KRUPP STEEL Mod W625B (DSM-34)…………( f 792 ) SOLD
Created on April 28th 2018
A Good Pre-War German Training Rifle by Krupp of Essen
These interesting Mauser training rifles were built to closely replicate the K98 shooting experience for boys and fledgling troops of the Third Reich. Very closely modelled on the K98 there are very few aspects which differ. The weight, the physical size and the set up of the sights is identical to the K. This was no coincidence; they were built to subtly familiarise the future troops of the Wehrmacht, with the rifle they would be rolling across Europe with. These rifles were built by various manufactures throughout Germany and this particular example with steel from the famous Krupp Steel Works in Essen. The steel this plant produced was a superb high quality product, good enough for the massive guns on the Dreadnoughts of the Imperial German Navy. Needless to say it is a solidly built piece and unlikely to fail anytime soon.
The rifle is a single shot bolt action with a bolt that mimics its larger cousin the legendary K98. It cocks on closing and has the same flag safety system. Bolt action repeaters had been banned by the Treaty of Versailles at the end of World War One. The precise model is known as the “W625B” this is roll-marked across the receiver above the company logo. The logo is an “S” within a triangle, within a circle. The crest of the barrel, behind the rear sight is also marked with the following; “FLUSS – STAHL KRUPP – ESSEN” The “B” model was the earlier of two and is distinguishable by the wider bolt removal catch on the rear LHS of the action and the small bolt cut-out beneath the bolt handle. Other markings in the steel are the “BUG” proof marks on the RHS of the barrel. The other side bares the calibre markings; “KAL. 22 LONG RIFLE 131755.” As is the norm’ with Mauser type weapons the last three digits of the serial number are repeated on the bolt stub.
The action is “short” in operation and is mechanically fine. The striker of the firing pin is a two-part component so if wear becomes excessive it can be renewed. The bore is in excellent condition with strong five-grove RH twist rifling. Wear is minimal and the lands strong with a bright overall appearance. No visible pitting or misting. This should make an excellent shooter. The barrel itself looks to be the same as a K in size from the outside and has a sight ramp mounted at the muzzle with a dove-tailed adjustable blade and a cross-hatched rear slope to the block, so to avoid glare. The rear sight is the normal but smaller sliding type and is graduated from 20 to 200 meters – normal lack of windage on the slide.
The remainder of the stock furniture is all made in steel. The trigger guard, the butt-plate and the barrel bands and false cleaning rod all show wear consummate with the age of the weapon. Sling mounting is replicated with a standard K-type side mounting forward band and the slot in the stock with fastening button at the rear. These all have lost their finish but, the barrel and action have managed to retain a strong remaining blue. This is typical of the higher grade result the factories were able to produce before the whole mess kicked off. They had more time and better access to resources. And the proof, as they might say is in the Sauerkraut. Even though the solid walnut stock has taken a hammering the main components have kept an extremely pleasing appearance. The fore-end has the early finger grooves on either side. During clean up, once the butt-plate was removed; the ferrous iron rod inserted into the butt to replicate the weight of the K98, was seen to still be in position. Behind the semi-pistol grip is a clear “R” marking. The stock is oil finished and bears a pleasing patina – oil finish has been refreshed ready to face the great outdoors again.
I mention the stock has taken a hammering – there’s no covering that up. It is adorned and decorated with many dings and dents but nothing out of the ordinary. I would not be surprised if this rifle could talk, we might learn that it had been involved in more than just training! You have to wonder about the last desperate days of the Reich. What did those cowards send those young frightened boys out with to protect the Fatherland? Could a young lad, brainwashed and frightened use a large calibre weapon? Would it be better to send him out with one of the training rifles which he might, at least, score a hit with? After all, they might have completely run out of other weapons by then! Is it possible that this rifle was last used by a frightened, lad hiding in a cellar? Its a horrible thought but, are some of the dents and particularly the nasty impact underneath the stock, a result of the self defensive actions of the advancing allies? Was this rifle the last thing the poor little fella had in his hands as a 75mm Sherman shell slammed into the wall above his head? We will never know. But as these weapons are a snap shot from history, a moment frozen in time, – like a photograph, we know it must never happen again. Sobering thoughts – now history in your hands………….
Stock No’ f 792
£ 875. SOLD
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