1917-17 Spandau Sterngewehr Dresden (Saxon)

[Peter S]

I acquired this 1917 Sterngewehr a few months ago from a forum member. I finally got around to taking some pictures today. It is all matching and has never been molested.

 

[Peter S]

a few more pictures

 

[feldmütze]

Looks great, good pick-up.

 

[Peter S]

Looks great, good pick-up.

Thanks! I'm pretty sure you supplied the previous owner with the cleaning rod.

 

[Loewe]

An excellent rifle, far better condition than I originally thought, - better still the cleaning was perfect, it came out wonderful, better than one could expect. As said last year, this is a tough rifle to find this nice and this is probably as nice as i have seen, a wonderful example. Mine, 1917 Simson 3812 3 is also matching and original, though its condition is terrible, knucklehead marks, a stock burn etc.. which is more typical for a Dresden assembled sterngewehr.

I might add the barrel codes are near impossible to get on these, for the barrels Dresden used are marked forward of the RS, which is typical for DWM also, - it also means this is among a handful that I have recorded. These Dresden's are the nicest of the sterngewehrs made, actually challenge the arsenals in quality I think.

Very nice rifle, - below is the thread this rifle first showed up here on (note the improvement since, well done to the OP or Peter, or whomever did the cleaning):

http://www.k98kforum.com/showthread.php?18536

 

[Peter S]

Thanks! I was really pleased with how well the outside cleaned up. The previous owner took the hand guard off, but other than that, I don't think the rifle had been apart since the day it was built. The screws were flawless. All the inside surfaces, wood & metal, looked like they were made yesterday, well maybe not yesterday but you get my drift. I attached a couple more pictures...the proofs on the underside of the bolt...trigger guard...and the canvas sling that was on it.

 

[Warrior1354]

I remember this rifle loved it from the beginning. Can't believe it came with that canvas sling too. At the time I had no clue what those slings were worth. What really surprised me is how good the rifle looks now. It just goes too show you what a little pit of patience and TLC can do for you. Well done Peter.

 

[Loewe]

That sling is something all by itself, I have seen them sell for over $200 and they are damn difficult to find in any condition, needless to say in this slings state. Probably a $300 sling or more... you can tell by the leather ends this is a late war sling, not one of the 1915 expedients (which have no leather). It is even hard to find period pictures of these latewar slings.

 

[gew8805]

What a BEAUTY! Include the ersatz sling and the muzzle cover and you have quite the prize. Thanks for showing us.

 

[mauser1908]

Now that is a beauty!! Nice Siemens&Halske receiver.