Mauser Markings

[Argelia Long]

InJune 1934, the German army adopted the Mauser Karbiner 98 kurz as the standard service rifle of the German army. It remained in service until the end of the war in May 1945. Eleven years in production produced over 14 million K98s, and out of the 14 million produced, there are over 100 combinations of maker codes and production years. All of this combined with the fact that the Mauser K98 is one of the best bolt actions designs of all time, makes the K98k one of the most collectable rifles of WWII, and perhaps of all time.

In 1934 only two manufacturers where assigned to produce the K98k. These were the Mauser plant at Obendorf, and the firm of J.P. Sauer & Sohn at Suhl. Mauser, Obendorf was the only manufacturer to produce the K98 from 1934-1945. Each year later, other makers were added to produce the K98k, while some makers where dropped due to production demands or interests in producing other weapons, such as machine guns, machine pistols, or other small arms that were needed. By 1943 there were at least 7 factories that were producers of the rifle. Each makers code, dates, and proof markings for each year are listed below.

*- 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.

Another example of the changes made to the K98 late in the war is the introduction of the Kriegsmodell K98. The Kriegsmodell K98 is basically the most simplified version of the K98. Several design changes were made to produce the Kriegsmodell. Several items were completely eliminated, such as: bayonet lug, cleaning rod, bolt disassembly disk, bolt guide, barrel band spring, and even the locking screws for the floor plate. Kriegsmodell K98s are usually late 1944 or 1945 production. They will usually have very rough machined parts, and stocks will be rough and usually unfinished. Below are pictures of a Kriegsmodell K98, that was made by Mauser, Obendorf in 1945, and is marked "byf 45." Note also in the pictures below the differences between the standard K98, and the Kriegsmodell K98.

Coats of Arms and other markings on Mauser turnbolt rifles and carbines are extremely varied. While they undoubtedly proved a headache for arms manufacturers who had to maintain an extensive assortment of marking dies, they now provide considerable fascination and delight for arms students and collectors. The first successful Mauser rifle was the Model 1871 made principally for Germany. Developed by Paul Mauser and his brother, Wilhelm, this single-shot blackpowder arm was superseded by a tubular-magazine repeater, the German Model 71/84. These early Mausers were produced by the Mauser factory at Oberndorf a./N., Germany, Austria, and German government arsenals. Blackpowder Mausers were also produced for China, Serbia, and Turkey.

France adopted the Lebel smokeless-powder magazine rifle in 1886, and Germany kept pace with this important development by adopting a 7.9 mm. smokeless-powder magazine rifle was developed by a government commission, and incorporated several action features of Mauser blackpowder rifles along with a modified version of the Austrian Mannlicher box magazine and the cartridge clip. Paul Mauser was disappointed that Germany had adopted the Model 1888 without consulting him, but a 7.65 mm. smokeless-powder rifle that he developed was adopted by Belgium in 1889.

Sweden adopted a Mauser carbine in 1894 and a Mauser rifle in 1896, both chambered for the 6.5x55 cartridge. Also in 1896, Germany experimented with Mausers of various calibers. As a result of these experiments, Germany adopted an improved 7.9 mm. Mauser rifle in 1898.

Produced in large quantity by the Mauser Co., DWM, other commercial firms, and several German government arsenals, the Mauser 98 in various rifle and carbine versions was the standard German shoulder arm for almost half a century. It was adopted also in slightly modified form and in various calibers by many other nations, particularly in Central and South America.

Sporting versions with actions of Model 98 design were produced by the Mauser Co. and several other firms. The Mauser Co. called its rifles and carbines original Mausers to distinguish them from those offered by other makers.

Military Mausers were produced in limited quantity following World War II, but are now obsolete for military purposes. Mauser sporting rifles, however, remain highly popular. Improved sporter versions are now produced in several countries, particularly Germany, Belgium, Czechoslovakia, and Sweden.

Ludwig E. Olson is a retired Army Warrant Officer who served chiefly with the Ordnance Corps. A member of The American Rifleman staff since 1957 he has written many articles on arms and ammunition and is the author of the book Mauser Bolt Rifles.

I got this Swedish Mauser a little while back, but haven't been able to figure out the "M66" stamped on to the right side of the butt of the stock. I looked around online and couldn't find any information on my own so I was wondering if anyone on here knew anything.

It always struck me as strange that the Swedes put such good workmanship and quality parts into their rifles and then used a countersink screw that looks like it came from Asia via home depot to attach the bore data disc to the stock.

The four small holes behind the number is where a range plate was attached. The Swedes went to a 139 gr spitzer boat tail bullet in 1941 that had a different trajectory than the blunt nosed heavier bullet load previously used. Rather than replace the sights on rifles already in service they attached a metal plate to show the shooter where to set the existing sight to zero the gun for the new ammo at various distances. Paper decals were attached to some rifles and shellaced over. The plates and decals were placed upside down so the shooter could cant the rifle and see the information right-side up. The plate could have been removed when the sights were changed out later or by a previous owner who didn't like the looks of it.

Deciphering markings on European military rifles is a study unto itself. In addition to the official manufacturing markings which are well documented, various units and organizations like regional militias, as well as armorers in repair and refurbishment depots, had their own markings which may or may not have been well documented.

Here are the additional pictures you asked for. As for the stock there are no additional markings other than some crown proofs if I remember correctly. The stock is still full length and has all components if that helps.

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Ok, need some opinions here. I have a Mauser 84/98 bayonet I picked up in Spain around 2007/2008. No markings anywhere, wondering if this could be a Spanish contract bayonet, as I have heard those exported to Spain were deliberately devoid of markings. I have heard these bayonets sometimes have markings under the wooden grips, however I have tried to get them off, but the screws are being stubborn. It fits the Mauser 98K rifle with no difficulty.

Looks absolutely like the standard K98 bayonet and German production - what is missing is the fireguard / Feuerschutzblech, and that is very unusual, they were standard as from 1914-15. I would not attempt to force the screws, as this can damage them, as often seen. Strange that there are no markings, I sure they have been erased at some stage. The Spanish had their own bayonets, and no similarity to the German ones, however, pre-war there were some big contracts between the Wehrmacht and Portugal - and as from about 1937, a fair number of K98 and bayonet, identical to the German ones, complete with German markings, were exported to Portugal. This however annoyed the firm of Mauser, as they had been ordered by the Wehrmacht for it's own use, and Mauser had the sole rights of trading, not the Wehrmacht! Often referred to by collectors as the "Portugal contract". The only Portuguese markings were usually an emblem stamped into the woodwork, otherwise unaltered. However, as they were used in Portugal, they have a different appearance, and the wood is always darker than the German used examples, they were also solid wood and not the later "Schichtholz". Also the blued parts were constantly maintained and re-blued, so that they have a markedly different appearance to German issues, the wood, being darker, was often treated with olive oil, which soaks into the wood, making it very dark and staining in places. The exports to Portugal are often marked Wa63 - Waffenamt 63, Frankfurt/M. Your example could possibly have come from Portugal, do you have the scabbard?

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