Mauser model 98

[syunginger]

Hello to all, I am new to the forum, my good friend recently passed and I am going thru his guns, likely purchasing a few. The one in question is model 98, that is all I know, sn. #5495, has 689 stamped on top of the receiver and on LH side of barrel. Under side of bolt handle looks to have 855 scribed, but hard to read, has several wings and swastika under wings, 3 wings have 3 numbers stamped under them, I would like to purchase this gun, anyone have an idea of caliber, year and value, I will try to put some pictures on,
Thanks in advance for any assistance!
I have more pictures but only get 2 to load

 

[moconfed]

The receiver had a manufacturer code and date on top of the receiver. Originally 8x57 (8mm mauser).
Can't tell if still in original caliber, or changed when sporterized. Have to get it checked by a Smith.
Collector value is gone as originality is gone.
As a deer rifle, maybe 300-400??

 

[syunginger]

moconfed,
Thanks so much for the reply, I was wondering if still 8mm, will have to decide on to purchase or not likely $200 or less,
Was hoping it had been rechambered since value already affected

 

[Muncher 1953]

regarding the caliber: it’s difficult to see in the photos, but I think I see the original steps in the barrel, which would suggest to me that it was still 8mm. If the barrel contour is smooth without steps, then it has been turned or replaced. since most caliber changes would be to a smaller round, replacement of the barrel would required. photos need to be smaller than 1mb each to load, try resizing yours & ‘should’ work then. if there’s a serial # on the barrel, it’s ‘probably’ original.

 

[syunginger]

Hello to all, I am new to the forum, my good friend recently passed and I am going thru his guns, likely purchasing a few. The one in question is model 98, that is all I know, sn. #5495, has 689 stamped on top of the receiver and on LH side of barrel. Under side of bolt handle looks to have 855 scribed, but hard to read, has several wings and swastika under wings, 3 wings have 3 numbers stamped under them, I would like to purchase this gun, anyone have an idea of caliber, year and value, I will try to put some pictures on,
Thanks in advance for any assistance!
I have more pictures but only get 2 to load

 

[syunginger]

regarding the caliber: it’s difficult to see in the photos, but I think I see the original steps in the barrel, which would suggest to me that it was still 8mm. If the barrel contour is smooth without steps, then it has been turned or replaced. since most caliber changes would be to a smaller round, replacement of the barrel would required. photos need to be smaller than 1mb each to load, try resizing yours & ‘should’ work then. if there’s a serial # on the barrel, it’s ‘probably’ original.

Have some more pictures loaded

 

[moconfed]

regarding the caliber: it’s difficult to see in the photos, but I think I see the original steps in the barrel, which would suggest to me that it was still 8mm. If the barrel contour is smooth without steps, then it has been turned or replaced. since most caliber changes would be to a smaller round, replacement of the barrel would required. photos need to be smaller than 1mb each to load, try resizing yours & ‘should’ work then. if there’s a serial # on the barrel, it’s ‘probably’ original.

8mm 06 does not require barrel replacement.

 

[Honkey Tonk Devil]

Looks like original barrel but as moconfed stated it could have been changed to 8mm-06.
So has not been rebarreled, but chamber area could have been changed.

 

[syunginger]

Looks like original barrel but as moconfed stated it could have been changed to 8mm-06.
So has not been rebarreled, but chamber area could have been changed.

Thanks for the reply, I assume a gunsmith would have to determine that for me?

 

[Honkey Tonk Devil]

They could yes.
If it were I, I would remove firing pin from bolt and just see if it will chamber a 30-06.
Maybe someonw will chime in, I'm not sure if the internal magazine will fit a 8mm -06 with out modifications.
If I had to bet, I'd say it's still a standard 8mm. But one can not assume anything.

 

[Muncher 1953]

the bolt handle has been modified, probably heated & bent, for scope clearance. it doesn’t look like it was cut off & rewelded in a different position, because you can still see the e/655 on the underside of the bolt. another photo of the handle from a different angle might tell more. the safety is an aftermarket one, Buehler i think. it reduces the original 3 position safety to a 2 position, on/off, no ‘on, locked action’ position.