History Preserved with the German K98k Infantry Rifle

Mitchell’s Mausers announces the finding of a rare cache of near-new K98k Mauser rifles that survived the destruction of Nazi Germany. Even some special model variations that were produced during WWII are included: rare Nazi factory codes with year code markings, early pre-war Mausers with the famous Mauser ‘Banner’ marking, rare concentration camp rifles, and specially marked “SS” Gestapo rifles. Some K98 sniper rifles complete with the original scope are also available in limited numbers..

The Nazi’s marked every rifle with a secret factory code, a date code, and military inspection stamps with proof marks, depending on where the rifle was made. Many Mauser rifles were built in captured factories in Belgium (Browning) and in the former Czechoslovakia (CZ Brno); now the Czech Republic in addition to rifles intended for other countries. The ‘bnz’ code with the single (Gestapo) rune and the “41” code on the receiver shown here say that this rifle was built in 1941 at the Nazi concentration camp in Steyr, Austria, which was supervised by the infamous SS. Inspection team number 135 used the Weimar Eagle inspection stamp shown here and worked in the original Mauser factory from 1942 to 1945.

The Nazi Eagle, both with and without an associated inspector number, appears on rifles produced in the Nazi era. These two marking types are found stamped on various individual parts depending on when and in which factory the rifle was manufactured.

The Totenkopf (Death’s Head) was affixed to a small number of rifles that were intended for use by special ‘SS’ troops. The mark shown here was stamped on the barrel on the left side immediately ahead of the receiver. The Deaths Head was sometimes applied to the underside of the stock immediately behind the trigger guard in the underside of the pistol grip.

Of special interest are some sniper rifles that have the original long-eye-relief system; the famous ZF-41 models with the long-eye-relief scope mount built into the rear sight base. Some sniper rifle models have high-turret mounts and while others have the German long claw-type mounts’. The long-claw type is shown here.

All rifles have been factory overhauled and preserved in military storage since mid-1945. Now to comply with U.S. insurance regulations, all rifles are torn-down, re-examined, cleaned and tested for fit, function, appearance and completeness. All rifles are provided with American Owner’s Manuals that include all the required U.S. Government safety-warnings.
Separately, American reprints of original German Mauser Operators Manual and separate Soldier’s Training Manuals for K98’s dated 1936 are available.

Original German accessories that were intended to be issued with the rifles during WWII are also at hand.
Mauser rifles are prized the world over for their strength, reliability and legendary accuracy. When the historical pedigree of these particular rifles is considered, they become doubly valuable. Over time prices will go up. Right now the basic Collector Grade German Mauser is available for $499. Other models are individually priced. Mitchell highly recommends getting the K98k now, while selection and availability are good.

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