Barrel lot codes

[Spikefrb]

Gentlemen

Trying to learn all that I can and am curious about barrel lot codes and their vintage/history.
My BNZ 43 is barrel coded Cr (pic).
Have searched the forum unsuccessfully for threads.
Direction or info is much appreciated.
Cheers
Spike

 

[AN-94]

Is there a bnz/1 shield marking on the barrel as well? If so, the cr should just be a lot code for the barrel blanks (lot codes started with double letters in late 1943, aa, ab, and so on). More pics of the rest of the barrel markings would be helpful.

 

[Spikefrb]

Is there a bnz/1 shield marking on the barrel as well? If so, the cr should just be a lot code for the barrel blanks (lot codes started with double letters in late 1943, aa, ab, and so on). More pics of the rest of the barrel markings would be helpful.

Thank you.
Here are the barrel marks.
To the right of Cr is 93881
Also Serial # 7638 is present.
And very few other marks as indicated by pics.
Spike

 

[Spikefrb]

Is there a bnz/1 shield marking on the barrel as well? If so, the cr should just be a lot code for the barrel blanks (lot codes started with double letters in late 1943, aa, ab, and so on). More pics of the rest of the barrel markings would be helpful.

Interesting that you say the barrel lot codes began in late '43. I read that barrel bands began being marked in late '43...mine has both barrel bands unmarked..
.which would indicate earlier?
Thanks again
Spike

 

[Spikefrb]

Is there a bnz/1 shield marking on the barrel as well? If so, the cr should just be a lot code for the barrel blanks (lot codes started with double letters in late 1943, aa, ab, and so on). More pics of the rest of the barrel markings would be helpful.

No BNZ shield. Also, only marks on entire receiver and trigger assembly are "BNZ 43" (large font) on the receiver ring, and "MOD 98" on the rail opposite the bolt handle.
There is a mark that looks to be a "p" on the bottom of the barrel at barrel connection to receiver.
Also...no import mark.
Spike

 

[Spikefrb]

Pic of barrel bottom mark and
Rear site on barrel bottom.
Spike

 

[Muncher 1953]

Interesting that you say the barrel lot codes began in late '43. I read that barrel bands began being marked in late '43...mine has both barrel bands unmarked..
.which would indicate earlier?
Thanks again
Spike

I don’t think that’s quite what AN-94 said; “two letter barrel codes started in ‘43”, before that, the barrel letter codes were single, but had been present since the beginning of production. Ditto for numbering bands, early in production at each different factory, bands were numbered, gradually numbering (of bands & other small parts) was stopped, the timing unique to each plant. I’m not a specialist in Steyr characteristics, but what I’ve written above is the general pattern observed across all K98k production. More numbering & inspection stamps early on, less later in the war.

 

[heavy_mech]

Some things I've noticed. Looks like the serial number is on the barrel and not on the receiver. No top final inspection. You already said your bands are unnumbered. I believe that's actually a 'ch', 5 digit steel lot and the dlv shield for an FN Herstal supplied barrel. Think this is from the SS contract.

Oh it was assembled in '44 explaining why your bands are unnumbered. The 44 in the barrel code is for the year it was finished.

I'm probably missing some other details, but it also looks like there's no acceptance on the receiver right, a further confirmation of a Gusen supplied SS contract piece.

 

[AN-94]

I thought the firm that finished the barrel blank was Deutsche Edelstahlwerke AG as indicated by the "dlv/1" inscribed in box or am I incorrect in that?

 

[heavy_mech]

OP, more details on the rifle? Fully matching? Care to share more photos?

 

[Spikefrb]

I don’t think that’s quite what AN-94 said; “two letter barrel codes started in ‘43”, before that, the barrel letter codes were single, but had been present since the beginning of production. Ditto for numbering bands, early in production at each different factory, bands were numbered, gradually numbering (of bands & other small parts) was stopped, the timing unique to each plant. I’m not a specialist in Steyr characteristics, but what I’ve written above is the general pattern observed across all K98k production. More numbering & inspection stamps early on, less later in the war.

Ahhh, got it. I misread/ interpreted that. Happening with more and more regularity at 71.
Thanks very much
Cheers
Spike

 

[Spikefrb]

I don’t think that’s quite what AN-94 said; “two letter barrel codes started in ‘43”, before that, the barrel letter codes were single, but had been present since the beginning of production. Ditto for numbering bands, early in production at each different factory, bands were numbered, gradually numbering (of bands & other small parts) was stopped, the timing unique to each plant. I’m not a specialist in Steyr characteristics, but what I’ve written above is the general pattern observed across all K98k production. More numbering & inspection stamps early on, less later in the war.

Thanks very much.
Learning more by the day thanks to the generosity of the experts here and their willingness to share their knowledge.
Cheers
Spike

 

[heavy_mech]

I thought the firm that finished the barrel blank was Deutsche Edelstahlwerke AG as indicated by the "dlv/1" inscribed in box or am I incorrect in that?

I think they provided the blank and FN finished it.

 

[Spikefrb]

Some things I've noticed. Looks like the serial number is on the barrel and not on the receiver. No top final inspection. You already said your bands are unnumbered. I believe that's actually a 'ch', 5 digit steel lot and the dlv shield for an FN Herstal supplied barrel. Think this is from the SS contract.

Oh it was assembled in '44 explaining why your bands are unnumbered. The 44 in the barrel code is for the year it was finished.

I'm probably missing some other details, but it also looks like there's no acceptance on the receiver right, a further confirmation of a Gusen supplied SS contract piece.

Correct:
Serial # moved from receiver to barrel.
No final acceptance anywhere to be found.
Bands, trigger and triggerguard unmarked.
Floorplate, rear sight base, barrel, stock, and handguard all serialized...and 100% matching.

Again, all is much appreciated.
Spike

 

[Spikefrb]

OP, more details on the rifle? Fully matching? Care to share more photos?

Absolutely. Here are a few more. Anything else you'd like to see let me know.
Your observations match those of others that have ID'd it as a Gusen-made SS contract, with a receiver made in '43, with barrel made in '44, and rifle assembled at that time.

 

[Spikefrb]

Also. No import mark or duffle cut. How in the world did it get here?

 

[heavy_mech]

Absolutely. Here are a few more. Anything else you'd like to see let me know.
Your observations match those of others that have ID'd it as a Gusen-made SS contract, with a receiver made in '43, with barrel made in '44, and rifle assembled at that time.

Thanks for the pics. Care to do the bolt?

So for clarity, the receiver (and later a variety of other parts) were made at Gusen, but the rifles were never assembled there. That would have been Steyr proper and then Molln early in '44.

 

[heavy_mech]

Also. No import mark or duffle cut. How in the world did it get here?

Pre '68 were not import marked and they sold lots of them really cheap. Also not all vet guns were duffle cut.

 

[Muncher 1953]

Ahhh, got it. I misread/ interpreted that. Happening with more and more regularity at 71.
Thanks very much
Cheers
Spike

don’t worry, you have lots of company on that score, right behind you!

 

[Spikefrb]

Thanks for the pics. Care to do the bolt?

So for clarity, the receiver (and later a variety of other parts) were made at Gusen, but the rifles were never assembled there. That would have been Steyr proper and then Molln early in '44.

Got it. I meant to say that the rifle was then assembled in '44...not infer that it was assembled "there"... at Gusen.
Now, for the 64K$ question... the bolt. I've been losing sleep over this.
When I bought this rifle the seller said: " I've got the bolt in a box somewhere around here, I'll find it for you"
He then left before Christmas and is returning this Friday.
The suspense is killing me.
If the bolt is matching this wonderful rifle will be 100% matching. If not...I may jump off of a bridge. Will update you with pics of bolt when received.
On a side note... whoever the goober was that thought it would be a great idea to refinish this stock should receive a lifetime ban from ever being allowed to purchase sandpaper.
Cheers
Spike

Pre '68 were not import marked and they sold lots of them really cheap. Also not all vet guns were duffle cut.

That 'splains it.