Curious about Authenticity and Price of 1915 Simson & Suhl Gewehr 98

[EMarkby]

Hello everyone! I'm new around here, but saw some posts on other forums recommending this forum.

I've recently come across an all-matching 1915 Simson & Suhl Gewehr 98 for $850 on a local forum. The seller claims the only part not matching is the handguard. I'm curious if this is a good deal or not -- from what I've seen on other posts, I would imagine so, but with how turbulent prices of all firearms have been over the past few years, it feels like any information more than a year old is outdated. I've included all the pictures the seller provided. Unfortunately, they aren't the best quality. I've messaged him, and if necessary I could request better images of specific areas, if that would be of help to you guys.

I would appreciate any advice you can give!

I just hope he hasn't already sold it...

Thanks again,
Ethan

Edit: I forgot to ask about the "f" marking seen next to the serial number on the side of the receiver. Also, are stocks and muzzle covers also serialized to match? I can't make out any numbers from the images he's posted. I'm also waiting to hear back on the bore's condition, and to confirm that the magazine floorplate's serial number also matches, as the bottom of the rifle isn't shown. Also, the serial number is 7394 for ease of viewing.

 

[biggymu]

1915 Simpson for 850 is a steal. I think you might get 3k for one. There are only a handful know

 

[EMarkby]

1915 Simpson for 850 is a steal. I think you might get 3k for one. There are only a handful know

Thank you for your input! I'll wait to collect a few more opinions, but I have to wait until morning for the guy to see my message anyway, so no worries.

Thanks again!

 

[biggymu]

Yes sir!

 

[Telperion]

Great piece! Beech stock for a 1915 dated one seems a bit early, though.

What a find! Grab it as fast as you can!!!

T

 

[biggymu]

Something’s fishy. I couldn’t see your photos this big last night for whatever reason. 1915 Dated Simson’s don’t number into the f block. It is believed that only a thousand or so were made. Simpson didn’t start production until late 1915. And as Telperion stated Beech stocks are out of place.I don’t know what we are looking at.
Let’s hear what others say before you rush him a payment.
German serial numbering was 1-9999, then 1-9999a and so on until your f block

 

[chrisftk]

I'm fairly certain this is a 16 Simson. The photo is just blurry. To the earlier point they did absolutely not reach F block in 1915 if you look really closely at the year it's actually a "6" Despite the wonky pics, it seems a no brainer deal, some condition issues aside.

Beech stocks first emerged in 1915. There are a few examples in our group of authentic 1915 beech. The Suhl Consortium was an early adopter of them. Cyrus has one on his 15 JPS.

 

[feldmütze]

German serial numbering was 1-9999, then 1-9999a and so on until your f block

The serial numbering was 1-10000, 1a-10000a, etc. The 1-9999 is a common misconception that just keeps going on....

 

[biggymu]

The serial numbering was 1-10000, 1a-10000, etc. The 1-9999 is a common misconception that just keeps going on....

My mistake and thank you for the clarification. I just knew there was something wrong for that serial for a 1915
Edit: it’s not unlike me to be a day late or a number short.

 

[chrisftk]

My mistake and thank you for the clarification. I just knew there was something wrong for that serial for a 1915

Your instincts were completely right Rick, the pics fooled me initially too. The SNs weren't boinked though so I looked closer at the date and viola!

 

[EMarkby]

Thank you all so very much for your help so far! I've asked the seller to send another picture to help clarify the year, though I haven't heard back yet.

Chris, you mentioned some condition issues. Is there anything that I should pay particular attention to? Obviously the metal condition is, well, 107 years old, but is there anything else to pay attention to?

Thanks again, guys.

 

[hale1940]

Thank you all so very much for your help so far! I've asked the seller to send another picture to help clarify the year, though I haven't heard back yet.

Chris, you mentioned some condition issues. Is there anything that I should pay particular attention to? Obviously the metal condition is, well, 107 years old, but is there anything else to pay attention to?

Thanks again, guys.

To me it looks like it was badly cleaned at some point. You cab see the abrasions on the metal.

 

[EMarkby]

Ach, that's unfortunate. Not to get ahead of myself, but is there way to "pretty it up" without losing value/ damaging the authenticity?

 

[PrayingMantis]

Unfortunately that’s exactly what someone tried to do, but you can’t really do that with Gews. Best you can do now is get it, oil it, and leave it be. Even with the cleaned receiver and sanded stock, it’s still a matching Simson which is pretty desirable.

Ach, that's unfortunate. Not to get ahead of myself, but is there way to "pretty it up" without losing value/ damaging the authenticity?

 

[EMarkby]

Unfortunately that’s exactly what someone tried to do, but you can’t really do that with Gews. Best you can do now is get it, oil it, and leave it be. Even with the cleaned receiver and sanded stock, it’s still a matching Simson which is pretty desirable.

That's what I feared, unfortunately.Thanks for the heads up!

 

[heavy_mech]

This comes up here a lot when someone asks about 'cleaning' a gun. Someone with steel wool or fine sandpaper can do the damage in 15 minutes and it's over. Sadly I'm sure it still happens to this day.

 

[EMarkby]

Hey y'all, I finally heard back from the seller. He's supposed to call me back in an hour to handle details and a few questions I have (bore condition, accessories), but he has sent me a few pictures. I'll throw them down for you guys to see. They do at least confirm that it's a 1916!

If there's anything you notice that's funky, or if there's any advice you guys want to throw my way before I go through with this, just send it my way!

 

[PrayingMantis]

Definitely someone tried to “improve” it at some point, but I think oil and bronze wool would help even out that metal. The abrasions are really too bad, but that will re-patina eventually and look a little better. I still think for the price it’s worth it though!

 

[chrisftk]

Yeah, I agree. Just poorly cleaned and sanded at one point. It's still worth having.

The price point is extremely Fair

 

[EMarkby]

Thanks for all your help my guys. I finally got ahold of the seller, and I'm second on his list. I think I'll go through with it if final inspection goes well. Even if I'm not able to buy it, the amount of information you guys have helped me with will surely help me in the future.