WW I period Dual Date Gewehr 98 by Danzig. (F 1057) SOLD
Created on June 2nd 2022
Dual Dated Gew 98 By Danzig dated 1912/ 15
An interesting and rare Prussian built Danzig “Dual Date” G98 with Duffle Cut and shrapnel damage. Built in standard military specification of pre-world war one, in 1912. Chambered in 8mm (7.92 x 57mm) Mauser with the S marked over the barrel shank. The rifle has a 5-shot internal magazine and a straight handled three lug Mauser bolt system. Designation of “Gew. 98” is struck into the outer action wall in the gothic German script known as Fraktur.
The crest of the chamber is marked with an “Imperial German Crown cypher / DANZIG/ 1912/15″ This shows that the rifle was originally produced in 1912 and was recovered and reworked in 1915. The serial number “2848 b” is marked on the LHS of the receiver ring with deeply struck inspection marking adjacent. The serial number is repeated on the barrel shank. There are three inspection marks on the RHS of the receiver ring. Unlike many G98’s I have handled, this bore is very good, bright and not pitted with good depth of rifling.
The bolt assembly is completely matching and inspected accordingly. All other external components and furniture are also matching to the action. The sights are the easily recognisable “Lange Visieur” type. Everything has lost its finish at the same steady rate and displays a pleasing silver grey, even, non-pitted patina. The action to stock locking screws are in position, as is the cleaning rod. The cleaning rod appears to approximately half the length of the barrel so they had already adopted the practice of buddying up for cleaning.
The stock is equally as interesting as the rifle and matching. It bears definite signs of battle scars and the tell-tale practice of duffle cutting has been carried out about half way along the stock. Unfortunately, it would not be possible to shoot this rifle in this stock, it would be advisable to find a replacement for such purposes and keep this Duffle cut example as it is original and marked to the rifle. Overall the rifle measures 49″ in length. The round barrel is 29″ long and the trigger Pull is 13″ to centre. “Lange Visier” rear sights graduated from 400 to 2000 meters. Inverted “V” front sight. All the furniture for the stock carries matching serial numbers or part there of.
The stock is clearly marked with all the correct Imperial acceptance and Ownership marks to the Kaiser. It has a unit ID disc in the RHS of the butt-stock which is unmarked. Below which are three cartouches. The butt-plate is darkly corroded but it is till possible to see the serial number and a stamp. It is interesting to note the damage which is on the edge butt-plate and the back edge of the butt-stock with the peppering around it; it is easy to believe that could be battle damage possibly caused by an explosion or shrapnel. The rear sling swivel is vacant but the underside of the stock displays all the correct cartouches and the matching serial number. Overall the rifles woodwork displays a fine time built patina and despite the stock damage, it would be sacrilege to change that in any way. This rifle has been there…..
The Duffle cut is difficult to miss – it has been truly hacked about and then repaired with two large slotted screws. It holds the stock firm with only the slightest movement as a result in the short handguard above the barrel. Does it detract ? It is part of the rifle history – it does indicate that this rifle “fell” twice in battle if you also consider the dual date on the receiver. Unlucky for the Germans but as a result here in our hands. Probably sneaked past the MPs on the dock at Folkestone or Southampton by a cheeky Tommy. Certainly not only an early and fine example of the Gew 98 but also a rifle that stands as a testament in time.
It also comes with a Model 1898 bayonet (at £150 extra) with a 20.1/2″ long blade made by Simson & Co of Suhl (as marked) It has a particularly long slender blade with a single edge and a spear point. Many of these bayonets were shortened to fighting knife length as they were found generally to be unwieldy and not much use in a tight space, yet this one has survived that process. This example has also sustained war damage with the back strap being bent. It will start to attach to the rifle but go no further. The event has also caused one of the grips to have lost a portion. What could have caused that ? A British bomb tossed from another trench ! We will never know.
Stock No F 1057
£ 1200. SOLD
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