My Gewehr G98/40 (Mannlicher S42)

[bodes]

They are more widely collected and they are more desirable than other foreign made rifles used by Germans. I can't say why, but that's the way it is and prices show that.

Jack

German G98's and K98k's are iconic representatives of German small arms in both the world wars....So subsequently collectors want the items they often see in the newsreels and photos from that era....G41's for a long time were underappreciated and value wise often also lagged behind the standard used rifles....Exceptions being the rarer scoped or mint variants....Bodes

[cossack1648]

German G98's and K98k's are iconic representatives of German small arms in both the world wars....So subsequently collectors want the items they often see in the newsreels and photos from that era....G41's for a long time were underappreciated and value wise often also lagged behind the standard used rifles....Exceptions being the rarer scoped or mint variants....Bodes

You just can't have too many K98's

Especially when they have scopes on them

[Alan Smith]

Because I already had a number of 98k's in my collection, when a G98/40 showed up on the e-stand a few years ago I took note of it. It lingered for a while . . . I guess no one really wanted it; I ended up getting it for $650. Mine appears to be all matching, less the bolt and floorplate. Anyway, I enjoy it as sort of an "interesting footnote" to WWII German small arms production. It is not my favorite item, but interesting none-the-less.

[phild]

I agree they were not bleeding edge bolt action design at the time but three things that I can say for them is that the Wood quality of the pre laminated types was pretty much unmatched on any other rifle of the period (from any country), metal machine work and finish the same and lastly then fit of the entire rifle the same. I also think that the adaption from the M35 was very well done and something that would probably take 3 years to figure out today. While the action leaves a bit to be desired compared to a 98 Mauser, the rifle itself has a very nice and sleek feel to it. I would be very confident with that rifle.

[bodes]

I agree they were not bleeding edge bolt action design at the time but three things that I can say for them is that the Wood quality of the pre laminated types was pretty much unmatched on any other rifle of the period (from any country), metal machine work and finish the same and lastly then fit of the entire rifle the same. I also think that the adaption from the M35 was very well done and something that would probably take 3 years to figure out today. While the action leaves a bit to be desired compared to a 98 Mauser, the rifle itself has a very nice and sleek feel to it. I would be very confident with that rifle.

I would surmise the link to Hungary is another knock against the G98/40....Hungarian troops were among the satellite nations fighting along Germany in Russia....I believe they along with Italian and Romanian troops were guarding the flanks at Stalingrad....These flanks being quickly pierced, which led to the surrounding and subsequent debacle there....Bodes

[phild]

I would surmise the link to Hungary is another knock against the G98/40....Hungarian troops were among the satellite nations fighting along Germany in Russia....I believe they along with Italian and Romanian troops were guarding the flanks at Stalingrad....These flanks being quickly pierced, which led to the surrounding and subsequent debacle there....Bodes

These rifles were not used by Hungarian troops, like the Femaru pistol they were contracted by the German OKH and in fact were uniquely designed for the Germans with their input and approval. They probably carry more WaA inspection stamps than any other rifle type.

As far as I know all countries actually allied with Germany armed, uniformed and equipped their own forces with their own material.

As for the Romanians and Italians on the flank of the 6th army, I’m not sure the Germans would have ended up much better. They were targeted with a tremendous Soviet attack and pretty much left hanging in the wind.

[bodes]

These rifles were not used by Hungarian troops, like the Femaru pistol they were contracted by the German OKH and in fact were uniquely designed for the Germans with their input and approval. They probably carry more WaA inspection stamps than any other rifle type.

As far as I know all countries actually allied with Germany armed, uniformed and equipped their own forces with their own material.

As for the Romanians and Italians on the flank of the 6th army, I’m not sure the Germans would have ended up much better. They were targeted with a tremendous Soviet attack and pretty much left hanging in the wind.

With all due respect, it's irrelevant as to whom they were built for and used by....Hungary was allied with Germany and was once unified with Austria....In Hungarian factories are where they were manufactured....

Wrong, right, or indifferent certain countries are renown for fielding good military fighting men....With the exception of perhaps some, Italian, Romanian & Hungarian troops aren't classified historically as equivalent to their German counterparts....

As for the sixth army in Stalingrad, the German high command was still under the illusion that the Russians were incapable of fighting a strategic war....Hitler was repeatedly warned about his flanks and that they were severely overstretched....This and all their (German) available reserve troops were committed to the fighting....So yes, the die was cast and so was the inevitability of what was to commence....Germany's allies in that sector were deficient in available anti-tank and artillery pieces, so the Russian's task was made that much easier....In the end, perhaps people are less likely to get excited about something coming from Hungary...But hey, this is just my opinion....Bodes

[phild]

Jack,

I agree with you and understand your points very well. My post was discussing your question of “why”. That aspect of supply and demand (why the specific demand) is always the important one to understand as the aspect of supply is usually easy to see on anything no longer made

[Spagg199th]

I had a 1944 G98/40 all original but had some use to it. I got $875.00 for it about two years ago. The collectors want the K98 for some reason over the scarce G98/40.

Sal

[Willi Z.]

Rarity generally (obviously not always) has little to do with demand. It is like that across the entire spectrum of collecting. An Italian para smock is much rarer than a German one, and it is easy to see which one costs more and is more universally desired.

[phild]

Rarity generally (obviously not always) has little to do with demand. It is like that across the entire spectrum of collecting. An Italian para smock is much rarer than a German one, and it is easy to see which one costs more and is more universally desired.

Right, little to do with demand but a lot to do with supply!

[SameNameHere]

Anybody have a good source for parts for these? I need a bolt head, cleaning rod, Bayo lug, front band and either replacement wood or wood I can splice from the sling band forward.

[phild]

Parts are now almost impossible to find for these.