Historic 1950s Israeli Haganah Mauser K98 in 7.62 NATO C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,300
WOA#: WY240215KN002
Make: Mauser-Werke
Model: K98
Serial Number: 139
Year of Manufacture: Circa late 1940s
Caliber: 7.62 NATO
Action Type: Bolt-Action, Internal Mag-fed
Markings: This rifle has the remnants of the german markings that have been ground off, in its place is “p.45 / 7.62 / 139” there are some hebrew markings along with the star of david stamping. The bolt handle is marked “139” The barrel end cap is labeled “1212” The buttplate has more hebrew markings
Barrel Length: 24 ¾″
Sights / Optics: This rifle has a hooded dovetail front blade sight and adjustable ramp rear sight marked out to 20.
Stock Configuration & Condition: This rifle has a 2 piece wood stock set with a semi-pistol grip and straight comb and finger grooves with a steel buttplate, retaining ring, and end cap. The stock has many old pressure dents and scratches, there are no chips or cracks. The top piece of the handguard has a different blonde color. The buttstock has “7.62” carved into it. There is a small sticker with Hebrew on it and an orange mark by the grip.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The action shows light operational wear.There are some scratches on the barrel.The screw heads have lightly used strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good condition for C&R.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: The Haganah, a Jewish paramilitary organization, obtained Mauser K98 rifles through a variety of means during the tumultuous period leading up to the establishment of the state of Israel. They actively sought to bolster their arsenal by purchasing firearms through clandestine channels on the international arms market, often utilizing intermediaries or sympathetic individuals in Europe and elsewhere. Additionally, the Haganah engaged in extensive smuggling operations to bring weapons into Palestine, employing covert methods to evade British authorities.
These rifles were also acquired through battlefield captures during confrontations with Arab militias and British forces. Haganah fighters seized weapons from defeated enemies or disarmed surrendered opponents, refurbishing and repurposing Mauser K98 rifles into 7.62 NATO for their own use. Moreover, the Haganah resorted to illicit arms production within Palestine, manufacturing copies of existing firearms and modifying captured weapons to suit their needs. These rifles played a crucial role in arming the Haganah and were instrumental in their efforts to defend Jewish communities and secure independence for Israel.
This rifle is one such example of a captured or bought Mauser K98 that ended up in Haganah hands. This is a great collector piece as well as an interesting piece of post WW2 history. -R.E.
