Deactivated WW1 German Gewehr 98 rifle

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This is an intriguing First World War German Gewehr 98 rifle with a somewhat macabre history. On the right side of the woodwork below the bolt extractor are seven very distinctive notches cut into the wood. This type of practice is most commonly associated with soldiers recording their kill tally. The rifles pistol grip markings have been worn smooth by the shooters hand and the notches above this have been caused by the bolt sear digging into the wood from rapid or sustain firing. The rifle was made at the Amberg arsenal in 1916, but more importantly the woodwork is original to the gun which has matching serial numbers to receiver, barrel, rear sights, forward sling hoop and woodwork. The bolt assembly is matched to itself. With such clear evidence of an active service life its safe to assume that this was a frontline weapon during WW1. As with many G98 rifles that survived the Great War they were put back into service for WW2, initially with Weimar police units in the 1920s and 30s, then with the SS and towards the end of the war with the Volksstrum. Deactivated with a workimg action.

To order Call 01547 529093 or 05603 416575 or email sales@deactivated-guns.co.uk.

Product Code: 16A56

OUT OF STOCK