Mauser 98K markings....

[merlin390]

I purchased a 98K Mauser today for a project I have in mind. It was covered in the old cosmoline and as I was cleaning it off I found a marking I haven't seen on any of my previous 98's. It was a "C" and two SS runes. It is on the underside of the receiver just forward the trigger.
Anyone seen this before? 1942 - BCD factory

 

[merlin390]

Anyone?

 

[NCsmitty]

I have little expertise here, just an affection for Mausers, and it certainly is interesting. My congratulations on your find.



NCsmitty

 

[BsChoy]

Gustloffwerke 1942...that was the company that made this gun. i've never seen those markings anywhere except the top of the reciever though? Is this a Mitchell mauser?

 

[merlin390]

No Michell. No import marks or anything. I don't see a "X" in the receiver side for a Russian Capture. Like you BsChoy I only have seen runes on the top side.

 

[scallop]

Not sure where I read it and not sure of the accuracy of the statement but I believe the ss runes are supposed to mean the rifle was used by concentration camp guards. Do not hold me accountable for the statement but I seem to remember seeing that when I was researching my K98 that was manufactured at Buchenwald. Never took it down to check for the runes though, might make a good rainy day project........

 

[Fullboar1]

I think you will find your 98K was issued to the Waffen-SS (Military Wing of the Nazi Party).
I would say it is more or a collectors item then a regular issued Wehrmacht (Nazi German Army) 98K. If I was you I would not cut it up or refinish it, I would keep it original.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waffen-SS

Edit: I just had a talk on the phone with a friend of mine who is a Mauser nut and yes your gun is a Waffen-SS issue and it is worth alot more then a standard German Army issued 98K. Depending on condition he said they are usually worth at least 2 to 3 times more then the Army issued rifle. It's a good find you got there and has real collectors value as long as it's original.

 

[merlin390]

Guys thank you for all your help, It does kind of throw a monkey wrench in my build plans. It is just the receiver, trigger and bolt so unfortunatly it is not a complete rifle (sorry if I didn't make that clear in the original post). Looks like I will be repacking it with cosmoline and storing it.

 

[Shadow 7D]

Do they match?

 

[merlin390]

Shadow - no I wish they did. It would just add to the overall value

 

[Fullboar1]

If it isn't a complete rifle in original condition it's not worth anything to a collector so just go ahead and use it. Even doing small refinishing touches to it like reblueing parts or sanding and refinishing scratches or gouges in the stock takes away all the collecting value.

 

[shootr]

What full boar said.

 

[merlin390]

Sweet, I'm looking forward to the last of my pieces coming in on Monday and Tuesday so I can begin construction. Going to chamber this one in 338-06

 

[Fullboar1]

Hi merlin390
Just a quick question, was the 98K a complete and original rifle or did buy it in parts?
Thanks
Fullboar

 

[merlin390]

Barreled action. Rifling was mucked. I ran a bore brush through it and rust chunks came out. Looks like corrosive ammo was fired through it and never cleaned.