Nice Original 1903 Spandau Gew 98

chrisftk

chrisftk

Moderator²
Staff member
Hi All,

On the heels of Sam's nice example, this popped up on Eisel's -- It stayed reasonable so I secured it.

Not much to say other than it's a nice early Spandau that miraculously survived with little-to-no replacement of parts. It was updated for s. patrone, but appears to have no other upgrades.

The only mismatch is the rear band, which was likely period. The original bolt is still there with the narrow gas holes and the stock has worn proofs, but has a nice pleasing look.

The unit disc has a proof, but I still may check the reverse just in case-- I've seen unit marks behind even on proofed discs.

The only other note harkens back to my 15 CGH-- and Jeff's story RE: CB. This rifle looks like it may have been gassed. The exposed metal has that same mottled appearance and the metal below the wood (see barrel code) is still nicely blued. No way to ever confirm, but the circumstantial evidence looks good.

Here's the data:
Receiver 9188 c
Barrel 9188 c (KR 25)
Front Sight 88
Rear Sight Leaf 88
Sight Slider 88
Ejector Box 88
Trigger Sear 88
Front Barrel Band 88
Rear Barrel Band 43
Trigger Guard 9188
Trigger Guard Screws 88, 88
Floor Plate 88
Follower 88
Stock 9188
Handguard 9188
Buttplate 4105
Bayonet Lug 88
Cleaning Rod 88
Bolt Body 9188 c
Extractor 88
Safety 88
Cocking Piece 88
Bolt Sleeve 88
Firing Pin 88
IMG_20210820_201404681.jpgIMG_20210820_201437287.jpgIMG_20210820_201452119.jpgIMG_20210820_201514534.jpgIMG_20210820_201522730.jpg

IMG_20210820_201550748.jpgIMG_20210820_201600113.jpgIMG_20210820_201608575.jpgIMG_20210820_201626117.jpgIMG_20210820_201634700.jpg
 
Nice score Chris. I didn't pay attention to this rifle's auction very much. So I didn't realize this rifle's rear sight base went down to 200m and has a rear sight leaf at 400m. Great looking rifle over all.
 
Not sure how I overlooked this post-rifle, but it is a nice example! this original is rare, obviously, but this is the type of rifle we all look for... I am still amazed that such rifles have survived, with so few modification or alterations.
 
I’ll have to check, but I think this rifle resided in my collection at one time. Sold it at an Amoskeag auction some years ago when I thinned out the Gewehrs. I always thought it was a cool rifle, still has the early configuration firing pin too.

Steve
 
Loewe said:
Not sure how I overlooked this post-rifle, but it is a nice example! this original is rare, obviously, but this is the type of rifle we all look for... I am still amazed that such rifles have survived, with so few modification or alterations.
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Thanks Paul, I was pleased to find one this original. Odd it's not unit marked, but I've seen others this early unmarked too.
ottodog8 said:
I’ll have to check, but I think this rifle resided in my collection at one time. Sold it at an Amoskeag auction some years ago when I thinned out the Gewehrs. I always thought it was a cool rifle, still has the early configuration firing pin too.

Steve
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Interesting. Thanks for taking good care of this one if it was yours previously.
 
Early style bolt and firing pin. Does it have the bolt shroud lock? I can't quite see in your pictures.

Surprised with a 1903 that the early features were still in production.
 
Fal Grunt said:
Early style bolt and firing pin. Does it have the bolt shroud lock? I can't quite see in your pictures.

Surprised with a 1903 that the early features were still in production.
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My understanding is that the original features can still appear though 1903-- i don't believe they persisted into 1904 though. It probably depends on the manufacturer and and when changes were implemented.

This and my 1901 DWM Naval rifle are the only two I have with first pattern bolt components.

Since pictures are worth a thousand words.. Here is my assessment of the bolt compared to another mid war bolt.

Spandau 03 is on the left.

Bolt body is original pattern
IMG_20210825_070045145.jpg

Firing pin is original pattern
IMG_20210825_065531568.jpg

Cocking piece is original pattern
IMG_20210825_065631675.jpg

Shroud lock appears to have been replaced-- it looks reinforced, but if my eyes are not correct let me know.
IMG_20210825_065920050.jpg

I did not get a chance to take apart the ejector assembly to check that pattern. I'll do that when I'm able.
 
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Thanks for posting those, very cool to see an early design rifle. I've never seen a hard date, I always thought 1902 was the transition period. Hopefully as you and others research progresses that date firms up a bit.

If you ever come across another rifle with early features, or parts, please let me know. I have a 1899 Oberndorf that will get restored/put back together someday that I would like to have original parts for. I have several cocking pieces, but haven't managed to find a bolt, or firing pin yet.
 
Fal Grunt said:
Thanks for posting those, very cool to see an early design rifle. I've never seen a hard date, I always thought 1902 was the transition period. Hopefully as you and others research progresses that date firms up a bit.

If you ever come across another rifle with early features, or parts, please let me know. I have a 1899 Oberndorf that will get restored/put back together someday that I would like to have original parts for. I have several cocking pieces, but haven't managed to find a bolt, or firing pin yet.
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Will do! Once in a while a loose early bolt body will pop up on eBay. Usually the seller doesn't have a clue either.
 
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