Gewehr 98 DWM 1904 399

[PrayingMantis]

Most recent find, an early 1904 DWM marked to the 122nd Reserve Infantry. There have been a couple other ‘04 DWMs documented that are marked to Wurttemberg regiments, it’s interesting seeing a trend develop. This one is quite early, 399, and features typical early DWM acceptance throughout. The stock has unfortunately been messed with, there are deep scratches from steel wool or a wire brush, however the metal is untouched. I suspect it was a wall hanger, perhaps in a VFW or legion hall, because the metal has developed a dark toning that comes from smoke.
The bolt is interesting. It has been depot renumbered. There is a lined out 2 above the original number. Below is 389. I think there is a chance it is a legit depot mistake, since the bolt has obviously been with the rifle for a long time.

 

[PrayingMantis]

Barrel and sights.

 

[PrayingMantis]

Magazine assembly, screw, and bands.

 

[PrayingMantis]

Stock metal.

 

[PrayingMantis]

Stock.

 

[PrayingMantis]

And finally the bolt.

 

[chrisftk]

Nice one Cyrus. We are really confirming the XIII Armee Korps got an allotment from DWM in 1904. Looks like this was the year that the reserves were armed.. all the examples I can recall are 122nd or 123rd reserve. My 1902 WMO is 122nd infantry, so definitely allotted the regulars first. The earlier ones came from Mauser but the change in 04 may have been due to the fact that Mauser would have had the 1903 Ottoman and other contracts going on at the time. Just a flat guess.

It's a great rifle on its own merits. I do think it's plausible it was a depot screw up. The clincher in my opinion is how close the patina matches they've clearly been together very long time.