Mauser K98 “Sniper’s” Rifle with Period Zeiss Scope…… (F 1229)

Interesting Scoped K98, all matching

A World War Two classic, The see-through high turret mount ZF-39 Sniper Rifle.  Built up on a fully matching K98 with laminated stock and early flat steel butt-plate.  Standard Mauser action with 5-shot internal magazine. Normal, three position flag safety. The scope which has been applied is about the best that they were issued, in that it is a 6 power magnification. The top of the scope towards the eye-piece is marked “CARL ZEISS / JENNA” over; “Zielsechs / Nr, 70128”  This scope would allow the experienced sniper a longer effective range than the standard 4 power scopes. Elevation is adjusted through the top tower, is smooth and functioning perfectly.  Any windage needed, is adjusted through the rear mount. Usual three-post reticle with most excellent optics – what more would you expect ?

It is my opinion that this is an “assembled” example of the desirable ZF-39 type Waffen Sniper Rifle, but the parts used, apart from the mounts, are genuine and sought after.  Many auction houses will not be drawn on authenticity because now, a whole industry has grown up around the craft of “Sniper Rifles” and many of the stamps required, are available from eastern Europe.  Even if now presented with a 100% genuine example it would be hard to tell for sure.  Only once in the past Fifteen years have I seen a WW II rifle such as this, which could have been genuine, even then, no guarentee could be given.  So, I would proffer that, it is better to buy something that you know for sure, is as stated, than to risk double the money, on something that actually can not be verrified.  This in that case, is a sure bet and is priced accordingly.

So to describe what we actually have infront of us: As the scope bases are screwed and soldered to the receiver, it is impossible to view the manufacturers code, but the serial number is visible; “8286 k” on the side of the reciever. This is repeated on the rear section of the barrel on the LHS, along with, in both cases, a strong waffenamt. The action side wall is clearly marked with; ” Mod. 98″ typical of a byf coded Oberndorf Mauser. (As this is a rifle being sold for a customer, I have no right to strip it down to examine markings under the barrel – which would help but, yet again not be conclusive !)   One of the most interesting marks is situated nearby, in that the rear mount is marked towards its back end on the LHS with a “Waffenamt 135” marking which is how it should be.  However, although the front mount is correctly fixed with the correct screws and solder, it is not marked and it should be.  Also, the rings are not serialised.

The whole mounting system is correct as a “turn-off,” see through set up with High turrets.  The front ring has a lower section that when allingned  correctly with the front base, allows the iron sights to be used.  A tunnel for the same is built into the rear components to compliment it.  The other feature is the abiltiy for the bolt to cycle without snagging on the scope, as it is higher.  All the parts of the iron sights also have matching numbers. In the normal way it is graduated from 100 to 2000 meters. The waffenamts on the forward exposed section of the rear sight mounting band, carry the waffenamt “26” for Mauser Borgiswald, so even they could have been brought in as parts and fitted onto the rifle in the main plant where the rifle was finally assembled.

Trigger guard and magazine floor plate are all numbered accordingly with the same Borgiswald markings. Locking screws are in position  Single standard stock cross bolt.  Mid and front “H”-band all correctly numbered, as is bayonet nosecap.  Cleaning rod in position showing last two digits of serial number !  Flat steel butt-plate correctly numbered.  This rifle benefits from having its muzzle cleaning protector in position with correctly numbered cap !! The butt has the bolt stripping disc behind the transverse sling slot.  Even better, this rifle has an original, period adjustable leather sling fitted !!!  The keeper part has a manufacturers mark on the inside which I don’t know the meaning of, but it looks correct. Chambered in 7.92 x 57mm ( 8mm Mauser)  Brown leather stitched lens covers included.

The laminated stock has a good all-over rich patina to it.  It shows stock waffenamts indicating “H” Heer – “Army” ownership, along with other correct stampings.  The underside of the stock also carries a four digit serial number and possibly a suffix underneath but, it is extremely difficult to read. To me it looks more like a matching number than not.  Once again taking it apart would solve the mystery, it should be marked on both components inside, either stamped or by pencil.  Action mechanically fine.  Shows British Nitro proof marks. Bore shows mild use but is very good, bright, strong rifling but not polished.  It’s gonna’ be a shooter….!

This is an oportunity to get the next best thing and one which you can enjoy on the range without risking the bank.  Also, it looks right. Nothing is out of place.

Stock No F 1229  –  FAC Required

£ 3300. 

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