Gewehr 98 Help Identifying

[pmboxing]

Recently purchased a Gewehr 98, Mauser Oberndorf 1915. Everything appears to be correct with this rifle, however, I am questioning the bolt handle.

Bolt handle is turned down, blued, with no recess cut into the stock. The bolt handle has a matching serial number with the rest of the gun. I saw in another thread this was done post-war along with a more flat rear site (G98M?), yet this example still has the rollercoaster sight unlike other G98Ms.

Serial number on the blued bolt matches the rest of the gun as well.

If anyone could help me identify what I have here, thatd be greatly appreciated. If the bolt handle was changed post-war, is the remainder of the rifle still original? Are all pieces that currently have matching serial numbers original to one another? Or did they force match? Are all parts original to one another and stand as they were during WW1?

I would also like assistance with the regimental markings on the muzzle cover (this could have been paired with the rifle at any moment, but would still like assistance in identifying the marks).

Thank you!

 

[pmboxing]

More pics

 

[gunnertwo]

The FW stock markings refer to Friedrich Wilhelm. I’ll dig out my book on the ‘98 and look for the others.

G2

 

[Telperion]

Pix of the serial number of the gun and the bolt could be helpful.

Cool unit marking, btw!

T

 

[MichaelWC]

Looks like a standard Gew 98 to me just with a bent bolt. I don't see any post war modifications or changes. Somebody probably bent the bolt sometime throughout the rifle's history. The only Gew 98's with bent bolt would be the Schutztruppegewehr, Sniper rifles and the Radfahrer. Post war you had the K98b. The K98b was like a Gew98M but with a different nomenclature.

 

[chrisftk]

What a nice rifle!

This is marked to a Pioneer (Engineer) unit of the 19th Armee Korps.

As pointed out above, someone unfortunately bent the bolt. It certainly not the end of the world. And if you find The right, talented individual it could most certainly be straightened. The bolt is not blued, but rather in the white as it should be, albeit with a heavy patina. Other than straightening it out, which is entirely optional, you shouldn't do anything other than a simple oil and brass wool cleaning (no sandpaper, steel wool, etc!!!!!) It is a time capsule.

Word to the wise to. Straightening the bolt is something that should only be undertaken by someone skilled in such matters. I am sure someone in the forum can point you in the right direction.

Thank you for sharing.

 

[pmboxing]

The FW stock markings refer to Friedrich Wilhelm. I’ll dig out my book on the ‘98 and look for the others.

G2

Thanks for your assistance!

 

[pmboxing]

The FW stock markings refer to Friedrich Wilhelm. I’ll dig out my book on the ‘98 and look for the others.

G2

What a nice rifle!

This is marked to a Pioneer (Engineer) unit of the 19th Armee Korps.

As pointed out above, someone unfortunately bent the bolt. It certainly not the end of the world. And if you find The right, talented individual it could most certainly be straightened. The bolt is not blued, but rather in the white as it should be, albeit with a heavy patina. Other than straightening it out, which is entirely optional, you shouldn't do anything other than a simple oil and brass wool cleaning (no sandpaper, steel wool, etc!!!!!) It is a time capsule.

Word to the wise to. Straightening the bolt is something that should only be undertaken by someone skilled in such matters. I am sure someone in the forum can point you in the right direction.

Thank you for sharing.

Thanks so much for the assistance! I am adding more photos of serial numbers as asked by someone previously.

 

[pmboxing]

Pix of the serial number of the gun and the bolt could be helpful.

Cool unit marking, btw!

T

Adding some serial number pics now! Unfortunately there is no unit marking directly on the gun, but on the muzzle cap that came paired.

 

[pmboxing]

The buttplate has matching numbers, albeit very faint. It does have “4M”, wondering what that is?

One thing that seems to confuse me is that the receive serial numbers have a “2” that has a flat/less pronounced end, and the other numbers on the gun that have “29” corresponding have a 2 that ends at a right angle.

 

[PrayingMantis]

The 4 M on the buttplate denotes it went through a depot during the war. 4 is for the depot at Köln, and M would be the armorer which did the work.
The 2s look consistent for WMO. I see what you mean about the slight different, but it’s most likely simply the stamps used. Plus the acceptance are all correct. You’ll sometimes see a big different in font between makers though, like Amberg and it’s wavy 2s.

 

[pmboxing]

The 4 M on the buttplate denotes it went through a depot during the war. 4 is for the depot at Köln, and M would be the armorer which did the work.
The 2s look consistent for WMO. I see what you mean about the slight different, but it’s most likely simply the stamps used. Plus the acceptance are all correct. You’ll sometimes see a big different in font between makers though, like Amberg and it’s wavy 2s.

Thank you! So would this rifle be considered original and with all the same parts that were together through WW1? Or did the depot force-match?

 

[PrayingMantis]

Good question! Every number looks original to me, so it’s hard to say exactly why it went through a depot. I’ve heard trigger work was common, so if there are no renumbered parts and if the barrel isn’t counterbored, that’s a possibility.

 

[hale1940]

I’m glad you showed up here! The more detailed photos really make it clear its a solid rifle. Great find.

And look how much you were able to learn about it in just one post!

 

[Fal Grunt]

To me the bolt is a typical post war rework. It is possible? That it was bent then? Highly unlikely since no other modifications were made? Just thinking aloud.

 

[pmboxing]

I’m glad you showed up here! The more detailed photos really make it clear its a solid rifle. Great find.

And look how much you were able to learn about it in just one post!

Appreciate the recommendation to join and all your help in the process!

 

[Loewe]

The bolt acceptance is right for mfg and range though this bend is not period. Stock is also right for maker and range...

 

[pmboxing]

The bolt acceptance is right for mfg and range though this bend is not period. Stock is also right for maker and range...

Thank you! Taking it to the range today; will be sending video/pictures of it in action.

 

[Amberg]

The K98b was like a Gew98M but with a different nomenclature.

Sorry, but I have to disagree!
A K98b is nothing more or less than a postwar manufactured Radfahrergewehr with a new designation. It has nothing to do with a G98M

 

[MichaelWC]

Sorry, but I have to disagree!
A K98b is nothing more or less than a postwar manufactured Radfahrergewehr with a new designation. It has nothing to do with a G98M

Nothing wrong with disagreeing. I noticed my mistake after you said it. So thank you.