Today I had the opportunity to view some rifles that were for sale. I'm not really familiar with German firearms, so maybe somebody can help me out. One of the rifles was marked G98/40. From what I remember, the receiver was marked 43 and had waffampts on it, and there was a three letter manufacturers mark on the rifle. The rifle had a sight hood at the muzzle, along with the cleaning rod, and what appears to be the original sling. If I remember correctly, the serial numbers appeared to be all matched. Is there anything else on this rifle I need to pay particular attention to determine if it has been messed with? The seller wants me to make on offer on it. Any ideas where to start? Also, is there anyway to know if the rifle was stolen? Any help is appreciated.
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Pictures would help a lot -
Arsenal code should be jhv; stock in 1943 laminated beech. Except for the stock (walnut early, laminated beech later) there are no variations. An original front sight hood is a plus; it should be almost circular as opposed to the inverted U on the K98k, K43, etc. Make sure the extractor is present; it breaks easily and is not a part to be found readily, if at all. Make sure the stock hasn't been thinned at the wrist.Comment
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Sorry I dont have pics. I dont take pictures when I am trying to buy something, because that will usually ruin the deal. Anyway, how can you tell the difference between a laminated beech stock and a walnut stock? Any idea of the price range on a rifle like this? I need to make him an offer and I'm not sure where to start.Comment
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G98/40
Laminated Stocks will basically consist of strips of wood glued together, you'll be able to see it when looking at the back of the stock (under or on top) or the underside up front. Make sure the wood hasn't been sanded down and the stock is fully original, also look for areas that appear to be retouched with bluing, etc. If it is all original and depending upon the amount of finish I'd say easily 800$ + on this rifle. That's without pictures to do a better guesstimate with. Use the search function on here and on google to look at more 98/40's. Chris...Comment
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For laminated think plywood in thin (2/3mm or so) layers. Also remember that a G98/40 stock comes in two parts; beware of walnut repros made in one piece....Comment
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I've been watching prices on Gunbroker recently to get an idea because I have thought about selling mine. Totally mismatched G98/40's in average condition are selling in the $500-$750 range. Matching guns start at about $600 for really beat up pitted examples and go up to around $2000 for really nice ones. Average, (and average for a G98/40 is very good) condition rifles that are all matching seem to go for $1500 +/- $250. As others have noted pictures are necessary to give any kind of good advice. These rifles are hard to find and are avidly sought after, but condition really comes into play. They are hard enough to find that you end up seeing real oddball prices too, there was a recent auction where a humped rifle went for $1850 even though the seller admitted it was humped (but not my him), then a few weeks later a much nicer rifle sold for less than a grand.Comment
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I was just going to add, make sure it's all matching! Most of the G98/40s out there are MM ones. There is a huge price difference as robcox1 pointed out above! AS long as it's all matching, it's worth over $1k in just about any condition. If it's nice, $1500-$2000 as robcox1 mentioned is not uncommon.
I've been looking for one of these, so if it's all matched, and you don't buy it, let me know!
Matt
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As robcox1 indicated the prices really escalate when legitimate matching rifles are concerned. Laminated rifles will bring the greatest premiums as they are the rarest. A laminated jhv 43 is VERY, VERY rare. I’ve only ever seen one. So, if a jhv 43 it is probably the typical beech type stock. A matching jhv 44 recently went on auction for $3300. That price was with a 98k, not 98/40, site hood.
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Having said that we can’t give you an opinion on a rifle w/o seeing it or having pictures. 98/40’s are notorious for being faked for the reasons mentioned above. A $500 to $650 mismatch can then be sold for 3 to 4 times that amount if the buyer doesn’t know what to look for.
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Some reference pics here the aforementioned jhv 44
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=159187361
basic jhv 43
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http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=159252633
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