K98 Band Question

[dthoma128]

We had the sling question...now a band question. I recently bought a 1939 K98 manufactured in Borsigwalde Berlin. It was an import to the states. Serial numbers all match except the bolt, including on the two front bands #9664 (see photos). The strange thing to me is that the front band for the sling has the sling hole underneath. In the forums I only ever see this on Yugo Mausers. Were there German manufactured Mausers like this as well?






On the stock, under the butt, there are two holes where it looks like some other type of sling mount was affixed. I assume this was placed there to enable a sling to use the band with sling hole underneath.

[Peter C]

Originally the loop was on the side. It looks as though someone took the original barrel band and reshaped it so that the sling loop is now on the bottom.

[dthoma128]

Hmmm...that is interesting and makes me feel better in that it is not a bastard piece added later. I will have to entertain reshaping it back to it's original form. Thanks much for the feedback!

[robcox1]

I don't know enough about this maker to answer this... was the serial number originally on the bottom of the band like it is now? It's just a thought that might impact your decision about whether to proceed with trying to restore it.

Either way, imho, you would be better off just leaving it alone. It's not possible to restore it exactly the way it was before, and it is an interesting variation as is.

[Mike Steves]

I've seen that before- I can't remember who, but some postwar country modified those bands like that. You can try to reshape it, you may be successful. I've never tried.

[Matt Weber]

I agree it appears as though the original band has been "re-shaped" to make the sling loop on the bottom rather than on the side.

You can try to re-shape it back, but I'd be careful. Best way to shape metal like this is to use hardwood (like oak or hickory) or soft metal (like brass) that is contoured to the shape you want it to be. Then use a soft face or wooden mallet (and possibly some light heat? you don't want to burn it though!), and tap it back to the original shape. The tough part in doing this will be not to dent in the sling loop at all! Perhaps make a piece of brass or wood to fit into the sling loop to help hold it's shape.

If you're going to try it, I'd get another post war barrel band to pratice on first. Good luck!

Matt

[Johnny Peppers]

You don't know what condition the metal was left in after it was reshaped. If it was heated to reshape it, it may have been rapidly cooled, leaving it too hard to reshape without breaking. You may have to anneal it to get it back to the original contour.

[dthoma128]

Now you have given me pause. I wonder if taking it to a specilist might be a better option than trying to reshape it myself. It does indeed feel too hard. Thanks for the guidance on it.

[Peter C]

It does indeed feel too hard.

Out of curiosity how did you determine that?

[dthoma128]

I believe it is too hard partly from the feel of it - metal that thin should have some flexibility or give when squeezed and this band does not. I also took a few swings with a heavy hard rubber mallet and some blocks of wood and it did not change shape in the slightest. I am going to look for a period band with loop on the side - though it will kill me to have un-matched serial numbers. I will also look to see if I can find someone that works with metals to see if they'd be willing to make an attempt to reshape it. No rush. I have her all cleaned up and put back together and I am very pleased with how it turned out.

[carbinekid]

I'm fairly certain that the mod to that band was done by the Iraqi's. I didn't save any of the pictures I've seen them in so I won't say its 100% but, I'm pretty sure.

Does the receiver or barrel of your rifle show any triangular stampings? If so, they are Iraqi markings.


kyle

[dthoma128]

Nope - no triangular stampings on the reciever. There are three Waffenamt 26's you can see in this photo and three more on the other side of the reciever - not visible in the photo. No other markings besides these. The serial numbers are mismarked and should have said "9664 r". Not sure what the "240 39 Do" and "bY" indicate.