Israeli German K98k Mauser bcd 7.62x51mm NATO Bolt Action Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,075
WOA#: WY231109DS005
Make: Gustloff-Werke Weimar, Israeli arsenal rework
Model: K98k
Serial Number: K98749G (C.A.I. import serial number), original serial number was 749.
Year of Manufacture: 1940s
Caliber: 7.62x51mm NATO
Action Type: Bolt action, internal 5 round magazine
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “SER. K98749G”, with a Star of David, reichsadler, “749”, and “Mod.98”. The top of the receiver is marked “7.62” stamped over a waffenamt and “bcd 4”. The top of the barrel shank is marked “26-57” and “7.62” with various proof marks and Hebrew letters. The top of the bolt handle is marked “9656”. The rear of the cocking piece is marked “483”. The bottom of the magazine floor plate is marked with an Israeli military acceptance mark. The right side of the barrel has an import mark. The underside of the buttstock is marked “7.62”. There are various small Israeli and German proof marks scattered throughout.
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded blade post dovetailed into a small barrel-mounted base. The rear sight is a v-notch sliding escalator assembly marked 1-20.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The wood stock has a semi-pistol grip, scallop for the bolt handle, nose cap with bayonet lug, hole for the missing cleaning rod, barrel band with sling bar, through bolt, sling well, sling pass through, and a metal buttplate. The buttplate has impact marks, wear along the edges, and a patina near the center. There are compression marks, scuffs, and scratches throughout the wood. There are a few chips in the wood at the wrist. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is shallow. There is moderate erosion in the bore.
In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 5 out of 10.
Many military and C&R eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide. For example, the U.S. used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The U.S. military did not begin to phase out corrosive-primed ammunition until the 1950s.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 15% of its metal finish. There are scuffs and scratches throughout the metal surfaces. There is thinning to the remaining finish on the receiver and magazine floor plate. There is a moderate amount of surface rust on the nose cap, barrel band, spots on the receiver, trigger, and the trigger guard. The bolt handle is worn and has a moderate amount of surface rust. The screw heads show moderate use. The markings are mostly well-defined. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition as refinished.
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 requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with a leather sling that has spots of verdigris on the brass fittings.
Our Assessment: The K98k was the standard issue service rifle for the German military from its introduction in 1935 to the conclusion of the Second World War in 1945. Based on the previous Gewehr 98 and taking lessons learned from the Kar 98a, the K98k was chambered in the stout 7.92x57mm cartridge. The K98k would go on to have a long service life not only with Germany, but with many other countries in the form of military aid and via post-war refurbishment programs, such as with Norway and Israel.
This is an example of an Israeli K98k. Prior to and just after it became a state, Israel imported a large number of surplus Mauser rifles from Europe. Most of these were chambered in 8mm Mauser, as was this rifle originally. Once Israel adopted the FAL as its primary service rifle in the late 1950s, most of the remaining Mauser rifles in their inventory were converted to 7.62x51mm NATO to ease logistics. This rifle was one of those that were rechambered, which is easily discernible given the large “7.62”s that are marked on the barrel, receiver, and stock. The stock has wear but there are not any major areas of damage. The bore has shallow rifling but there should be more than enough left to make it an effective shooter. The juxtaposition of a reichsadler and a Star of David is certainly an interesting slice of history and makes these rifles unique. This would fit in well into any Mauser or Israeli collection. Please see our photos.
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