Mauser Kar98k 'ar42'

Description

Recently imported from the Fatherland & offered for sale is this nice mid war K98k made by Mauser Werke AG in Borsigwalde, the second of Mausers factories located in Berlin at the former DWM factory. In 1941 the Mauser production code had changed from 243 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 42 with the correct Waffenamt for Mauser AG, Borsigwalde & the right side is correctly marked with the single Waffenamt proof. 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 receiver only & not on the barrel 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, receiver, floor plate, complete bolt assembly & the butt plate. 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 fully matching. During 1942 the Berlin Mauser factory in Borsigwalde was bombed by the Allies which may explain why only 110,489 were manufactured by the factory in 1944 according to Richard D. Law’s bible on the K98 ‘Backbone of the Wehrmacht‘. This is a very good example of a mid war K98k rifle made when the German arms industry was at full production, having been cranked up for 7 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 with the correct laminated stock with the flat butt plate. According to records, these came with both flat & cupped butt plate, so this is correct plus, it is numbered to this rifle. It is in outstanding condition as 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 stashed after the war by Hans, Johann or Gunter. 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