Third Party Press

Looking for feedback on a 1934 Banner Mauser

pwt32

Junior Member
Gentleman - I was hoping to get some feedback on a rifle my father labeled as a 1934 Banner 98K on the box. I used the 168 picture review of a Banner 1934 Mauser (Mfg by MauserWerke AG) you can link to from this forum as a comparison to mine. I noted the differences when I found them. I am not sure this is the real thing. This rifle has sat in my parents attic in a box for over 30+ years untouched. My father listed the serial number on the box as 89973, but I have looked at the numbers on the receiver and barrel and I am pretty sure its starts with a "6" so the serial would be 69973.

1934 "Banner" Mauser Serial # B69973
I am assuming the mfg is MauserWerke AG, Oberndorf a/N but the mfg is not on the side of the receiver like the sample pictures. Maybe I am wrong?! Either way it would be good to know. I read there were only 2 manufacturers in 1934.

Here is a breakdown of the main features based on the photo survey:
- No serial numbers or other markings on front sight, or cleaning rod.
- I do not have a muzzle cover
- No serial numbers or other markings on upper barrel band. Upper barrel band is held in-place by straight through roll pin.
- grasping hand grooves on stock.
- No serial numbers or other markings on upper or lower barrel bands.
- DIFFERENCE - unlike the sample model my rifle has a front sling loop on the bottom (not the side).
- Rear sight. I could not find a serial # on rear sight base. (No other markings)
- Mauser "Banner" Logo on top of receiver
- DIFFERENCE Date of manufacture (1934) not on receiver. I am relying solely on my fathers notes if this is a 1934 date of manufacture.
- Matching full Serial # B69973 on left side of receiver and barrel.
- Crown "B" = single definitive proof with blackpowder proof charge.
Crown "U" = inspection after proof.
Crown "G" = indicates firearm firing a bullet.
Crown "N" = indicates proofed using smokeless/nitro powder.
- Where the Mfg is located on the sample pictures (MauserWerke AG), my rifle says Standard Model
- Hole in front of trigger guard for old Gew98 type sling hook-up.
- Serial # xxx73 on bolt release catch.
- Serial # xxx73 on cocking piece
- Take down disc unmarked.
- Butt plate unmarked.
- No serial numbers or other markings on front sight, or cleaning rod
- Serial # x9973, Crown "B" and Crown "U" on bolt flat and # xxx73 on all other bolt components
- Serial # xxx73 on safety and bolt release catch
- No markings on top rear of butt
- Serial # 69973 on trigger guard and # xxx73 on floorplate
- No markings on rear underside of butt
- Note method of retaining lower barrel band, which pre-dates finalized approach used on standard K98k rifles
- No markings on right side of receiver
- DIFFERENCE - Rear sling does not go through the stock like a 10 hole sling. Instead it has an extended metal piece with a ring for the sling that matches the underside front sling holder. It is held in place with 2 screws and does not have any markings.

At this point the rifle in the sample photos is broken down for the remaining pictures but I am not confident enough to disassemble this rifle. Hoping to get some feedback on what I am showing now. I am relying on my fathers notes for a date of manufacture but the serial number seems to be inline with some of the serial numbers listed on this site for 1934 manufacture. I do not have the sling for it.

Hoping to get as much information about this gun as I can. Thanks for any feedback - good or bad.
 

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Some more pictures

Some additional pictures including the bolt and markings
 

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Your very nice rifle does not match up to the pictures of the Mauser Banner Modell, because it is not one. It is a Mauser Standard Modell, a similiar but separate model that went into production in 1931 for export sales. Later some examples were sold internally in Germany, but export was the primary purpose. The Mauser Banner modell by contrast was intended for internal use.

Although Standard Modell production began in 1931 and lasted in limited numbers until 1940 or so, your example was not made in 1934. By serial number I would estimate it was made in late 1937. If you remove the action from the stock, they will probably be a barrel date on the barrel between the end of the rear sight and where the barrel screws into the receiver. While the Mauser Banner modell was always numbered on the top of the receiver, the Standard Modells were only numbered in 1933 and 34 to my knowledge. The very early ones and the ones made after 1934 did not bear external dates.
 
Standard-Modell lottery jackpot

Well my friend, your dad hit the jackpot with this rifle.
While being a exceptional Standard-Modell in its own right, the rifle was also inspected or accepted
by Japanese technical authorities.

It is likely that this rifle was captured by US Naval or Marine personnel when we occupied the
area around the facility where these weapons were stored.

Was your father a vet? Hopefully there is more to the story!

To date there have been only a handful of rifles marked in this manner. Way cool!
 
First off - thanks for the info! You guys have a wealth of knowledge.

My father was in the marines but was stationed in Cuba. I don't know where he acquired it. Several of my cousins served in the Pacific theater during WWII and he may have gotten it from one of them. I don't know. Unfortunately there is no one I can ask now.

What marking identifies it as Japanese technical authorities inspected?

Thanks,

Paul
 
Japanese technical acceptance stamp

Paul, the TAS is marked just behind the rear sling swivel.

Its a small Kanji character.

B.
 
Maybe the Japanese connection explains the excellent condition. I know a lot of the vet bring back VZ24's that were taken from Japanese depots were also in nearly unissued condition as well. Great looking rifle!
 
Japanese Standard Modell

I would wager that most of the mint Standard-Modells in the mid-65K to low 70ks serial ranges were actually Pacific theater
bringbacks, regardless of having any technical acceptance stamp.

Just need one of the unmarked ones to have some provenance back to Japan.

May happen one day!
 

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