- German Mauser Rifle Serial Numbers
- German Mauser 98 Serial Numbers
- Mauser Rifle Identification Serial Number
Production began in late 1940 at serial number 700,000, as an extension of the serial number range of the Mauser Model 1934 pistol, a much more difficult pistol to manufacture. The early pistols have well-made wooden grips, and are highly polished and richly blued. That same year, the Imperial German Army of Kaiser Wilhelm II purchased the Model 98 Mauser design rifle that officially entered service as the Gew. “This remains by far the most successful of the Mauser designs, helped of course by the onset of two world wars that demanded vast numbers of rifles,” commented one arms expert.
SOLD FOR: $4,275
LSB#: 200609CM12
Make: Mauser Werke AG, Borsigwalde. In 1939 243 was the wartime Nazi code for Mauser Werke AG, Borsigwalde.
Model: K98
Serial Number: 8188 R
Year of Manufacture: 1939
Caliber: 8mm Mauser (7.92x57mm)
Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine
German Mauser Rifle Serial Numbers
Markings: There is no visible import mark. The top of the receiver is marked “243 / 1939”. The left side of the receiver is marked with a Nazi “eagle / swastika”, with the serial number, and “Mod.98”. The right side of the receiver is marked with three German inspection stamps “eagle / 26”. The left side of the barrel shank is marked with a Nazi “eagle / swastika” and the serial number. The top of the barrel shank is marked “13639D0”. The left side of the rear sight base is marked with 3 “eagle / 26” inspection stamps. The bolt assembly is marked with numbers that do not correlate to the serial number. The bottom of the bolt handle is marked with 2 “eagle / 63” inspection stamps. The face of the front sight and the top of the bolt release lever are marked with “eagle” inspection stamps. The bottom metal (twice) and the rear sight assembly (twice) are marked with the serial number and with a few “eagle / 26” inspection stamps. The nosecap, barrel band, front sight, rear sight assembly, and bolt release lever are each marked with the last 2 digits of the serial number. The right sling well is partially marked “38”. The left sling well is marked “8” and with a faded stamping. The right side of the butt is marked with a faded “eagle” and a faded “M”. There are a few other small marketing on the rifle.
The period correct M1884/98 bayonet is marked “E.u.F Horster” on the left side of the blades base, “9954” on the right side, and “40” on the top of the base. The top front of the matching scabbard is marked “9954” and the top rear is marked “E.u.F Horster / 1940”. The top rear of the belt frog is marked “CARL HEPTING & CO STGT. FEUERBAC / 1940”.
The Israeli K98 sling buckle is marked with a “circled Hebrew character”. The exterior of the sling is marked “2804-02524-” and with a “Hebrew character”.
Barrel Length: Approximately 23 ¾ Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an inverted “V” post set atop a small ramped base. The rear sight is a “V” notched blade attached to a sliding sight escalator assembly marked from “1-20”.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The hardwood stock has a pistol grip, finger grooves, laminate handguard, metal nose cap, hole for the missing cleaning rod, barrel band with sling bar, scallop for the bolt handle, through bolt, slingwell, sling pass through, domed washer, and a metal buttplate. The buttplate shows small scratches and discoloration from oxidation. The top of the grip shows 2 deep compression marks. The wood shows several scrapes, scratches, and compression marks; most are light marks. Some have damaged small portions of the surface wood. Many of these marks have been finish over. The LOP measures 13 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good Plus overall condition as refurbished.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The grooves are grey and the rifling is deep. There is erosion in the grooves.
German Mauser 98 Serial Numbers
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its metal finish. The metal shows scrapes, scratches, and light thinning. The bottom metal shows heavier thinning. The thinned areas of the finish show varying degrees of discoloration from oxidation. The replacement bottom metal screws are refinished. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork& Accessories: The rifle comes with a bayonet, scabbard, and belt frog. The bayonet & scabbard have matching numbers and the scabbard & frog are each dated “1940”. The metal on the bayonet shows scrapes and oxidation on the metal. The right side of the blade also shows some surface erosion. The scabbard shows scrapes, thin scratches, oxidation and surface erosion. The belt frog shows heavy discoloration, scrapes, and surface cracks. The area above the frog stud opening shows a tear. Overall the bayonet, scabbard and belt frog are in about Good condition. For more information on these items see the Wolrd of Bayonets web page at worldbayonets.com/Bayonet_Identification_Guide/Germany__Post_WW_I_/Germany_1933_1945.html.
The rifle has an Israeli K98 leather sling attached. It shows scrapes & discoloration. The interior shows a small area of heavy soiling. The buckle shows oxidation. Overall, the sling is in about Very Good Plus condition.
Mauser Rifle Identification Serial Number
Our Assessment: This Nazi marked German Mauser K98 was made at Mauser Werke AG, Borsigwalde back in 1939. It was around for WWII and most likely saw service during the war. There are 3 different proof marks on 1939 dated Borsigwalde Mausers; a Weimar eagle proof mark, a Luftwaffe proof mark, and the Nazi eagle & swastika proof mark. This one is marked with the eagle & swastika proof mark on the receiver & barrel shank. The rifle looks good and has lots of other deep markings that add to its history. It comes with a period correct bayonet, scabbard, & belt frog. It also has an Israeli K98 sling attached. This K98 Mauser will add to your nicely WWII of Military collection.