Question to the K98k experts

[P08]

My otherwise matching numbers Erma S27 1937 K98k in near mint condition has a cleaning rod from Steyr. It's stamped WaA655 and 67 which is the two last digits of the serial on the rifle it originally belonged to (I assume).

So does anyone know when they stopped stamping serials on cleaning rods? I never considered the fact that they actually stamped serials on cleaning rods so it took me by surprise.

A related question: Why are some cleaning rods blued and others in the white? Who made what and when?

[James Purnell]

Your rod was manufactured by Mauser Oberndorf and most likely left the Oberndorf facility in a 42 or byf coded 98k rifle. I have observed rods numbered into the mid to late 1941 timeframe. I would think the descision to stop numbering rods, as well as buttplates, bandsprings, triggerguard screws, etc was a result of the demand that Barbarossa placed on the German war machine. These changes all occured at approximately the same time (mid 41 early 42).

Jim

[P08]

Thanks. Yes it's Mauser. I confused it with 623 for Steyr. 1941 sounds likely. Very nice, thanks for the tip.