I was on e-bay today looking at a few bayonets for my K98 and come across some metal stamps, apparently just for the K98! What a way to pull the wool over some newbie's eyes, taking a mismatched rifle and making it match. It seems, anymore, you have definately got to do your homework before putting down large sums of money for something that just isn't the real McCoy. Even looking at some of the "guns for sale" sites in the US, I think there are a few matching rifles on there, in which these stamps were used? Anyway, I just didn't know you could buy these stamps so easily, and I guess it maddens me to a certain extent. Rant over!
Diluting the K98 market with CRAP!
- Thread starter tadam05
- Start date
Been going on for decades. Not just k98 rifles. Mostly in the US but starting to see some fakery on this side as well. Still most do not pass the test, do not match up to known original examples. In many ways it is harder to get away with fakery now than it was in years past, thanks to the internet, and willingness of decent people to show their wares.
What is also good is that these fakers are called out and identified throughout the international collecting community, and are blacklisted, all trust lost.
Ever get caught faking a rifle, pretty much certain those who know will never deal with you in any capacity ever again. Still a small world in many ways.
What is also good is that these fakers are called out and identified throughout the international collecting community, and are blacklisted, all trust lost.
Ever get caught faking a rifle, pretty much certain those who know will never deal with you in any capacity ever again. Still a small world in many ways.
It is really tough for newcomers to the K98k collecting scene. Some of the fake stamps are really good now. I don't trust myself to recognize them yet and have asked the opinions of experts before buying. Do as much research as you can and ask for help if in doubt. It really sucks that these fakes are out there and that people actually use them to take advantage of others.
K98's have tricks to tell originality just like every other collectible gun. Some of my thoughts:
The U.S. does have a significantly larger number of fakes being sold as originals, but there's also many more to choose from and more good examples available if you're careful. If you proceed with caution and a lot of knowledge buying a K98 in the U.S. and importing may actually be worthwhile if you don't have the patience to find one here.
If you want to avoid getting burnt, try finding someone you trust with nice examples and ask them to give you some pointers and take a look at their stuff in person. Study books and photographs closely. I recently posted pics of a nice example on here and so have others, it might be worth checking out the various threads on matching K98's as a minimum starting point.
Books are pretty much required, "Backbone of the Wehrmacht" is a classic dealing with K98's. Once you know what the good stuff looks like, it won't be a problem. Just avoid temptation to buy something you aren't 100% certain about.
Also, not everyone is a K98 expert. Some honest sellers may think they have a matching example and not realize it's actually an East German re-build or something, so it's best to be polite even if it's not what you want.
-Steve
The U.S. does have a significantly larger number of fakes being sold as originals, but there's also many more to choose from and more good examples available if you're careful. If you proceed with caution and a lot of knowledge buying a K98 in the U.S. and importing may actually be worthwhile if you don't have the patience to find one here.
If you want to avoid getting burnt, try finding someone you trust with nice examples and ask them to give you some pointers and take a look at their stuff in person. Study books and photographs closely. I recently posted pics of a nice example on here and so have others, it might be worth checking out the various threads on matching K98's as a minimum starting point.
Books are pretty much required, "Backbone of the Wehrmacht" is a classic dealing with K98's. Once you know what the good stuff looks like, it won't be a problem. Just avoid temptation to buy something you aren't 100% certain about.
Also, not everyone is a K98 expert. Some honest sellers may think they have a matching example and not realize it's actually an East German re-build or something, so it's best to be polite even if it's not what you want.
-Steve
Agreed! Have politely let down an awful lot of people with matching mausers.
You need to do a lot of reading, and a lot of picture research.
Some fakes are obvious some are damn good. But usually there's a tell.
I enjoy collecting 98s but its tough in canada due to scarcity, not humping. I don't know which I prefer, k98 barrens, or k98 minefield. Lol.
You need to do a lot of reading, and a lot of picture research.
Some fakes are obvious some are damn good. But usually there's a tell.
I enjoy collecting 98s but its tough in canada due to scarcity, not humping. I don't know which I prefer, k98 barrens, or k98 minefield. Lol.
You'd drool over my Waffen stamped and "Mum'd" No 4 Mk 2...This thing's seen it, been there, and done it!!
WTS for $25,000 + shipping
Couldn't resist, forgive me?
WTS for $25,000 + shipping
Couldn't resist, forgive me?
I bought a story, several years ago from a friend and when I recently went to sell the rifle it turned out to be a post war East German refurb. Very pretty rifle though. You really need to know your stuff these days. No matter how great a tome of knowledge you may be, something will always creep by you on occasion.
Mitchell's Mausers..........
(Don't do it)
(Don't do it)
I would love to have a SS Marked K98! Does anybody how much it would cost (and where to get it?)? I'm looking for one in good condition preferably SS marked.
I kinda want it for the history but also to shoot
I would love to have a SS Marked K98! Does anybody how much it would cost (and where to get it?)? I'm looking for one in good condition preferably SS marked.
I kinda want it for the history but also to shoot
Most SS marked rifles are fake.
The more common SS contract rifles usually have less proofs and acceptance stamps on them. I think your best bet would be an SS contract RC. And you'd likely have to import from the US
Firearms are not the only reproductions.
There is or was a jeweller in Austria who had a contract during WW 2, to produce medals and decorations for the Nazi government.
When the collecting craze started up in the 1960s’, he dusted off his old dies and started producing medals and decorations for the collector using the original dies and stamps. This included the proper ribbons and boxes as well.
The only change I was aware of was that sapphires were substituted for diamonds in the higher decorations.
So, authenticity is a paper trail, or you may have one of his.
There is or was a jeweller in Austria who had a contract during WW 2, to produce medals and decorations for the Nazi government.
When the collecting craze started up in the 1960s’, he dusted off his old dies and started producing medals and decorations for the collector using the original dies and stamps. This included the proper ribbons and boxes as well.
The only change I was aware of was that sapphires were substituted for diamonds in the higher decorations.
So, authenticity is a paper trail, or you may have one of his.
