How rare is an SS K98?

[Matt Weber]

Have you ever wondered exactly how rare an SS rifle was? I've asked myself the same question many times. Well, I'm here today to give you the answer; 1 in 1000!

Let me explain my answer. Recently a friend of mine and I were fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to look through 8,000 K98 rifles that were just imported into the USA from Russia. These rifles were straight from Russia, never been a collectors hands! Well, my friend and I searched through the entire 8,000 rifles, and we found exactly 8 SS marked rifles! Four of them were deaths' head marked, and 4 of them were the "sszza4" marked rifles. So the answer to the question is, out of every 1,000 rifles, 1 will be an SS rifle!
We did find a few of the single rune "bnz" rifles as well, but I don't consider those to be true "ss" marked rifles. I think we found about 6 or 7 of those though in case you were wondering?

Well, after careful negotiations, I was able to come home with not one, but two of the SS rifles! One Deaths' head, and one "sszza4" .

Now, I know what you are saying, yes, they are Russian captures, and are mismatched rifles. But they have never been in a collectors' hands, and are definately 100% genuine SS rifles!

Below are the pics. Enjoy!
Matt

[Matt Weber]

Top of receiver on the "sszza4" is marked, "bnz" and dated "43". I believe almost all of the "sszza4" marked rifles are "bnz" made, and either dated 42 or 43? Please correct me if I am mistaken?

Matt

[Matt Weber]

Side of receiver showing "Mod. 98" and serial number "8301" with no letter suffix.

[Matt Weber]

Side of barrel showing serial number "8301" and "sszza4" markings.

[Matt Weber]

Here is a closer view of the "sszza4" marking. Not sure if it's better than the first one or not?
Also, FYI- this "sszza4" does have a sig rune on the magazine housing just in front of the floor plate.

[Matt Weber]

Top of receiver of the Deaths' head marked K98. It is a "byf 41" rifle.

[Matt Weber]

side view of the receiver, showing serial number "7239c" and "Mod. 98".

[Matt Weber]

left side view of the barrel shows us the serial number again "7239c", and Deaths' head, with "SS2" above it. Notice that the other proof markings on barrel and receiver have been scrubbed out by the Russians.

[Matt Weber]

A closer pic of the deaths' head with better lighting.

[mbberlin]

Look at this one: http://www.hermann-historica.de/aukt...db=kat52_S.txt

[Matt Weber]

I do have some questions about these RCs. I heard that there is a large following of collectors who collect only RC like these. I also heard, and seen some RCs that have been re-conditioned, (called RC/RCs! ), and they look fabulous!! So, how do you recondition one of these? What do you do to the metal? and what do you do to the wood?
I would like to recondition these, and get them looking better.

Thank you in advance for any help!
Matt

[mbberlin]

I don't do much, only a good cleaning, oil and special oil for the wooden parts. (Balsin Schaftöl)

If there is more needed I give it in the professional hands of an old and wise gunsmith. I'm no friend of the "looking like new/botox/silicone tits-restauration"-style.

[james m]

Well Max:
I guess you've just identified the German version of the famous Winchester 73 1 in 1000 rifle!

IMO and for whatever it's worth: I'd leave these rifles in the condition you acquired them. They are now a piece of history unto themselves and I fully expect they will be treated as a specific K98 "type" in the future.

I should also add that if you really want one that looks brand new Mitchells Mausers is a good choice.
Jim

[Joe N]

I have no business posting on this thread LOL But IF the German k98 came with a bayonet serialed to the rifle (I know ti didn't), here it is! I knew I recognized the serial number from somewhere, on my AB41.

A closer pic of the deaths' head with better lighting.

[Joe N]