K98 DOT 1944 Value

[SVW1945]

Last year at the SOS show I did notice that most of the K98,s that were there were humped up.There were very few nice Matching K98,s thier.Most of those went fast. The one I brought, sold the second day. It was a 40 -42 CODE BYF. It was a pretty rare bird, it was all matching. And in excellent shape. The best I ever seen in 20 years. Sold for $ 1650.00 . Maybe that was cheap??? Don,t know. Sold a 39 luft byf a year before for $1800.00. Maybe that was cheap to??? . I have a 38 Navy BYF all matching but floor plate and follower. Was replaced in the field. Bluing 85%. Nice North sea markings in the disk.Also nice Eagle M in the wood. This is the earlyest Navy I ever found for BYF.To me a super rare bird.Rifle came right from the Vet.It took me 2 years hounding him to get this nice rifle.Don,t know any Idea what it is worth.Sinice I never see one that it is not humped up.I would like to here more thoughts on these rifles.No duffle cuts!!

[r.blue]

Bob and Nick,
You are reflecting the prices that I have been seeing.

Bodes,
The truth is that there has been a surge in prices across the board. Most of the German firearms have jumped in price over the past 4 or 5 years.

R.Blue

[SVW1945]

R,Blue
Are good K98,s disappearing. Or we have that many more collectors coming up,And buying nice K98,s. Or maybe there is not as many around as we think that arn,t humped up. Maybe thats also driving the prices up.I know I did get good money for some of my K98,s. But try to find good honest K98,s. There tough. I wish I still had some of the ones I sold.

[r.blue]

Nick,
No doubt there is more of a demand than supply. I think that they are around but buried in collections.
R.Blue

[sszza2]

The best items are sitting in collections and not on dealers tables. These items tend to move quickly and quietly in private circles. At shows, quality items if not priced to the lunatic fringe move like hotcakes.

Nick - Your 42/39 E/M is no doubt rare. Even with a couple mm parts, it should equal or exceed a similar condition more common code E/M of the same period. In any case a very good dollar. Let me know when it comes out. Remember I'll buy em all.

Gene - I think your prices are not too far off.

Obviously common vs. rare codes/years drives prices. If most collectors already own a common dot44 variation then except for condition upgrades demanding a huge price can be problematic.

[RayG]

Quote: "The truth is that there has been a surge in prices across the board. Most of the German firearms have jumped in price over the past 4 or 5 years"

If you think German rifles have jumped in price, you should see what Japanese rifles are doing. About 4-5 yrs ago you could get a nice Mumed all matching Japanese T-99 rifle in full dress, (mono pod, cleaning rod, aircraft sights etc), for a little over $150. Now they are selling in the $500 range and if it has an original sling you can add another $150-$200.

TV shows like the history and military channels and special series like Band of Brothers have increased interest greatly. Also the vidio games. My grandkids knew what my MP44, Thompson and other guns were before they were ten because of the games.

I have an all matching and correct DOT-44 that about as minty as you can get with capture papers that I paid $700 for about four years ago at a show. That was the going price then. You can guess how much that has value has jumped in only four years, Ray

[Jeff V]

I agree with Gene and r. blue's prices. I have seen them at shows in both price ranges. The problem, at least on the west coast, is nice matching # un-messed with rifles are very hard to find. When one does turn up it can be in either price range. The internet dealers seem to always be in the high range IMO. best wishes,
jeff

[james m]

Would these same pricing ranges apply to a DOT 43?
Jim

[r.blue]

Jim,
They apply to all 98ks.
R.Blue