Help ID old Mauser - Spandau 1916

[cl_leg]

I have found this old mauser in the neighbors basement. Doesnt look like it will ever be fired again but i would like to know some history. Possibly value but i am just going to hang it on the wall. The serial numbers all seem to match, even the sheath. I dont see any caliber marking and was wounder what that could be.
View attachment 125367
View attachment 125368
View attachment 125369
View attachment 125370
View attachment 125371

 

[kawicrash]

WW 1 standard German issue. Gew 98 long rifle, not a Kar (carbine)
Very rough, but neat to see complete and all matching.

 

[Eaglelord17]

As mentioned German Gewehr 98. It would be in 8mm Mauser, specifically the Patrone 'S' loading (a approximately 150grn bullet at around 2850ft/sec). Definitely is rough, but with some TLC I am sure you could get it up and running again.

Definitely a nice find, I know I have been looking for one for a while, guess I need to start talking to the neighbours.

 

[Coyote Ugly]

The basement must have been fairly damp.

 

[tiriaq]

Needs some gentle cleaning & preservation. Probably brought home in 1918 - 1919. I've been thinking one of these would go nicely with my Mk.III Ross rifles. Don't think my neighbour would give me the time of day, though.

 

[kawicrash]

The basement must have been fairly damp.

That looks like it might have been buried.
It must have been cleaned once already, as with that level of pitting there would have been a pretty serious layer of surface rust.
What does it look like under the wood??

 

[7.62xfun]

That's really neat. If you decide to sell let me know. I have a thing for ugly millsurps.

 

[Eaglelord17]

One thing I forgot to mention is if you do decide to hang it up, all the rules for non-restricted display apply, see the firearms act for specifics.

 

[cl_leg]

What or where can i find the rules to make it safe. I dont mean, trigger lock or put in a safe. I mean modify the rifle to make it unuseable. Not sure if dewat is the right word. I have had the firing pin replaced with a shorter one so everything still works but it will not fire a round. I dont mind bolting it to the wall to be safe but it would be nice to access it for those who want to handle it too.

 

[Eaglelord17]

You have to deactivate it (which would likely result in it being welded up solid) or you have to follow the storage regulations, there is no middle ground.

"8 An individual may display a non-restricted firearm only if it
(a) is unloaded;
(b) is rendered inoperable by means of a secure locking device or is in a container, receptacle or room that is kept securely locked and that is constructed so that it cannot readily be broken open or into; and
(c) is not displayed with and is not readily accessible to ammunition that can be discharged from it."