Prices for late war K98?

[graf]

Depending on your definition of rare...

I suppose one could claim a 42 dou "rare" as they are less common for sure... I would say "less common" or at most scarce.

Regarding the dou45 I can't agree unless you are referring to "German" production in matching condition..., which went at least into the "e" range.
These are fairly scarce, but the Czech versions are more common & draw no premium at all- quite the opposite (these went well into the "L" range- probably beyond as I have in my database 9463 l and that is very near the end, -

Law & Jensen's research is way off in regards to these late rifles (the 1991 article by Jensen for the kcn listed "b" range for dou 45- a much dated & obsolete range by today's standards), the rc imports have changed the work of Jensen & Law greatly, and not only in regard to late dou & Steyr production.

Perhaps this subject is a matter of definitions? I do not use the word "rare" very often & when I do I include "condition" of the rifle in that equation.

The dou 42 98k is a rare bird as is the dou 45 and both are very, very desirable

[david w]

I only collect 1933-1945 German service rifles, by date and manufacture code and have for 34 years. Currently 179 Kar.98k rifles sit in my collection. The dou 42 and original German dou 45 are rare birds, which anyone collecting the Kar.98k rifle seriously would acknowledge. Russian imports are not collectable rifles except as fillers until an original matching piece surfaces unless the gun has unique receiver markings.I do not own any of the Russian imports but for younger collectors and those on a modest budget the Russian guns really are a bargain.
David Davis

[graf]

I hear you...

I am no rc fan either, but they do serve a useful purpose in the study of German rifle production (by the serial number extensions) & as a study of unusual variations (like the ss rebuilds & the 1944 dot reworks of other mfg rifles, I have seen a couple rc's that supported Law's article on the subject for the kcn- some collectors still question this variation).
I have never owned an rc, but do collect information on the serial ranges & variations in proofing, etc.

179 98k's is quite a collection, more than I have ever owned by twice- easily-, however I have been collecting the 98k since 1984 and have owned a significant number myself...

Regarding the dou 42... I don't consider a 98k with an estimated range of production of 190,000 rare (estimated by the kcn into the "r" range,- I have only observed them into the "i" range) and for the support of my earlier input- these rifles lacked proofing even this early on (the stocks only being identified as original/matching by the serial in the barrel channel)

To each collector their own, but a dou 42 is not "rare" in my book.

I only collect 1933-1945 German service rifles, by date and manufacture code and have for 34 years. Currently 179 Kar.98k rifles sit in my collection. The dou 42 and original German dou 45 are rare birds, which anyone collecting the Kar.98k rifle seriously would acknowledge. Russian imports are not collectable rifles except as fillers until an original matching piece surfaces unless the gun has unique receiver markings.I do not own any of the Russian imports but for younger collectors and those on a modest budget the Russian guns really are a bargain.
David Davis

[Soldat de Fer]

Value for a DOU45 ?

Hello

I was recently offered a K98 ,late war or "Kriegsmodel".
I purchased it from the familly of a NM vet. Untouched since 1945.
It is a DOU produced in 1945 ,all matching # (not marked everywhere ,but the stock is inside) 5623 series " a " ,with the original 44 dated sling (name barely visible). The rifle is still in a pretty good condition ,does have few scuff on the wood ,the metal part have no pitting nor damages ,the blueing is all there ,but of a poor late quality . No one as touched that weapon since 1945. What would be the value for such a rifle ? ( it is not for sale for insurance purpose only ) on todays market ? the rifle still does look very nice. I have only 3 K98 and they are all matching 37/42 and 45 dated.
If you have an approximate opinion on the value ,I would greatly appreciate.
Thanks and Best Regards
Pierre-yves

[Bill Parker]

98k

Of the Mauser manufactured '45 dates. The SVW'45 is the sleeper. There is some overlap between the byf'45 at the beginning and the svw MB at the end. See many examples of the early and late guns but not many of the svw'45.

To really give a value on the DOU '45, we would need to see some pictures. But, I would think that $750 would be a minimum.

[Steve in Florida]

I recently picked up an unissued looking (sorta, well, it's very nice) byf45 Kriegsmodell. Some of the parts are marked svw. What few pieces that are numbered match. Part blue, part phosphated. Has the stamped, welded, and screwed barrel band, no takedown disc, no bayo lug. Paid under $1300 with tax, tag, and out the door (and was happy to do so). Sold a so- so bcd 41 or 42 98K for $850 ish about 3 years ago.

[Bob in OH]

Say what you want about pricing, but legit matching late war K98s are pulling serious jack. Here are two late war guns that are at, or exceed 2K. We may not like the internet, but it's the reality we are dealing with...

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...?item=52548518

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...?Item=52545171