gew 98 simson & Co Suhl 1915

[jk111]

I picked up a Gew 98 this past weekend at a show . Simson & Co Suhl 1915. It came with an action cover is it real?

 

[Warrior1354]

Pretty damn rare Gewehr first production year for the Simson firm. Stock is not original so I guarantee this rifle probably passed through a depot in its life. Reason being the bolt take down was not being used until about 1917. Markings on the butt plate would confirm that. Still a very nice rifle and yes the action cover does look real I would still like to see more pictures of the rifle when you get time thank you for sharing.

I also hope the price was fair for you as well.

 

[PrayingMantis]

You should post the rest of the photos you showed in that group. It looked like the stock was made by WMO, with a c/G, and I didn’t see any depot stamps. This would lead one to believe it’s a restoration. Is the bolt matching? Can you do photos of the left and right sides of the receiver?
Either way it is a rare rifle and an attractively toned receiver. Not being factory matching or period rework matching significantly hurts value, but it is always good to see a 1915 Simson.

 

[Loewe]

Regarding the action cover, most if not all I have seen in period photos (and the very few survivors) are canvas or similar type material. Probable low survival rate, only a couple have been displayed on the forums, these leather ones are almost always export or foreign made, the stamp only adds to that conclusion.

Here is a pretty neat picture of them in use.

 

[jk111]

 

[PrayingMantis]

Thanks. Still doesn’t address how matching it is though.

 

[PrayingMantis]

Regarding the action cover, most if not all I have seen in period photos (and the very few survivors) are canvas or similar type material. Probable low survival rate, only a couple have been displayed on the forums, these leather ones are almost always export or foreign made, the stamp only adds to that conclusion.

Here is a pretty neat picture of them in use.

Great photo, Paul. Is there anything on the back identifying who/what these guys are? Looks like they have specialists jackets.

 

[jk111]

 

[jk111]

more pics. bolt does not match. same patina though.

 

[PrayingMantis]

Appreciate the additional photos. With the matching band and trigger guard I’m leaning strongly towards restoration; bet it was a straight bolt mismatch with a duffle cut stock someone replaced rather than repaired. Shame, would have been quite valuable with a matched stock, but still a cool find. And the photos of the acceptance stamps on the matching parts are very helpful, thank you.
Is something scratched on the floorplate? looks like deliberate letters but I can’t decipher it.

 

[jk111]

Appreciate the additional photos. With the matching band and trigger guard I’m leaning strongly towards restoration; bet it was a straight bolt mismatch with a duffle cut stock someone replaced rather than repaired. Shame, would have been quite valuable with a matched stock, but still a cool find. And the photos of the acceptance stamps on the matching parts are very helpful, thank you.
Is something scratched on the floorplate? looks like deliberate letters but I can’t decipher it.

yes a 9 digit numbering in 3 parts.

 

[mauser1908]

yes a 9 digit numbering in 3 parts.

What?

 

[Warrior1354]

What?

Almost sounds like a social security number

 

[GEM]

Almost sounds like a social security number

Looks like a US Army sevice number. May be able to research to an individual.

 

[Loewe]

I have 524 on file, from January 2013, no text saved, but looks like the same rifle but different stock. Looks like the buttplate matched back then? Hard to read clearly, but different stock & BP for sure.

 

[Loewe]

Great photo, Paul. Is there anything on the back identifying who/what these guys are? Looks like they have specialists jackets.

Back is not marked or attributed, attached some close-ups