1924 PFK WARSZAWA Polish rifle

[tokarev38]

1924 PFK Warszawa. It started its life as a long rifle, then it was rearsenalled and shortened in Warsaw armory in 1934. Poles were producing their version of long K98 in 1923 and 1924 in Warsaw factory. In 1925 they changed conception, stopped making long rifles and started producing short K98s. Some long rifles were rearsenalled, shortened and modified during mid 30's in Warsaw Armory. Rectangular stamp on the stock butt indicates that. Only in 1936 they reconsidered that idea and started production of long K98a again in Radom this time.
This one is interesting as it was converted to wz29 trim, but has K98 type of bands. Butt swivel was also relocated. Later Germans did their own modifications. They replaced the follower (Polish followers allowed to close the bolt with empty magazine without depressing the follower), blued the bolt and numbered few parts. I believe that numbers on bolt handle, butt plate, stock and trigger group are Polish applied. Style and font looks similar like other Polish K98's and wz29s from early 30's. Small numbers on bands, bolt parts and follower are German applied. Interesting what you think about that opinion.
There were only 12,400 long K98 rifles produced in 1924 at Warsaw and about 20,000 total in 1923 and 1924. Not too many were converted since cost of that procedure was twice the cost of producing new wz29.

 

[tokarev38]

more photos

 

[tokarev38]

details of numbering

 

[tokarev38]

more details and internals

 

[tokarev38]

Stock internals and link to Polish forum showing pictures of other examples.

https://forum.odkrywca.pl/topic/707859-kbk-mauser-wz98-pfk---produkcja-w-1924-r/#comments

 

[Stan]

Very interesting rifle. Cant say I've seen one converted in such a way before. Thanks for posting!

 

[tokarev38]

With its brother that didn’t get modified

 

[tokarev38]

It seems like two sets of serialing stamps were used. One for metal action parts and separate for stock hardware.

 

[ersatz]

Would love to have those two.................. Great pieces ! ! ! !

 

[tokarev38]

I always thought that those long PFK Warszawa W98;rifles were only produced in 1923 and 1924 with 1923 being the year when production started in Warsaw factory. That was the common knowledge and what the sources said. Today I learned that 1922 dated examples also exist. Seeing is believing.

 

[heavy_mech]

Pretty neat to see the 2 variations side by side so to say. I've never seen one in person so these pictures are pretty informative. Thanks for sharing these!

 

[krukster86]

With its brother that didn’t get modified

Absolutely lovely example. As you already know, this is the “grail rifle” for Polish collectors. I am glad you are the caretaker of this one.

 

[krukster86]

I always thought that those long PFK Warszawa W98;rifles were only produced in 1923 and 1924 with 1923 being the year when production started in Warsaw factory. That was the common knowledge and what the sources said. Today I learned that 1922 dated examples also exist. Seeing is believing.

Very interesting. I also have never seen a 1922 example.

This would challenge the production numbers featured in the popularly shared table from the pamphlet by R. Matuszewski and I. Wojciechowski that I frequently see posted online.

 

[krukster86]

With its brother that didn’t get modified

Those stock stamps are mint and gorgeous! Thanks for sharing these. This is a very seldom photographed rifle, and a lot of the dated photos I’ve seen online are rather lacking.

 

[tokarev38]

I learned that this short one is actually from the early run of K98 production in PFK during 1924, not shortened W98. That would explain smaller diameter receiver. That is also contrary to common knowledge that K98 production in Warsaw started in 1925. W98 mark may be confusing, but examples exist with both markings W98 and K98. Another piece of information to Polish arms collecting.

 

[krukster86]

I learned that this short one is actually from the early run of K98 production in PFK during 1924, not shortened W98. That would explain smaller diameter receiver. That is also contrary to common knowledge that K98 production in Warsaw started in 1925. W98 mark may be confusing, but examples exist with both markings W98 and K98. Another piece of information to Polish arms collecting.

Very interesting…

 

[pwcosol]

Never saw the OP's initial post. However, in the latter 1980s I was at a Houston AstroHall collector show and crossed paths with Ken Harffman (if you have been around awhile, he was typically at the OGCA and other large events back in the day). He was carrying a Polish rifle and I asked to look at it. My recollection is it appeared to be some hybrid between a Kar98a & Wz29. Other than him mentioning it being a rare Polish rifle, that was about it as we both continued the hunt. Never saw anything like it again, but now I am pretty sure it was one of these conversions, because the turned down bolt and extended handguard retainer stuck in my mind ever since then...