Mauser K98 - Where to find ALL the serials?

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xopher

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With my recent infatuation of german firearms, I have started looking for an all matching K98 for myself.

I have done a bit of research, however, I can't seem to find a clear answer to my question: Where do i find all the serial numbers on a K98 for checking to see if its ALL matching?

My research tells me having a matching bolt is one of the most important. Are there other parts of the rifle I should check? Without actually handling one of these, I have seen multiple numbers on the bolt, as well as the front part that holds the barrel to the stock. Are other parts to check?

If you more experienced guys have a second, please help me out :D

Thanks in advance,

Xopher
 
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It really depends on what year you are looking at. Early production K98k's have serials on far more parts then late war. Manufacturer to manufacturer varied as well. Early war or prewar could be numbered on the front sight blade, bayo lug, front band, band spring, lower band, handguard, stock barrel channel, external on the stock, buttplate, rear sight leaf, rear sight latch, rear sight bed, barrel, receiver, extractor, bolt body, bolt sleeve, safety, cocking piece, firing pin, follower, floor plate, trigger guard, sear, front guard screw, and rear guard screw. Even the cleaning rod was numbered to match on the early ones.

As the war progressed and production numbers became more important, fewer and fewer parts were numbered to save time. You could also have some where the receiver was numbered but not the barrel or the barrel but not the receiver.

A late war Kriegsmodell like a byf 45 will only be numbered on the receiver, bolt body, bolt sleeve, cocking piece, and maybe the firing pin.

In short you basically have to research the particular year and maker and even the letter block sometimes to see if the serials are in the appropriate places.
 
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Everything these fine gentlemen have told you is 100% correct. As a new collector of K98s I'd recommend that you pick up a copy of Backbone of the Wehrmacht: German K98K Rifle, 1934-1945 by Richard D. Law. It's a really good reference point for a new guy like yourself because it will tell you which markings should be found on which rifles depending on the production year and the manufacturer.
 
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