan, that's just the direction the conversation went, started talking about how Gews were "enhanced" in the past. Other threads get off on tangents; that's conversation i suppose. Better than saying that same thing over and over.

By the way I'll also post up one of mine that was lightly polished on the receiver. I had to use the way back machine because it was not posted in the reference. Took some time to find it.

Post the link and i'll add it. I have no recollection of this Gew, i might have been less active here when you posted it originally, think i was more into US stuff when you started collecting imperial.

 

[mauser1908]

By the way I'll also post up one of mine that was lightly polished on the receiver. I had to use the way back machine because it was not posted in the reference. Took some time to find it.

I too, like this gun, it’s a great one.

Nice rifle Marc! Matching ‘15s are tougher than people give them credit. Btw, anyone wanting to part with some cleaned up rifles, let me know.

This is one of my pimp shined guns.

Edit: For any new collectors. Any ‘15 with a matching stock alone, is a desirable rifle. This is pretty much true regardless of maker.

 

[chrisftk]

Post the link and i'll add it.

I took care of it Cyrus-- It's up now... as a PSA, if anyone remembers any interesting rifles that aren't referenced, just PM and we'll get it up. It's hard to comb through threads especially if the Maker/Date isn't referenced in the title and I think Cyrus got more engaged in the last year in really tracking these as they are posted.

This is one of my pimp shined guns.

That thing is slag-- Kindly send it to me for disposal.

I do get a little sad to think how that one looked when untouched, Sam.