Re: German Mauser Rifle Serial Numbers
Niki Wienberg
The Karabiner 98k rifle was designed to be used with an S84/98 III bayonet.[13] The S84/98 III had a blade length of 252 mm (9.9 in) and an overall length of 385 mm (15.2 in) and was accompanied by a bayonet frog.[14] The Seitengewehr 42 or SG 42 was a shorter multi tool combat knife that could also be mounted as a bayonet on the Karabiner 98k rifle. The SG 42 was issued in small numbers.
During the Greek Civil War, the Greek pro-communist factions were equipped with large numbers of Kar 98k rifles, captured from the Germans or supplied by Yugoslavia.[43] Later, during the Cyprus Emergency, the Cypriot EOKA smuggled several dozens of these rifles from Greece.[44]
As with post-Nazi occupation service post-war production of derivatives was a stop-gap solution until enough numbers of more modern automatic rifles could be developed and produced. The vast majority of the 98k pattern rifles were soon stored as reserve weapons or given for very low prices to various fledgling states or rebel movements throughout the developing world. For instance, between 1950 and 1952, a hybrid of Kar 98k and Vz 24 was produced by Zbrojovka Brno for Bolivia, as Fusil Modelo Boliviano Serie B-50.[50]
As the Arab-Israeli conflict approached and the British Mandate set to expire, the Haganah and other Jewish forces in The British Mandate of Palestine tried to get hold of as many weapons as they could in the face of an arms embargo by British colonial authorities. One of the most important purchases was a secret January 14, 1948, $12,280,000 worth contract with Czechoslovak Government including 4,500 P-18 rifles, as well as 50,400,000 rounds of ammunition. Later, the newly established Israel Defense Forces ordered more Mauser Karabiner 98k rifles, produced this time by Fabrique Nationale.[49] These have Israeli and Belgian markings on the rifle as well as the emblem of the IDF on the top of the rifle's receiver. The FN-made Karabiner 98k rifles with the IDF markings and emblem on the rifle were produced and sold to Israel after it established itself as an independent nation in 1948. At some point, Israel converted all other Mauser 98-pattern rifles in their inventory (most commonly Czechoslovak vz. 24 rifles, but small numbers of contract Mausers from sources ranging from Ethiopia to Mexico were also known to have come into Israeli hands) to the now standardized Karabiner 98k configuration. The original receiver markings of these conversions were not altered, making it easy for collectors to identify their origin. The Israeli Karabiner 98k utilized the same bayonet design as in German service, with a barrel ring added.[citation needed] Swedish Gevär m/40 rifles were converted to the 7.9257mm Mauser round.[57] The Israeli bayonets were a mix of converted German production and domestically produced examples.
The Karabiner 98k rifles that were used by Germany during World War II are highly sought after collector's items in many circles. The Mauser Karabiner 98k rifle remains popular among many rifle shooters and military rifle collectors due to the rifle's historical background, as well as the availability of both new and surplus 7.9257mm IS ammunition. As of 2010[update], the Mauser Karabiner 98k rifles that were captured by the Soviets during World War II and refurbished during the late 1940s and early 1950s have appeared in large numbers on the military surplus rifle market. These have proven popular with buyers in the United States and Canada, ranging from ex-military rifle collectors to target shooters and survivalists, due to the unique history behind the Soviet capture of Mauser Karabiner 98k rifles.
Surplus Mauser 98K actions were used by Schultz & Larsen in Denmark as the basis for target rifles. The actions had the German markings removed, were refinished in gray phosphate, and new serial numbers and proof marks applied. The Schultz & Larsen M52 and M58 Target Rifles used shortened and refurbished Karabiner 98k stocks. Later versions had new target stocks fitted and were available in .30-06, 6.555mm and 7.62mm NATO. Some of these rifles are still in competitive use today although with the benefit of new barrels. Besides conversions of original Karabiner 98k rifles, other sporter variants made by a number of manufacturers such as FN Herstal, Zastava, Santa Barbara (Spain), and many others have been available at various times in a wide variety of chamberings, but most are large-bore hunting calibres.
This rifle is dated 1874 on the receiver, and bears serial number 175P on the receiver and barrel breech. All the components of the bolt, barrel bands, nose cap, receiver tang screw, and other screws are marked with serial number 6431. The Barrel knoxform is marked ŒSTERR. WAFFFB. GES., an abbreviation of "Österreichische Waffenfabriksgesellschaft", or the Austrian Arms-Manufacturing Company. It is possible that the barrel and receiver were made under contract, and then sent to Mauser or Spandau for completion, which explains the two different serial numbers. Part of ŒWG was Steyr-Mannlicher, who still make firearms today.
*- Later (higher) serial numbers were issued as Kriegsmodells.
**- Kriegsmodells had rough unfinished stocks and no butt plate. Some years may have dual maker codes and/or dual dates marked on receiver K98 Variations- During the war several changes and/or alterations were made to the K98. Most of these changes were simply design alterations that were made to simplify or increase production of the rifle. Some of these were totally different model of the K98, including the G33/40. The G33/40 was basically a shortened version of the K98. The G33/40 was only in production for 3 years, from 1940-1942. It was produced by Waffen Werke Brunn, Brunn. It fired the exact same 7.92mm round, and had the same Mauser 98 action. However, that is where the similarities end. The G33/40 had several different parts that were not matching with the K98. These included: the bolt, stock, cleaning rod, sight hood cover, upper hand guard, barrel bands, sling, and even the bayonet. Below is an example of the G33/40, that was made in 1941, and bears the maker's code "dot 1941." Note also in the pictures below the differences between the standard K98 and the G33/40.
As with many collectible firearms, the condition and matching serial numbers of Mauser rifles play a pivotal role in determining their value. Rifles with original finishes, stocks, and all-matching parts are highly sought after and can fetch premium prices. Mauser rifles with documented histories or associations with famous individuals or events can enhance the value. These rifles offer a tangible connection to significant moments in history, making them even more appealing to collectors. The value of Mauser rifles is also influenced by market demand, which can fluctuate over time. Variants that are in high demand due to their rarity, historical significance, or unique features tend to command the highest prices. Mauser rifles continue to be highly valuable and sought after in the world of firearms collecting and shooting. Their historical significance, precision craftsmanship and association with important historical events make them cherished by collectors. While the value of Mauser rifles can vary widely, specific variants with historical importance, excellent condition, and matching numbers tend to be the most valuable.
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