I apologize in advance to Pete and whoever else if my input is not welcome here, I can certainly delete this post if you like, just let me know.
This is just input that I can add, based on my observations and what i have learned over the years.
I owned this rifle at one time. This is a BCD (Gustloff Werke ) rifle manufactured in 1942. As mentioned, it is all matching in every conceiveable way except the bolt, which does match itself. Overall this is in beautiful, excellent condition when I had it, including the bore which I believe was almost excellent. This piece shows absolutely no evidence of postwar use or reissue.
With K98 collecting, after matching numbers, so much emphasis is put on the wood. Most have seen resanding, duffle cuts and stock switching. This one is correctly serialed to the rifle, both on the heel as well as the barrel channels. If you have a metal matching rifle with mismatched barrel bands, look closely at the stock, as mismatched bands are very indicative of a swapped or replaced stock, often from a restored sporter.
I must agree that bolt mismatch rifles often run between $600-$800. I must respectfully disagree at this point (I know it is difficult without pictures or an accurate description) regarding value of this particular piece. First, this is not your "run of the mill" BYF or "DOT" k98, but a Gustloff Werke piece, which was known for it's craftsmanship, and holds a special place for collectors. Also, being a 1942 dated rifle, not many survived unmolested. Just imagine what was happening in those days to the Germans and thier armament industry. This one did survive. Lastly the bolt mismatch is a typical (but not definite, as many importers sold k98 rifles without bolts after the war as well) indication of a bringback of some sort. Rifles were thrown into a pile, separate from bolts. A soldier would pick a rifle and bolt fromseparate piles and off he goes.
Just my input here. I scoured my old records this morning and found pics of the rifle in question. Just look at the wear and patina, it is truly a piece of excellent craftsmanship, and just reeks of history. I would very much like to own this again one day.
