1937 S/243 Kar98k - questions

ArtyMan

ArtyMan

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Also posted at k98kforum. com

Hey guys,

Yesterday I picked up my first non-RC Kar98. The rifle is mismatched (bolt matches itself and the barrel/receiver/trigger match - rest mismatched) but is in fairly good shape. I do believe however that the stock was sanded. So far the only thing I can tell is it was made in Berlin-Borsigwalde in 1937.

While taking it apart today for a cleaning I came across some stamps and was wondering if anyone could shed some light? Specifically the markings on the underside of the barrel and receiver. I took off the buttplate and although there were no markings, there was a reddish paint - is this normal? (I didnt touch it). It also came with an original sling which is fairly dry and cracked, what is the best way to preserve this? Also, is the barrel supposed to be "stepped"?

Here are the pictures:

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X's?

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Thanks!
 
The barrel marking I'm not sure of, but I'd say postwar.
The one that wraps around the barrel is the barrel
Code.

The marks on the bottom of the receiver are in factory "in process" marks. When a task was done and completed, it got a stamp. They are pretty much undecipherable, and wouldn't mean much anyways.

Barrel is supposed to be stepped.

Reddish paint is a primer/sealer to preserve the
End of the stock.
Nice rifle.
 
Ah! So that was you on The K98k Forum!

Nice grain to the wood! Really a nice looking K98k overall. I agree the stock has been sanded but still a cool rifle.
 
Thanks for the replies!

Why would the rifle be stamped post war? Is it a refurb of some sort?

I have to say I like it much more then my RC, although it will never compare to a matching example, the pre war quality is really something.
 
Great looking rifle. That would make a great shooter, I suspect - even for someone who owned a more collectible example. Likely reblued at some point too, perhaps in a legitimate depot in WW2. The blueing looks like it was done over pitting.

Still... very nice rifle.
 
Claven2 said:
Great looking rifle. That would make a great shooter, I suspect - even for someone who owned a more collectible example. Likely reblued at some point too, perhaps in a legitimate depot in WW2. The blueing looks like it was done over pitting.

Still... very nice rifle.
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The metal finish is interesting, under inside lighting it looks quite brown

(sellers pictures - hope he doesnt mind)

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overcast and rainey outside with a little oil

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I will try and get some more detailed photographs of the metal tomorrow.
 
Maybe that is the barrel code. Not typically like that. Usually wraps around the barrel. Definitely looks reblued over the pitting on the barrel.

Production estimates for s243 are around 81,000 so relatively low compared to lots of other factories and years.

Still nice and early.
 
Steve1987 said:
Sweet looking stock on that one! Kinda looks like some of the Port. K98 stocks I've seen.
-Steve
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The early stocks were walnut, like the top one made in 1937 (M937 Portuguese) and the middle and bottom 1941 (M941 Portuguese) K98 Contract rifles.

Port.jpg
 
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I've got a 243 made in '39. It had an original laminated beech stock that bubba chopped up. Luckly I was able to find another laminated beech stock to restore it.
 
Ive got a nice 1936 s42, its an Israeli convert though. I often wonder where/when it saw combat during its time in service.
 
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