CAUTION: How do I tell if I have a rebuilt RC (Russian Capture) and not an original unaltered K98k? (click here)įAKE K98k FLOOR PLATE NUMBERS (click here)įAKE K98k MIDDLE BAND NUMBERS (click here) Links and content are credited to Brock's, Inc., Decatur, GA. The bottom line, validating provenance is becoming more important every day, particularly if one is buying these firearms as collectibles and expecting them to appreciate in value over time. Here's a bunch of links to examples that should make you pay careful attention, especially when you're buying what may be portrayed as an "all correct" and "all matching" K98k rifle. Don't hesitate to ask one of the folks on our MILSURPS.COM Advisory Panel, who perhaps have sound expertise on the K98k. don't buy, but seek some more experienced help. If not offered, request a "money back" inspection period from the seller and above all, if it doesn't feel right.
However, please note that these fonts will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, so buying Richard Law's book (see above) would be a good investment, if you're planning on becoming a serious collector of K98k rifles. Ask LOTS of questions, check the markings (particularly the stamping FONTS) against known "all correct" righteous samples, like the one displayed here in our virtual tour. Get as much information as possible about the rifle and its provenance. Be very careful when you look to buy one of these on-line, or at gun shows. WARNING: The K98k is one of the most commonly faked collector's rifles in the marketplace. This rifle is one of that small number, while the majority were made with laminated stocks, the result of trials that had stretched through the 1930s.īesides Oberndorf's WaA63 stock markings (see pics), it's also marked with an "L" (Eagle above it), indicating it was manufactured for the Luftwaffe! It's acknowledged in Law's book that it is rare to find K98's with the "L" Luftwaffe marking, as opposed to the more usual "H" Heer (Army) stamps. Of the 279,078 rifles reportedly manufactured by Oberndorf in 1939, only a random few were made with the traditional early style walnut stock.
According to "Backbone of the Wehrmacht (The German K98k Rifle, 1934 - 1945) by Richard D Law", for the year 1939, Oberndorf would have used WaA63 Waffenamt's on most components.įor a 60+ year old milsurp, the condition of this rifle is excellent and its components match all the way down to the firing pin, with even the guard screws and release latch screw being serial numbered to the rifle.
The rifle shown in the picture virtual tour is marked on the Mauser Werke AG, Oberndorf a/N receiver as Code 42 1939. Check for availability of correct WWII K98k sling with German Waffenamt WaA markings, which by itself can add approximately $100-$150 value to the rifle.ġ.
Check under wood for matching serial numbers on handguard and stock. See virtual tour pics for details of font type and location of serial numbers.
Check for matching serial numbers on left side of receiver, top of bolt flat, barrel, top of safety, top of bolt sleeve, cocking piece, upper band, lower band, butt plate, rear sight leaf, rear sight guide and stock bottom, with last two digits of serial number on virtually all other components, right down to the firing pin and cleaning rod. The "k" is for Kurz, which means "short" in German. The K98k was the primary infantry rifle for the German Wehrmacht during World War II.