Here's another one for reference
A while back I found a nice K98 Action Cover and I was wondering how and why these were used?
Are they desirable?
My best guess is they were for the Africa campaign, to keep sand out of the rifles moving parts.
Well, as HM noted, they probably were for snow too if they came out of Norway. Not many deserts there. I've just never seen one in a period pic not connected with the desert OR a motorcyclist. I think they were intended for the latter, but it was found they were needed for general use in North Afrika. Nice one Can.AR