Mauser identification and questions

Phat Eagle

Phat Eagle

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Hello all,

I have a Mauser I was hoping to gather more info about... The wood is very dark, and looks like it is 75 years old! It's god a few bangs and bruises, but no cracks. Unfortunately numbers don't match... On the plus side the bore is nice and shiny, with crisp rifling. The photos make it look much more rusty and dirty than it is in person!

From my research so far I've determined it's a "Banner" Mauser, and has National Chinese markings on it. Other than that...

I've become quite conversant in the lore of Russian rifles, but don't know of Mauser resources. I love to learn as much as I can about these great old character milsurps. Any assistance would be truly appreciated!

I could certainly take more photos of critical areas if it would assist.

Thanks in advance!







 
To definitively identify a German military K98, you need to record 5 elements. The letter code on the receiver (ie BYF), the year, the serial number, the letter with the serial number, and the script on the left sidewall.

There are so many variations made by Mauser that there are no simple statements on what anything is. Start with measuring the barrel length on a closed bolt. Look for stamped, machined or cast rings and stock fittings. Is the stock solid or laminated wood? Is there a raised metal disc on the buttstock to disassemble the bolt? Is the buttplate stamped, machined, smooth, ridged or grooved? What is the largest diameter on the receiver ring? How about the spacing on the main takedown screws? Is the bolt handle straight or curved, and is the bolt knob round or flat on one side?
 
Geeze... Ask a simple question...

Just kidding! Thanks for the pointers. I'll start gathering the info. Is there a best resource website or classic reference book?

maple_leaf_eh said:
To definitively identify a German military K98, you need to record 5 elements. The letter code on the receiver (ie BYF), the year, the serial number, the letter with the serial number, and the script on the left sidewall.

There are so many variations made by Mauser that there are no simple statements on what anything is. Start with measuring the barrel length on a closed bolt. Look for stamped, machined or cast rings and stock fittings. Is the stock solid or laminated wood? Is there a raised metal disc on the buttstock to disassemble the bolt? Is the buttplate stamped, machined, smooth, ridged or grooved? What is the largest diameter on the receiver ring? How about the spacing on the main takedown screws? Is the bolt handle straight or curved, and is the bolt knob round or flat on one side?
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That's a re-barreled Chinese contract Mauser.

I can't see the banner quite well cause of the reflection, but it could be made in Germany or China.
 
Standard K98k Chinese contract Mauser by the look of it. Pre WW2 production so German codes don't enter into it. Should be a walnut stock, large ring action, straight bolt, round bolt if matching serial numbers. Looks like a rebarrel as has been mentioned. There should be barrel codes on the barrel which will tell where the barrel was made. If it has an Izzy sling it may have been rebarrelled in Israel.
 
Bolt on this should actually be turned down since it is a standard K98k configuration. Of course after having served in China it could have any style of parts in it now.

Any numbers matching on it?
 
I noticed that too, the bluing doesn't match the wear and tear on the rest of the rifle. I also can see the hint of what looks like the barrel supplier code just forward of the receiver and I remember a similar style code and lettering from a 1944 bcd I use to have.

desporterizer said:
The bore is nice cause the barrel has been replaced. Nice piece, lots of history.
Click to expand...
 
If it was the original barrel it would have been serialed to match the receiver and it would have had the Chinese proof applied as well. It would be interesting to see the barrel code for sure. I wonder if it was replaced by the Chinese or a gunsmith later on to fix a poor bore as so many Chinese Mausers seem to have unfortunately.

I think the Chinese contract K98k's would have followed the original German serial numbering pattern so originally it would have had matching numbers on the barrel, receiver, bolt, safety, cocking piece, firing pin, bolt sleeve, extractor, both bands, stock, handguard, bayonet lug, trigger guard, floor plate, buttplate, ejector assy, trigger guard screws, rear sight components, and trigger sear. I could be wrong on this but it seems likely.
 
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