German WWII Matching Mauser Oberndorf byf 42 K98 8mm Bolt Action Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $913
WOA#: WY240228JA002
Make: Mauser Oberndorf. In 1942, “byf” was the German maker’s code for Mauser Werke AG, Oberndorf a/N.
Model: K-98k Mauser
Serial Number: 945CC
Year of Manufacture: 1942
Caliber: 8mm
Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked “byf / 42” with an eagle/swastika. The left side of the receiver is marked “945 / CC” with an eagle/swastika and “Mod. 98”. The top of the bolt handle is marked “945 / CC” with two proofs underneath. The top of the bolt flat and safety are marked “945”. The bolt release is marked “45”. The left side of the barrel band is marked “945”. The right side of the stock band is marked “945”. The bottom of the trigger guard is twice marked “945”. The bottom of the stock behind the trigger is marked with a Waffenamt. The left side of the barrel is marked with an eagle/swastika. This is an ALL MATCHING serial number rifle. The bottom of the butt at the buttplate is hand carved with the initials “HP”. There are German markings on the buttplate, but only “-qm / 1” along with a German eagle waffenamt remain visible. The rest of the buttplate markings are too distorted by erosion to be legible.
Barrel Length: Approximately 23 3/4″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an inverted V post set atop a ramped base and under a removable protective hood. The rear sight is a V-notched blade attached to a sliding sight escalator.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is two piece smooth wood with a semi-pistol grip, scallop for the bolt handle, metal nose cap with bayonet lug, hole for a cleaning rod (not included), barrel band with sling bar, through bolt, sling well with sling pass through, domed washer, marking disk, and a metal buttplate. The wood shows scattered scratches and compression marks. The most prominent marks are on the hand guard and buttstock. The LOP measures 13 1/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate shows discoloration from oxidation and light wear as well as pitting under the finish. The stock rates in about Very Good Plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The muzzle and grooves are gray. The rifling is deep. There is erosion scattered about. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates a 5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% its metal finish as refinished. The balance of the finish is strong with a few minor handling marks primarily on the trigger guard. There are some sparse rust freckles on the bottom metal. There are a couple minor scabs on the barrel exterior. The action shows minor operational wear post-refinish. The screw heads show moderate use. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions as intended. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Karabiner 98k (K-98k) was a bolt-action rifle that served as the primary German infantry rifle during World War II. It was developed from the Gewehr 98, which had been the standard German service rifle since 1898. The K-98k was adopted by the Wehrmacht in 1935, just as Germany abrogated the Treaty of Versailles and began rearming. It fired a 7.92x57mm Mauser cartridge and had a five-round internal magazine. This all matching serial number German WWII K-98k was made at the Mauser Oberndorf factory in Germany back in 1942, the year widely considered to be the “high water mark” of the Third Reich. This K-98k Mauser almost certainly saw action during the war. The rifle has since been refinished. There is no visible import mark. This is a truly fine rifle, and will make a great addition to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! -L.S.
