Mauser 1944 Kar98k 'ar44'

Description

Recently imported from the US & offered for sale is this nice later war K98k made by Mauser Werke AG in Borsigwalde, the second of Mausers factories located in Berlin at the former DWM factory. By 1944 the Mauser production code had changed to “ar” for the Mauser Werke AG, Borsigwalde factory whereas the Oberndorf factory was byf. The top of the receiver ring on this rifle is marked ar over 44 with the correct 135 Waffenamt which was the acceptance codes for Mauser AG, Borsigwalde & the right side is correctly marked with the single Waffenamt proof 135. The left side of the rifle is marked with the Nazi firing proof (Nazi Eagle or ‘Reich Adler’) & Mod. 98. The serial number is on the barrel only & not on the receiver which is correct for this period in the war when markings such as Waffenamts & serial numbers were starting to not be stamped on absolutely everything. Matching numbers can be seen on both barrel bands, barrel & floor plate with the the front sight being un-numbered & the butt plate has the correct gqm 44 stamp. Not unusually, for a rifle that saw active service with the Wehrmacht & was kept in the field for the last desperate year of the war, it is not fully matching. During 1944 the Berlin Mauser factory in Borsigwalde was strategically bombed by the Allies which may explain why only around 80,000 were manufactured by the factory in 1944 according to available records. This is a very good example of a later war semi-Kriegsmodell K98k rifle made when the German arms industry was at full production, having been cranked up for 9 years & at its most productive (funny how impending doom will focus the mind) but at the same time, cutting production time by implementing cosmetic & systematic changes. It presents as all original as can be seen in the photos. The correct laminated stock with the cupped butt plate is one of the rare 'white laminate' stocks with minimal marks & there is some genuine battle damage on the right hand side which can be seen in the photos. It has much of the original blue still present, which is darker than appears in the photos. The bore is excellent, shiny with lots of rifling clearly visible, so definitely a shooter! The muzzle will not accept a PPU ‘8mm Mauser’ round, as per photo which demonstrates the barrel is still tight but of course it shoots the original 7.92mm (now called 8×57 or 8mm Mauser). This has all the hallmarks of being a war trophy, having been taken home after the war by a US GI. This nice example of a non RC late war Kar98k would make an excellent addition to your Mauser collection or a great start to one. Make your decision based on what you see, so please view the photos carefully as they form the main description & override all written information so ask for more if desired. Whilst we check these out for serviceability, the warranty has expired & these are sold on an as is basis. As with all used guns, we recommend you have this checked by a suitably qualified person prior to shooting. Call for shipping cost to your dealer.

Specifications