S/42 König variant?

O

opawel87

Member
Hi All,

I have an option to purchase a 1937 S/42 with all matching numbers and in rather good condition in my view. I'm still learning more about K98k, and I wondered if you could help me establish a few things.

I have attached several photos, which I managed to take while looking at the rifle for the first time.

First thing which caught my attention is the "KÖNIG" stamp next to the serial number and below "CAL. 8X57IS" on the barrel. As far as I know, Germans did not use 8mm marking, so "CAL. 8X57IS" was most likely added after import, during proofing."KÖNIG" allegedly suggests that the rifle was made at the Königsberg plant, but is that how they marked their rifles? The font together with the serial number next to it looks a bit off. Also, should there be a Weimar eagle next to the serial number, like the one on the action?

Second thing is the attached side scope mount. I looked at various photos, and this sort of scope normally was attached with additional countersink screws. The one on the rifle has just 3 silver bolts. Again, it looks odd to me.
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Any help in establishing the genuine origin of this rifle would be much appreciated!IMG_9978.jpegIMG_9979.jpegIMG_9980.jpegIMG_9981.jpegIMG_9982.jpegIMG_9983.jpegIMG_9992.jpegIMG_9994.jpegIMG_9988.jpegIMG_9986.jpegIMG_9984.jpegIMG_9985.jpegIMG_9996.jpegIMG_9993.jpegIMG_9991.jpeg
 
The barrel is a post-war replacement. Konig is either the German dealer or the firm that replaced the barrel. The markings on the other side of the barrel are West German proof house markings.

Obviously the scope mount is post war also.
 
I wouldn't touch it unless it's priced very low. It's not numbers matching - the barrel is a replacement as noted above - and the post war scope mount absolutely kills the value.

If it's priced cheap as a shooter? Sure. But that is going to depend a lot on how cheap "cheap" is.
 
If it were in the US I'd probably ballpark it at something like $600. Maybe up a little, maybe down a little, I'd need to do some math to figure out the parts value of it.

From a collector's standpoint I'd put it below an RC, so really we're into what the value of the stock, bolt, and small parts are.
 
Thank you for all your answers. My fear of new barrel and side scope mount being after war were correct then.

The rifle is in the UK, these are becoming very hard to get in all matching numbers.

In terms of the price I recently bought a 1939 sauer and sohn with matching barrel and action with the reminder of parts non matching but period correct. I paid £570 on auction + fees. Total £700.

New barrel and side mount makes it really hard. I don’t think I would pay what I even paid for the sauer and sohn. I’ll most likely pass.
 
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