They are difficult to find in nice condition, probably harder than Simson/17, though both are the toughest of 1917 to find.
Pieper doesn't show up in actual Spandau production at all. At least I have never encountered one... S&H only show up in the later stages of production, actually the last two blocks known. Which reminds me, when i said k-block last known, that is confirmed, there are others reported, but as Danzig probably assembled (survive) in just as large numbers and are thoroughly scattered, they are probably Danzig's, though impossible to say from just reports.)
Most S&H and Pieper's known are sterngewehrs, S&H make up almost all the Hannover jobs, I think I have discovered a couple exceptions, but almost all are S&H.
I agree the bolt is C/B, after checking my trends sheet this morning, the few known (shown) are C/B in 1917 and most of 1916. I would have to check Mauser trends on the Pieper, but I am sure you are right. It is clear Pieper and S&H were late to get into production and didn't make the cut for actual Spandau assembly. Of course Pieper and especially S&H were heavily involved in arms production, so they probably encounter some difficulties getting up and running with receivers.
A very nice and elusive rifle, thanks for the extra data!
Thanks for the information, Paul. Knew they were rare but didn't know how rare. I've only seen two others for sale, and one horribly cleaned, so I was very glad to get this one. That's interesting about the receivers. Did many Pieper or S&H receivers end up in Spandau production? Or did they mostly end up at Hannover or elsewhere? The only Pieper recorder I know of is in a WMO assembled 1917.
Here is a shot of the bolt flat after some oil and a little steel wool. It looks like a c/B perhaps? The mix of acceptance is cool on this one, just wish that some of the stamps were stronger.
