Mauser Shotgu

[Scooby]

Greetings All,
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I was at a flea market Sunday and saw something peculiar. It appeared at a glance to be a 98k that had a portion of the stock removed. Upon closer inspection I noticed this was no rifle, but a shotgun. It had proof marks on it that led me to believe it was pre WWII (Imperial proofs). On the side of the receiver it said Mod 98. Just in front of the Mod 98 it had been drilled and taped with two screws that showed the same wear as the rest of the metal. The action appeared to be a tad shorter than an 8mm 98k. But save for the barrel and the stock it appeared to be a 98k. The stock was a walnut with a disk (plain brass) not a bolt take down type. It had the military style butt plate for the early war period. All numbers matched, but there were no proofs or marks on the barrel.
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Now, I have searched the net and been frustrated! I see references to 98 Mauser shotguns but can find no pictures or import history. Could this be a vet bring back that was modified to be a shotgun, or was it an export item made in Germany? It did have a magazine floor plate but I did not work the action to look into the well.
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I am sure it must be an import shotgun, but I never saw one before. But I am still a pup. Any info would be appreciated.
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Oh yeah, it was $200.

Thanks,
Christopher

[rogerbh]

This type of shotgun was recently discussed at:

http://glockandload.com/board/index....ST&f=6&t=3363&

[phild]

The shotgun you describe was made by Gehia (or some spelling close to that, I can not recall exactly) which usually is embossed in the stock disc that you mentioned. These shotguns were made mostly in the 1920s in Germany from surplus and salvage G98 rifles from WWI. They were widely exported and show up all around the world. The were a solid inexpensive utility type shotgun.

I do not know what the current interest is in these nor the value. I have looked a several of these over the years, but I can not recall seeing one in maybe 15 or 20 years.

The Germans had millions of G98 rifles that were excess as per the 1921 treaty limitations.

I think that they are interesting firearms and if I could find one for under $200 I would probably buy it.

[Johnnie]

When I was a kid, my stepfather had one of these in 12Ga. If I recall right, it would only hold two shells in the magazine. Fun to shoot. I believe they were imported by Bannermans,
Johnnie