stickhunter
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Victoria, B.C.
A while back there was some discussion about the Port-contract K98 that Armco had sold in refinished condition. I was fortunate to be the one to snag it, but only today did I get around to photographing it.
I've included some pictures in this message, but there are many more closeups available in this album:
http://s292.photobucket.com/albums/mm26/jsmithsmithj/Port41Mauser/
First off, the serial number of the rifle is H161, which is the lowest H-block serial number that I've seen. The Portuguese K98K survey on Gunboards has a posting from someone with H162, so I've contacted them with the hopes that they'll send some pictures to compare with mine.
Armco sold the rifle as having both metal and wood refinished. Comparing to online pictures and a close examination of the stamps and machining marks, I think the metal finish is original. Initially, I was suspicious of a rebarrel since the barrel had no serial number and had a deep chocolate brown colour; however, I've since come across some photos of other Port K98s with similar lack of serial numbers and colouration. I've posted closeups of the barrel proofs and stamps, so I'd appreciate someone more knowledgeable than me (probably most of you here!) to chime in with your thoughts.
The wood continues to baffle me. If the metal has not been refinished, then it shows the rifle has seen little or no use. As such, I can't imagine the stock being worn down or dinged up enough that someone would refinish it. However, there are three things that suggest to me the stock may have been redone:
1) There are no markings on the stock besides the serial number on the bottom of the buttstock and the inside of the front handguard. In all other Port K98s I've seen, the Portuguese crest is stamped on the right side of the buttstock and a waffenamt at the bottom of the wrist.
2) The right side of the receiver tang is slightly proud of the wood. This is always a red flag for a refinish.
3) There is a thin line of staining on the surface of the buttplate where it meets the wood. This could indicate finish was added to the buttstock with the buttplate in place. I don't know for certain, but I would have expected the stock to be originally finished with the buttplate removed.
I've included a lot of different angles of the wood where the markings should be. Under close inspection, I can't see any sanding marks, uneveness/dishing in the wood surface, or damage to the wood fibres where stamps should have been. Additionally, except for the tang, the wood is well-proud of all metal. Yet, I can't imagine the rifle having been shipped without the cartouches.
Based on these pictures, what are your opinions about the originality of the rifle? The rifle is still apart, so I can take any requested pictures if they'll help. The action screws were very stiff to remove, and I've left the light greasy coating that I found on the metal under the wood in place.
I've also love to know the meaning of the markings on the base of the barrel and the "RW" stamp.
Thanks!
I've included some pictures in this message, but there are many more closeups available in this album:
http://s292.photobucket.com/albums/mm26/jsmithsmithj/Port41Mauser/
First off, the serial number of the rifle is H161, which is the lowest H-block serial number that I've seen. The Portuguese K98K survey on Gunboards has a posting from someone with H162, so I've contacted them with the hopes that they'll send some pictures to compare with mine.
Armco sold the rifle as having both metal and wood refinished. Comparing to online pictures and a close examination of the stamps and machining marks, I think the metal finish is original. Initially, I was suspicious of a rebarrel since the barrel had no serial number and had a deep chocolate brown colour; however, I've since come across some photos of other Port K98s with similar lack of serial numbers and colouration. I've posted closeups of the barrel proofs and stamps, so I'd appreciate someone more knowledgeable than me (probably most of you here!) to chime in with your thoughts.
The wood continues to baffle me. If the metal has not been refinished, then it shows the rifle has seen little or no use. As such, I can't imagine the stock being worn down or dinged up enough that someone would refinish it. However, there are three things that suggest to me the stock may have been redone:
1) There are no markings on the stock besides the serial number on the bottom of the buttstock and the inside of the front handguard. In all other Port K98s I've seen, the Portuguese crest is stamped on the right side of the buttstock and a waffenamt at the bottom of the wrist.
2) The right side of the receiver tang is slightly proud of the wood. This is always a red flag for a refinish.
3) There is a thin line of staining on the surface of the buttplate where it meets the wood. This could indicate finish was added to the buttstock with the buttplate in place. I don't know for certain, but I would have expected the stock to be originally finished with the buttplate removed.
I've included a lot of different angles of the wood where the markings should be. Under close inspection, I can't see any sanding marks, uneveness/dishing in the wood surface, or damage to the wood fibres where stamps should have been. Additionally, except for the tang, the wood is well-proud of all metal. Yet, I can't imagine the rifle having been shipped without the cartouches.
Based on these pictures, what are your opinions about the originality of the rifle? The rifle is still apart, so I can take any requested pictures if they'll help. The action screws were very stiff to remove, and I've left the light greasy coating that I found on the metal under the wood in place.
I've also love to know the meaning of the markings on the base of the barrel and the "RW" stamp.
Thanks!
