Kar98a 1917 Erfurt

Shoebox_Actual

Shoebox_Actual

Member
Hello there gents, recently picked up this unique mostly matching Erfurt Kar98a that’s been a head scratcher for the last 2 days. Supposedly used by the Reichs finance ministry as presented in the butt stock stamps but I had a friend who was skeptical as the font is not correct to documented RFV KAR98k and sidearms. Not to mention the replacement of the original front rifle band and missing stacking rod with an Early Kar98k H band. It’s obvious that there has been a period rework but no markings associated with use in the Weimar Republic as far as I’m aware.
Any insights are appreciated. Would love to learn more about the niche history if y’all have it.
Thanks
 

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That's a very cool rifle. I believe I saw this very example at SOS a few years back when someone else was selling it. It was missing the front band and bayonet lug when I saw it. I think someone tried a homebrew replacement.

With some patience you can probably find a correct bayonet lug, stacking hook and front band. It's otherwise a great rifle with some cool history.
 
You might also have some luck tracking down a Polish stacking hook. Not correct, of course, but a good place holder and usually easier to find.

There's a guy on ebay selling what appears to be a repro one right now. He's out of Latvia but has decent seller history. I haven't bought from him myself but I've bought a few things out of E. Europe like that before. Two were fine, one never came and ebay made me whole.

 
chrisftk said:
That's a very cool rifle. I believe I saw this very example at SOS a few years back when someone else was selling it. It was missing the front band and bayonet lug when I saw it. I think someone tried a homebrew replacement.

With some patience you can probably find a correct bayonet lug, stacking hook and front band. It's otherwise a great rifle with some cool history.
Click to expand...
You would be very much correct. I recently did a trade with my buddy who got this at SOS in 2021. I suspected the barrel band was a replacement. I couldnt figure out if it was period or not lol. I was already contemplating restoring it to its original condition with a new band and stacking rod. I’m still curious in your opinion on the RFV stamp on the butt plate. The font is more reminiscent of imperial while examples of the stamp is completely different than shown here.
 
Shoebox_Actual said:
You would be very much correct. I recently did a trade with my buddy who got this at SOS in 2021. I suspected the barrel band was a replacement. I couldnt figure out if it was period or not lol. I was already contemplating restoring it to its original condition with a new band and stacking rod. I’m still curious in your opinion on the RFV stamp on the butt plate. The font is more reminiscent of imperial while examples of the stamp is completely different than shown here.
Click to expand...
I personally think the stamp is fine, probably just an earlier variant.

I may have some of the parts you need I will shoot you a PM.
 
chrisftk said:
I personally think the stamp is fine, probably just an earlier variant.

I may have some of the parts you need I will shoot you a PM.
Click to expand...
I agree the unit mark and overall trends are consistent (minus the front band issue). Below was a comment from Craig Brown, as close to gospel as it gets.


WaPrüf2
Gunboards Premium Member


USA
99 PostsPosted - 02/04/2004 : 3:29:47 PM


REV or RFV? If RFV = Reichs Finanz Verwaltung = (more or less) Treasury; covers everybody from bank guards thru customs and border guards. RFV (usually followed by number) found on pistols, rifles and bayonets
 
Shoebox_Actual said:
Hello there gents, recently picked up this unique mostly matching Erfurt Kar98a that’s been a head scratcher for the last 2 days. Supposedly used by the Reichs finance ministry as presented in the butt stock stamps but I had a friend who was skeptical as the font is not correct to documented RFV KAR98k and sidearms. Not to mention the replacement of the original front rifle band and missing stacking rod with an Early Kar98k H band. It’s obvious that there has been a period rework but no markings associated with use in the Weimar Republic as far as I’m aware.
Any insights are appreciated. Would love to learn more about the niche history if y’all have it.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Hi,
I have a 1915 Erfurt K98 it has all matching numbers it is in excellent condition, but the stock is "sportified"! I need an original stock with hardware. My father bought it from a local German "Fritz the Keiser" as my deer rifle! It is accurate, but the stock and lack of hardware is a problem. I have a Turk short rife, with a similar stock I could refit, possibly. Basically, I need the original type with hardware. I assume it is a scarce item.

RN
 
Strange that the carbine is not 1920 marked, anyway it could be hidden in depot and later reused to Custom/Zoll border guards, RFV means it was property of Ministry of Finances and their branches when exactly translated.
 
AndyB said:
Strange that the carbine is not 1920 marked, anyway it could be hidden in depot and later reused to Custom/Zoll border guards, RFV means it was property of Ministry of Finances and their branches when exactly translated.
Click to expand...
Good observation regarding the property marking, although trends on RFV are sparse, of the twelve trended all are property marked; still it is good imo, but the absence of the 1920 is unusual...
 
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