G98/40 dated 1941

[me6_130]

To me it looks as it had been painted due to rust, as others have said, but I recall seeing some other german weapons painted...an MG34 coming from a french museum and some portuguese contract weapons also. Weren't MG15s painted also?

Carles

[buckle1]

I do not know about rifles but the Brits painted nearly all of their captured WW II pistols that came into the US in the mid-60's with black paint . I purchased a luger and removed the paint. I used paint remover. It turned out not so nice as the underlying finish was totally gone. On this 98/40 I agree that it was painted to cover up the pitting .

Bill