1918 a stamp identity?
- Thread starter Phantom Man
- Start date
The stamps on the right receiver were acceptance marks (the imperial counterpart to the WaA acceptance on k98k) The three pictured indicated receiver hardness, assembly and testing respectively.
The "B" stamp indicates Beech wood. As walnut supplies dwindled, other alternatives were employed as a test measure-- the known ones were "B" for Büche (or Beech), "R" for Rüster (or Elm), "A" for Ahorn (or Maple) Beech is the only one that is commonplace by wars end. Maple is quite rare and Elm was only widely seen on the 1918 Tankgewehr, though an example of an elm Gew98s exists. Other innovations, such as a two-piece stock were also used.
One small correction- it is a Kar98, or Kar98a -- the Kar98az is an anachronistic collector term that was only ever used to describe a specific trials model (the "a" and "z" were from the german terms for bayonet lug and stacking hook). Most have gravitated to the Kar98a nomenclature today. It was only ever the Kar98 in WW1 and the 98a term was devised in the interwar period to distinguish it from the Kar98b.
The "B" stamp indicates Beech wood. As walnut supplies dwindled, other alternatives were employed as a test measure-- the known ones were "B" for Büche (or Beech), "R" for Rüster (or Elm), "A" for Ahorn (or Maple) Beech is the only one that is commonplace by wars end. Maple is quite rare and Elm was only widely seen on the 1918 Tankgewehr, though an example of an elm Gew98s exists. Other innovations, such as a two-piece stock were also used.
One small correction- it is a Kar98, or Kar98a -- the Kar98az is an anachronistic collector term that was only ever used to describe a specific trials model (the "a" and "z" were from the german terms for bayonet lug and stacking hook). Most have gravitated to the Kar98a nomenclature today. It was only ever the Kar98 in WW1 and the 98a term was devised in the interwar period to distinguish it from the Kar98b.
Phantom Man
Junior Member
Thanks for the correction and all the information. I got the 'az' from the Ball book on military Mausers.
Happy to assist--
Yeah, unfortunately Ball used that term and it became widespread, as his book is a great beginner resource. Some may disagree with me, but I'm just not a fan of using the term.
Of course Chis is absolutely correct, - and Bob Ball was a fine fellow, met him at one of Hartford's shows Peter Kuck hosted, a WWII vet with some interesting stories, I suspect he is gone by now...
This RR is right for Erfurt/18 o-block through the very end (hh-block), though there is diversity in patterns, but are roughly consistent.
** using AZ (should be capitalized) is a sign of an old timer collector or a novice,, nothing wrong with either (and I have never been one for conformity, especially since 1993) but for once being "modern" or current is best, - go with Kar.98a or adopt a Jim Morrison avatar!
This RR is right for Erfurt/18 o-block through the very end (hh-block), though there is diversity in patterns, but are roughly consistent.
** using AZ (should be capitalized) is a sign of an old timer collector or a novice,, nothing wrong with either (and I have never been one for conformity, especially since 1993) but for once being "modern" or current is best, - go with Kar.98a or adopt a Jim Morrison avatar!
The "AZ" label has been repeated so often I don't think it will ever go away. I have the 3rd edition of Ludwig Olson's Mauser Bolt Rifles. In that book he generally refers to it as the 98a carbine. He also gives a specific date of Oct, 10, 1912 that the "AZ" designation was dropped, but gives no reference to the source of that specific info.