MichaelWC
Senior Member
I made this list mostly for fun and because I keep track of the ones used by Schutztruppe. I took the list that is in Ball, R. (2011). Mauser Military Rifles of the World (5th ed.). I have added to that list. Of ones I have found over the years.
I know there's probably more. If you have one and would like to add it. You may. It would be much appreciated. Like I said I'm doing this for fun. Photos below are of ones I have seen in historical photographs and I have documented. I hope you enjoy.
With the German Army adopting the Mauser designed Gewehr 1898 in April, 1898, is well known. Also in 1898-1902 two different carbines models appeared. The M98 cavalry known as the Kav.Kar.98 and the M98 artillery carbine also known as the Art.Kar.98. These two carbines replaced the M88 carbine and M91 rifle.
With the world watching the second Boer War, in which mounted Infantry played a key rule in the war. This may have encouraged the ideas to issue a carbine with a attachable bayonet to the cavalry. This carbine design is now known as the Kar.98 1st variant was introduced in Prussia by an Imperial Cabinet Order of the 6th of February 1902 and would be manufactured till 1905.
In October 1903 the Ministry oreder MG detachment to be equipped with a new pattern of carbine. This model would become known as Kar.98 2nd model and also would be manufactured till 1905. However the new carbines for S rounds evinced such great flaws that the Prussian War Ministry ordered the their production to be discontinued as early as January 1905. According to the numbers ascertained by Heinz Lehner, more than 20,000 short carbines were constructed and at least 16,000 of them standard carbines adapted for the S ammunition.
These carbines can be seen in arms museums and private collections.On the other hand, early military Model 98 carbines are generally unknown. The reason is that only a small number was manufactured, from 1898-1905, and most of them went to the Kaiserliche Schutztruppe in Africa and the Deutsches Ostasiatische Expeditionskorps. When Germany lost Great War in 1918 those arms remained in Africa, and only a few have survived to this very day.
Known surviving Kav.Kar.98, Art.Kar.98 and Kar.98 1st variant and 2nd model.
Mfgr/Year/Serial Number/Barrel or side rail/Unit markings/Source or description of carbine.
1898
1898/Spandau/0002/C.7,9 Z.O.15. D.24
C= Caliber / 7.9= 7.9 millimeter (bore) /Z=Depth of grooves (Zugtiefe)
0.15= 0.15 millimeter / D= Length of twist (Dra11-Lange-length of barrel for one turn of rifling) / 24= 24 centimeter (Drall-Lange). It probably should read 240, but the ‘0” is covered by the rear sight; the Drall-Lange is normally given in millimeters (24 centimeters equals 240 millimeters).
M.F.D.G Berlin
1900
1900/Erfurt/0032/Kav.Kar.98/M.F.D.G Berlin
1900/Erfurt/0158/Art.Kar.98/ Private collection
1900/Erfurt/0202/Art.Kar.98 "A"/Private collection
1900/Erfurt/238/Kav.Kar.98/? (No stack rod or bayonet mount - Kav. carbine)
1900/Erfurt/382/Art.Kar.98/? (With stack rod - Art. carbine.)
1900/Erfurt/896/Kav.Kar 98/? (Note: Stock has many ordnance stamps and is marked “GIBEON” an outpost manned by the German Schutztruppe in Southwest Africa. Kav.Kar.98 carbine.
1900/Erfurt/932/Art.Kar.98/? (With stack rod - Art. Carbine.)
1900/Erfurt/933/Art.Kar.98/O.F.A. 1.21/Private collection
1900/Erfurt/947/Art.Kar.98/?(With Stack Rod)
1900/Erfurt/1039/Kav.Kar 98/? (with bayonet mount - Kav. carbine)
1901
1901/Erfurt/1645/F.P.3.72 (Fahrpark-Kolonne Nr,3, Waffe Nr.72), indicates this carbine could have seen service with the Kaiserliche Schutztruppe in South-West Africa against the Hereros and Hottentotten, when they rebelled against the German Colonial Troops. First pattern of carbine.
1901/Erfurt/1668/Kav.Kar.98/B. Musgrave, South Africa
1901/Erfurt/2170/Art.Kar.98/ B.A.M.,Ingolstadt
1901/Erfurt/2043/Kav.Kar.98/"Ortspolizeibehorde Gibeon 899”, and F.T.A 50 on the butt disc.
(Note: This carbine is marked Kav. Kar 98 on the side rail. C. Amm collection.
1901/Erfurt/2499/Art.Kar.98/?(Marked with the number 76 on the butt marking disc : probably a trials issue weapon number.)
1903
1903/Erfurt/0001/98 M.F.D.G Berlin
1903/Erfurt/0794/98/Enfield Lock, Pattern Rm.
1903/Erfurt/0819/98 M.G.A. 10.41. Imperial War Mus. London
1903/Erfurt/0862/98 M.G.A. 12.14. Imperial War Mus. London
1903/Erfurt/0905/98 M.G.A. 13.44. Private collection
1903/Erfurt/0819/Kar.98 M.G.A. 12.35. Imperial War Mus. London (note: this carbine is also in Dr. Dieter Storz. Rifle & Carabine 98 M98 Firearms of the German Army from 1898 to 1918)
1903/Erfurt/1106/Kar.98 E.J. IV.8. Private collection. This Kar.98 is a Kar.98 1st variant.
1903/Erfurt/1145/Kar98/School of Infantry Warminster, England
1903/Erfurt/1221/Kar98/Imperial War Mus. London
1903/Erfurt/1226/Kar98/M.G.A./12. 69 (sold at RIA on April 24th 2015)
1903/Erfurt/1498/Kar98/E.J.IV.37 (This carbine is a Kar.98 1st variant.) In a private collection.
1904
1904/Erfurt/0554/Kar.98/M.F.D.G Berlin
1904/Erfurt/555/Kar.98/M.F.D.G Berlin
1904/Erfurt/596/ M1473M” in the wood. (In C. Amm collection.) Kar.98 2nd model of carbine.
1904/Erfurt/855/Kar.98 (the action of this carbine is in a reproduction stock. Carbine is a Kar.98 2nd model. This carbine has been rechambered to 7x57mm. This carbine is part of C.Clemons collection.
1904/Erfurt/940/Kar.98 (Overall good condition and all matching except for cleaning rod, bore is dark with strong rifling visible. Stock does show usage and handling wear with cartouches present. It is known that German did send some of these rifles to Mexico and rechambered to 7x57mm during WWI to stir up problems on the border with the U.S.)
1904/Erfurt/1637/Kar.98/? (carbine is a Kar.98 2nd model.)
1904/Erfurt/1834/Kar.98/B.A.M., Ingolstadt
1904/Erfurt/1941/Kar.98/M.F.D.G Berlin
1904/Erfurt/2107/Kar.98/3.F.P.1.32 (note: F.P.1.32 Fahrpark-Kolonne Nr.1 waffe Nr. 32 (2nd model of carbine.)
1904/Erfurt/2113/Kar.98/no unit marks on carbine. (2nd model of carbine.This carbine is part of C.Clemons collection.)
1904/Erfurt/3155/marked in the wood “Ortspolizeibehorde Outjo 483x”. In the Cape Town Castle museum. Kar.98 2nd model
1904/Erfurt/3295/?/ rear sight goes from 300 to 1800 meters (no unit marks on carbine.) Kar.98 2nd model of carbine.
1904/Erfurt/3539/Kar98/unknown/Second pattern of carbine.
1904/Erfurt/3794/Kar98/Private collection
1904/Erfurt/4010/Kar98/Private collection
1904/Erfurt/4411/K.G.P. 150 (In C. Amm collection.)
1904/Erfurt/4496/Kar98/Private collection
(information from Wolfsburg on K98kforums.)
1904/Erfurt/4507/Kar98/Private collection
1904/Erfurt/4540/?/K.G.P.46.
(note: K.G.P. stands for Kaiserliches Gouvernement Polizei and seem to be used in 1905-07.) 2nd model of carbine.
Was in C. Amm collection, sold on auction.
1904/Erfurt/5101/?/K.G.P. 139 Kaiserliches Gouvernement Polizei and seem to be used in 1905-07.
(Ortspolitzie Windhuk & Ortspolitzie Bethanien.) 2nd model of carbine. This carbine is past of the T. Dawes collection in South Africa.
1904/Erfurt/5185/Kar98/?
1904/Erfurt/5485/Kar.98/? (This Kar.98 is a Kar.98 2nd model. Kar.98 was sent to Mexico and was rechambered in 7x57mm. Between the front sight and the receiver on the barrel carving has a type Nitro proof)
1904/Erfurt/5527/Kar.98/? (This Kar.98 is non-matching example, dark bore, painted black. Rear sight goes out to 1200m. 2nd model of carbine.)
1904/Erfurt/5550/Kar98/Private collection
1904/Erfurt/5564/?/marked in the wood “Ortspolizeibehorde Keetmanshoop 1558”. In a local collection.
1904/Erfurt/5926/Kar98/? 4.21(Verkauft 30 on top of the receiver, also has a Spandau eagle proof above Verkauft 30 mark. 2nd model of carbine.
1904/Erfurt/6311/Kar98/Springfield Armory Mus.
1904/Erfurt/6535/Kar98/Schloss Rastatt
1904/Erfurt/6800/ Urispolizei Behörde Luderitzbucht No.258 on the butt plate. Unit mark is "District Police Property" Very common mark before the formation of the Landespolizei in 1907. Also there is L 258 above the Erfurt on the crest. 2nd model of carbine.
1904/Erfurt/6806/? ("VERKAUFT 99" signifying official sale out of service. W30966 on side of the receiver stands for weapons register. Each firearm in SA is registered but if there is a duplication then a WR number is given for that rifle or carbine.) 2nd model of carbine.
1904/Erfurt/6973/Kar98/John Walter's book
1904/Erfurt/6913/K.G.P.47. 2nd model of carbine.
1904/Erfurt/7141/K.G.P.202. 2nd model
of carbine.
1905
1905/Erfurt/3030/Kar.98./Swakopmund Arms Mus.
1905/Erfurt/6913/Kar.98./Musee d'Armes, Liege
1905/Erfurt/7946/Kar.98./? (Carbine is not in the best condition but it maybe refurbished. Rear sight goes from 300 meters to 1800. 2nd model of carbine.) Owned by Bruce Wentzel.
1905/Erfurt/8352/5.F.P.4.51 (note: 5.F.P.4.51 Fahrpark-Kolonne Nr.4 waffe Nr. 51 ( 2nd model of carbine.)
1905/Erfurt/9021/Kar.98. Private collection (information from Wolfsburg on K98kforums.)
1905/Erfurt/9245/Kar.98. (Verkauft 1920 mark on the receiver above rest of crest.)
Last updated on 4/11/2025
Photo credit goes to.
Three Kar98 From Private collection in South Africa
Kar98 from T. Dawes collection in South Africa.
I know there's probably more. If you have one and would like to add it. You may. It would be much appreciated. Like I said I'm doing this for fun. Photos below are of ones I have seen in historical photographs and I have documented. I hope you enjoy.
With the German Army adopting the Mauser designed Gewehr 1898 in April, 1898, is well known. Also in 1898-1902 two different carbines models appeared. The M98 cavalry known as the Kav.Kar.98 and the M98 artillery carbine also known as the Art.Kar.98. These two carbines replaced the M88 carbine and M91 rifle.
With the world watching the second Boer War, in which mounted Infantry played a key rule in the war. This may have encouraged the ideas to issue a carbine with a attachable bayonet to the cavalry. This carbine design is now known as the Kar.98 1st variant was introduced in Prussia by an Imperial Cabinet Order of the 6th of February 1902 and would be manufactured till 1905.
In October 1903 the Ministry oreder MG detachment to be equipped with a new pattern of carbine. This model would become known as Kar.98 2nd model and also would be manufactured till 1905. However the new carbines for S rounds evinced such great flaws that the Prussian War Ministry ordered the their production to be discontinued as early as January 1905. According to the numbers ascertained by Heinz Lehner, more than 20,000 short carbines were constructed and at least 16,000 of them standard carbines adapted for the S ammunition.
These carbines can be seen in arms museums and private collections.On the other hand, early military Model 98 carbines are generally unknown. The reason is that only a small number was manufactured, from 1898-1905, and most of them went to the Kaiserliche Schutztruppe in Africa and the Deutsches Ostasiatische Expeditionskorps. When Germany lost Great War in 1918 those arms remained in Africa, and only a few have survived to this very day.
Known surviving Kav.Kar.98, Art.Kar.98 and Kar.98 1st variant and 2nd model.
Mfgr/Year/Serial Number/Barrel or side rail/Unit markings/Source or description of carbine.
1898
1898/Spandau/0002/C.7,9 Z.O.15. D.24
C= Caliber / 7.9= 7.9 millimeter (bore) /Z=Depth of grooves (Zugtiefe)
0.15= 0.15 millimeter / D= Length of twist (Dra11-Lange-length of barrel for one turn of rifling) / 24= 24 centimeter (Drall-Lange). It probably should read 240, but the ‘0” is covered by the rear sight; the Drall-Lange is normally given in millimeters (24 centimeters equals 240 millimeters).
M.F.D.G Berlin
1900
1900/Erfurt/0032/Kav.Kar.98/M.F.D.G Berlin
1900/Erfurt/0158/Art.Kar.98/ Private collection
1900/Erfurt/0202/Art.Kar.98 "A"/Private collection
1900/Erfurt/238/Kav.Kar.98/? (No stack rod or bayonet mount - Kav. carbine)
1900/Erfurt/382/Art.Kar.98/? (With stack rod - Art. carbine.)
1900/Erfurt/896/Kav.Kar 98/? (Note: Stock has many ordnance stamps and is marked “GIBEON” an outpost manned by the German Schutztruppe in Southwest Africa. Kav.Kar.98 carbine.
1900/Erfurt/932/Art.Kar.98/? (With stack rod - Art. Carbine.)
1900/Erfurt/933/Art.Kar.98/O.F.A. 1.21/Private collection
1900/Erfurt/947/Art.Kar.98/?(With Stack Rod)
1900/Erfurt/1039/Kav.Kar 98/? (with bayonet mount - Kav. carbine)
1901
1901/Erfurt/1645/F.P.3.72 (Fahrpark-Kolonne Nr,3, Waffe Nr.72), indicates this carbine could have seen service with the Kaiserliche Schutztruppe in South-West Africa against the Hereros and Hottentotten, when they rebelled against the German Colonial Troops. First pattern of carbine.
1901/Erfurt/1668/Kav.Kar.98/B. Musgrave, South Africa
1901/Erfurt/2170/Art.Kar.98/ B.A.M.,Ingolstadt
1901/Erfurt/2043/Kav.Kar.98/"Ortspolizeibehorde Gibeon 899”, and F.T.A 50 on the butt disc.
(Note: This carbine is marked Kav. Kar 98 on the side rail. C. Amm collection.
1901/Erfurt/2499/Art.Kar.98/?(Marked with the number 76 on the butt marking disc : probably a trials issue weapon number.)
1903
1903/Erfurt/0001/98 M.F.D.G Berlin
1903/Erfurt/0794/98/Enfield Lock, Pattern Rm.
1903/Erfurt/0819/98 M.G.A. 10.41. Imperial War Mus. London
1903/Erfurt/0862/98 M.G.A. 12.14. Imperial War Mus. London
1903/Erfurt/0905/98 M.G.A. 13.44. Private collection
1903/Erfurt/0819/Kar.98 M.G.A. 12.35. Imperial War Mus. London (note: this carbine is also in Dr. Dieter Storz. Rifle & Carabine 98 M98 Firearms of the German Army from 1898 to 1918)
1903/Erfurt/1106/Kar.98 E.J. IV.8. Private collection. This Kar.98 is a Kar.98 1st variant.
1903/Erfurt/1145/Kar98/School of Infantry Warminster, England
1903/Erfurt/1221/Kar98/Imperial War Mus. London
1903/Erfurt/1226/Kar98/M.G.A./12. 69 (sold at RIA on April 24th 2015)
1903/Erfurt/1498/Kar98/E.J.IV.37 (This carbine is a Kar.98 1st variant.) In a private collection.
1904
1904/Erfurt/0554/Kar.98/M.F.D.G Berlin
1904/Erfurt/555/Kar.98/M.F.D.G Berlin
1904/Erfurt/596/ M1473M” in the wood. (In C. Amm collection.) Kar.98 2nd model of carbine.
1904/Erfurt/855/Kar.98 (the action of this carbine is in a reproduction stock. Carbine is a Kar.98 2nd model. This carbine has been rechambered to 7x57mm. This carbine is part of C.Clemons collection.
1904/Erfurt/940/Kar.98 (Overall good condition and all matching except for cleaning rod, bore is dark with strong rifling visible. Stock does show usage and handling wear with cartouches present. It is known that German did send some of these rifles to Mexico and rechambered to 7x57mm during WWI to stir up problems on the border with the U.S.)
1904/Erfurt/1637/Kar.98/? (carbine is a Kar.98 2nd model.)
1904/Erfurt/1834/Kar.98/B.A.M., Ingolstadt
1904/Erfurt/1941/Kar.98/M.F.D.G Berlin
1904/Erfurt/2107/Kar.98/3.F.P.1.32 (note: F.P.1.32 Fahrpark-Kolonne Nr.1 waffe Nr. 32 (2nd model of carbine.)
1904/Erfurt/2113/Kar.98/no unit marks on carbine. (2nd model of carbine.This carbine is part of C.Clemons collection.)
1904/Erfurt/3155/marked in the wood “Ortspolizeibehorde Outjo 483x”. In the Cape Town Castle museum. Kar.98 2nd model
1904/Erfurt/3295/?/ rear sight goes from 300 to 1800 meters (no unit marks on carbine.) Kar.98 2nd model of carbine.
1904/Erfurt/3539/Kar98/unknown/Second pattern of carbine.
1904/Erfurt/3794/Kar98/Private collection
1904/Erfurt/4010/Kar98/Private collection
1904/Erfurt/4411/K.G.P. 150 (In C. Amm collection.)
1904/Erfurt/4496/Kar98/Private collection
(information from Wolfsburg on K98kforums.)
1904/Erfurt/4507/Kar98/Private collection
1904/Erfurt/4540/?/K.G.P.46.
(note: K.G.P. stands for Kaiserliches Gouvernement Polizei and seem to be used in 1905-07.) 2nd model of carbine.
Was in C. Amm collection, sold on auction.
1904/Erfurt/5101/?/K.G.P. 139 Kaiserliches Gouvernement Polizei and seem to be used in 1905-07.
(Ortspolitzie Windhuk & Ortspolitzie Bethanien.) 2nd model of carbine. This carbine is past of the T. Dawes collection in South Africa.
1904/Erfurt/5185/Kar98/?
1904/Erfurt/5485/Kar.98/? (This Kar.98 is a Kar.98 2nd model. Kar.98 was sent to Mexico and was rechambered in 7x57mm. Between the front sight and the receiver on the barrel carving has a type Nitro proof)
1904/Erfurt/5527/Kar.98/? (This Kar.98 is non-matching example, dark bore, painted black. Rear sight goes out to 1200m. 2nd model of carbine.)
1904/Erfurt/5550/Kar98/Private collection
1904/Erfurt/5564/?/marked in the wood “Ortspolizeibehorde Keetmanshoop 1558”. In a local collection.
1904/Erfurt/5926/Kar98/? 4.21(Verkauft 30 on top of the receiver, also has a Spandau eagle proof above Verkauft 30 mark. 2nd model of carbine.
1904/Erfurt/6311/Kar98/Springfield Armory Mus.
1904/Erfurt/6535/Kar98/Schloss Rastatt
1904/Erfurt/6800/ Urispolizei Behörde Luderitzbucht No.258 on the butt plate. Unit mark is "District Police Property" Very common mark before the formation of the Landespolizei in 1907. Also there is L 258 above the Erfurt on the crest. 2nd model of carbine.
1904/Erfurt/6806/? ("VERKAUFT 99" signifying official sale out of service. W30966 on side of the receiver stands for weapons register. Each firearm in SA is registered but if there is a duplication then a WR number is given for that rifle or carbine.) 2nd model of carbine.
1904/Erfurt/6973/Kar98/John Walter's book
1904/Erfurt/6913/K.G.P.47. 2nd model of carbine.
1904/Erfurt/7141/K.G.P.202. 2nd model
of carbine.
1905
1905/Erfurt/3030/Kar.98./Swakopmund Arms Mus.
1905/Erfurt/6913/Kar.98./Musee d'Armes, Liege
1905/Erfurt/7946/Kar.98./? (Carbine is not in the best condition but it maybe refurbished. Rear sight goes from 300 meters to 1800. 2nd model of carbine.) Owned by Bruce Wentzel.
1905/Erfurt/8352/5.F.P.4.51 (note: 5.F.P.4.51 Fahrpark-Kolonne Nr.4 waffe Nr. 51 ( 2nd model of carbine.)
1905/Erfurt/9021/Kar.98. Private collection (information from Wolfsburg on K98kforums.)
1905/Erfurt/9245/Kar.98. (Verkauft 1920 mark on the receiver above rest of crest.)
Last updated on 4/11/2025
Photo credit goes to.
Three Kar98 From Private collection in South Africa
Kar98 from T. Dawes collection in South Africa.
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