SSZZA$ marking on RC k98

[Mitchel]

SSZZA4 marking on RC k98

Hello,

Thanks for having me on the forum. I just purchased my first k98k rifle and I am very excited for it. I got it for a reasonable RC k98 price I think. However it does have SSZZA4 stamped on the barrel. It is a S/42 1938 receiver code but the barrel is a replacement probably during the war? the reason I say this is that it has a groove for the front sight hood. the receiver and barrel number match as well, however the font on the barrel serial number is a little different then the receiver. I am just curious what you guys think of the SSZZA4 stamp.

Thanks for any helpful info.

 

[bnz41john]

At first glance I would say it looks legit, rebarrled by the SS depot. Which would explain the different barrel and receiver serial font. But I am NOT a expert on SS rifles. So I will wait to see what others have to say.


John.

 

[mrfarb]

Post more photos of the barrel markings.


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[Mitchel]

More photos up

 

[mrfarb]

Interesting. No barrel code? The markings look legit as does the barrel serial number.


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[RyanE]

Interesting. No barrel code? The markings look legit as does the barrel serial number.


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I see a 'D' on the barrel. A 1941/42 Dohlen barrel that somehow ended up with the SS?

 

[Mitchel]

No barrel code. Those are the only marking on the barrel. I really appreciate the input. Seems to be a very interesting russian capture. If that's what it truly is.

Thanks

 

[ugafx4]

I see a 'D' on the barrel. A 1941/42 Dohlen barrel that somehow ended up with the SS?

I was just reading about Dohlen's quality issues in volume 2 (2a p168-169) yesterday. Would make sense that some of the lesser quality blanks would end up with the SS.

 

[Mitchel]

Any idea what something like this might be valued at?

Thanks

 

[Humbarger]

Reblued. The pits under the rear sight band in photo number 6 look freshly blued.

 

[moconfed]

Any idea what something like this might be valued

Considering RC rifles are going 600+ for some reason, if it's matching as to the electro pencil, then there you go.

 

[Absolut]

Not sure if RC or not, basically it is reblued. Are other parts EP serialized? I cannot see the X stamp either.

Secondly, if I'm seeing it correctly your rifle has TWO SSZZA4 stamps, on both sides of the barrel? Keen to find out how that could happen.

 

[swjXE]

Not sure if RC or not, basically it is reblued. Are other parts EP serialized? I cannot see the X stamp either.

Secondly, if I'm seeing it correctly your rifle has TWO SSZZA4 stamps, on both sides of the barrel? Keen to find out how that could happen.

You're absolutely right Absolut! SSZZA4 markings on both sides if the barrel are a first for me too. Also odd for a right side SSZZA4 mark to be totally above the wood line.
Also on the typical SSZZA4 stamp the very top lines on the eagles wings are not straight, they have dips in them. I hope I'm wrong again, but these eagles just look too good to me.
As mrfarb said, better photos are sorely needed.

 

[Stan]

Cannot attest to the SSZZA4 stamps, but the firing proof on the receiver looks peened. That is often seen on RC's that lack the Russian "X". Surprised they didn't peen the WaA's on the right receiver like they often do. Reblue looks RC as well.

 

[mrfarb]

It’s not unique, I have other examples just like this. Off the top of my head they are all reworked rifles. The assumption is the right side barrel proof was the earliest iteration as all of the sszza4 markings are nice and crisp, with left side a later type. These have both. I have photos of a byf41 exactly the same and I have some other examples but can’t find the pics, reworked Gew receivers.

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[swjXE]

Thanks for the pics. mrfarb and for clearing this up.
That's the nicest eagle SSZZA4 marking I've ever seen on one of these!
Sad that the Russians got ahold of it.

 

[Mitchel]

Thanks for the info guys! I am excited to own this peice of history. The bore on it is is nice shiney and crisp lands and grooves. I think shes a keeper! If they are real SSZZA4 marks im assuming this is more of a rare RC K98?...

 

[Mitchel]

Not sure if RC or not, basically it is reblued. Are other parts EP serialized? I cannot see the X stamp either.

Secondly, if I'm seeing it correctly your rifle has TWO SSZZA4 stamps, on both sides of the barrel? Keen to find out how that could happen.

No X marks anywere on the rifle. Two SSZZA4 marks.

 

[Mitchel]

I know its been a while for this post, but here is some more photos of that capture rifle with the SSZZA4 marks. The one on the right side is totally above the wood line. Iv owned this rifle for a while and have got mixed opinions on the marks. I really want to know if they are real

 

[Absolut]

@mrfarb I suppose here we then have a SSZZA4 repair rather than a depot build.