1939 Code 42 Mauser K98 WWII German rifle K 98 (Up For Review)

[PatickD]

Hello everyone,

New member, but long time collector, primarily with U.S. WWII arms. I've been wanting to add a k98 to my collection for a long time. Did my time, bought books and references. Handled, and took apart quite a few k98's. I believe I've done all my homework, just would like second opinions as it may be a first purchase.

Criteria for a k98 to be in my collection:

Original (duh lol)

Has to be pre-1940

All matching

Walnut stock

Ok, with actual field wear (blu loss, dings, nicks)

Basically one that is 100% original and early war.

I've always watched Empire Arms, Legacy Collectibles, Simpsons, Pre -98. Even with these well known and well regarded dealers, mistakes happen. I've seen one too many humped k98's from Pre-98.

1939 Mauser 42. Everything looks perfect to me. The receiver looks like it may a have a slight double stamp? Late block X, most WA are 655 a few are 63. I'll add a boat load of photos to this post (future reference).

Just would like some second opinions on how this k98 looks please.

Thanks for everyone's time and thoughts.

 

[PatickD]

Second group of photos.

 

[PatickD]

Third set of photos

 

[PatickD]

Fourth set of photos. There are more too on the actual listing.

 

[Zeppelin5000]

Way overpriced imo...

 

[PatickD]

Way overpriced imo...

Maybe? 3K is about average for all the ones I've seen that are matching and pre-war. I would agree 3.1k is too much though.

 

[Zeppelin5000]

Maybe? 3K is about average for all the ones I've seen that are matching and pre-war. I would agree 3.1k is too much though.

That seems like a high average itself. I'd say it's about $1,000 overpriced. I can see it being closer to the $2,000 range, maybe at least a couple hundred more.

Have you tried the trader section here? Gunbroker dealers are always in the business of ramping prices up....

 

[PatickD]

That seems like a high average itself. I'd say it's about $1,000 overpriced. I can see it being closer to the $2,000 range, maybe at least a couple hundred more.

Have you tried the trader section here? Gunbroker dealers are always in the business of ramping prices up....

Not yet. Looks like I need to post some more, to access the trader section.

 

[Zeppelin5000]

Not yet. Looks like I need to post some more, to access the trader section.

Shouldn't be much more now. Give it a shot ;-)

 

[mauser99]

yes, you must post at least ten times I think to get access to the trader. Most of the 98's listed from that seller are overpriced there is another guy on there who states will take offers. These people are playing the market chumming the site and hoping for a bite. The trader here does turn up nice stuff but it sells very quickly if priced reasonable.. 42/39's in collector grade shape seem to have dried up there are those who say they are super common I know a guy who's been looking for one in his condition for years..

Hard to say how long you will have to wait for one that everyone agrees is in collector grade shape and is priced to their liking.. Dare I say never...

 

[PatickD]

yes, you must post at least ten times I think to get access to the trader. Most of the 98's listed from that seller are overpriced there is another guy on there who states will take offers. These people are playing the market chumming the site and hoping for a bite. The trader here does turn up nice stuff but it sells very quickly if priced reasonable.. 42/39's in collector grade shape seem to have dried up there are those who say they are super common I know a guy who's been looking for one in his condition for years..

Hard to say how long you will have to wait for one that everyone agrees is in collector grade shape and is priced to their liking.. Dare I say never...

No problem waiting. This one just caught my eye since it had everything I was looking for. For my knowledge and reference this k98 on GB looks good though? I can't find a fault with it. It also didn't sell the first(?) time he listed it. It was re-listed and price was dropped... He may be sitting on it for a while possibly..

 

[PatickD]

yes, you must post at least ten times I think to get access to the trader. Most of the 98's listed from that seller are overpriced there is another guy on there who states will take offers. These people are playing the market chumming the site and hoping for a bite. The trader here does turn up nice stuff but it sells very quickly if priced reasonable.. 42/39's in collector grade shape seem to have dried up there are those who say they are super common I know a guy who's been looking for one in his condition for years..

Hard to say how long you will have to wait for one that everyone agrees is in collector grade shape and is priced to their liking.. Dare I say never...

You are also 100% correct about price, it's what someone is willing to pay. Of course, to be smart with money is smart. So no reason to overpay. Interesting enough, from every source I follow, 3k for a matching correct k98 seems to be the norm. Will be interesting to see the trader on here.

Also another masshole! Pleasure

 

[PatickD]

Shouldn't be much more now. Give it a shot ;-)

#9 test! Test, test

 

[mauser99]

You are also 100% correct about price, it's what someone is willing to pay. Of course, to be smart with money is smart. So no reason to overpay. Interesting enough, from every source I follow, 3k for a matching correct k98 seems to be the norm. Will be interesting to see the trader on here.

Also another masshole! Pleasure

That's why asking a question like that will always get you mixed results. Plus the old hats out there bark at the prices being paid while they sit on there collections bought and paid for 30 years ago. One would think they would be happy there stuff is worth what it is.

I tend to agree a nice 39/42 should trade in that price range. The one you asked about is overpriced IMHO as others have said but you may have to wait a long time to find what you want at a price we are all happy with..

 

[Bob in OHIO]

A couple of things to consider.... (IMO)

1. Do you want to purchase a $3K rifle to start the collection? Maybe there's a smaller first step...

2. Of course, higher condition, results in a higher price.... which are less commonly available. There's a bigger jump in value from 95% to 98%, than from 92% to 95%.

3. Yes, good/great guns are in the $2, 3, and 4K and above range... Here are pics of one I sold (42 1939), that was then resold for about $5K....

4. If you ask, so where are the really exceptional guns .... deep in collections

 

[PatickD]

That's why asking a question like that will always get you mixed results. Plus the old hats out there bark at the prices being paid while they sit on there collections bought and paid for 30 years ago. One would think they would be happy there stuff is worth what it is.

I tend to agree a nice 39/42 should trade in that price range. The one you asked about is overpriced IMHO as others have said but you may have to wait a long time to find what you want at a price we are all happy with..

True, true. I am in my late-ish 20's. I was fortunate enough to work at an FFL for like 10 years. So I always snagged things when they came in. Not once a "collector" grade k98 came in. Russian capture's, Bolt MM, sporters & (gross) Mitchells and other junk. So the hole in the collection has been there for a while.

 

[PatickD]

A couple of things to consider.... (IMO)

1. Do you want to purchase a $3K rifle to start the collection? Maybe there's a smaller first step...

2. Of course, higher condition, results in a higher price.... which are less commonly available. There's a bigger jump in value from 95% to 98%, than from 92% to 95%.

3. Yes, good/great guns are in the $2, 3, and 4K and above range... Here are pics of one I sold (42 1939), that was then resold for about $5K....

4. If you ask, so where are the really exceptional guns .... deep in collections

Really not looking to start a collection actually. Just looking for one correct k98 to put away for the long haul. I actually pretty much stopped collecting years ago. I am missing a k98 spot, and the interest has peaked again to fill that missing hole.

 

[mauser99]

Really not looking to start a collection actually. Just looking for one correct k98 to put away for the long haul. I actually pretty much stopped collecting years ago. I am missing a k98 spot, and the interest has peaked again to fill that missing hole.

your young be patient ...but, being young you lack that now.. That comes with age..LOL You have a long time to find what you want.. Not the best thing to hear when you want what you want now..

I have paid up for many things only to find the same item cheaper a short time later.. Not sure why that keeps happening ??? But, I have learned it does pay sometime to pay up for top quality.

Plus if you want just one buy the best you can afford they are only going up as far as I can see...........

 

[PatickD]

your young be patient ...but, being young you lack that now.. That comes with age..LOL You have a long time to find what you want.. Not the best thing to hear when you want what you want now..

I have paid up for many things only to find the same item cheaper a short time later.. Not sure why that keeps happening ??? But, I have learned it does pay sometime to pay up for top quality.

Plus if you want just one buy the best you can afford they are only going up as far as I can see...........

I'll kick around for a bit and wait. Appreciate the advise. I'll watch the trader section too.

 

[PatickD]

I messaged the seller. Definitely motivated to sell. I may be able to get this at a decent price ($$ being subjective). So one last final question, does the rifle actually look legit?