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**GAMS1** · 12-01-2019, 06:15 PM

WW1 98A a lot used in the WW2 by second line troops , in Normandy also ...
It almost looks like a 98K , same size !
Nick

**oldcorps** · 12-01-2019, 09:21 PM

These were very popular rifles in WWI and were used by a variety of units. The Spandau '08 breech date would be correct for the stock type and I'm wondering if the rest of the numbers match. After WWI, this rifle remained in military inventory as evidenced by the post-Versailles 1920 date. It appears to have a 98K sling added during its WWII use. Too bad the bolt is missing but those are available. This 98A or 98 AZ would be an excellent candidate for restoration considering its historical value. Congratulations on an interesting find!

**zimmerit** · 12-01-2019, 09:32 PM

as already stated, a pre ww1 kar98a which stayed in service after ww1 (1920 property stamp). These were still issued out in wwii.

This is a rifle I would highly recommend you leave in its current untouched state. Or if you feel the need to clean it, be very careful and not aggressive. A very nice rifle from the looks of it

**oldcorps** · 12-02-2019, 09:28 AM

In its present condition the rifle and sling will only continue to deteriorate. If you know someone experienced in antique arms restoration, I'd recommend contacting him. Otherwise:

Disassemble the rifle completely and separate the wood from the metal parts. Then, liberally coat the metal parts in Break-Free and cover them with thin, cotton cloth until they soak through. Let sit for about three days at room temperature and brush the rusty residue off lightly with a bronze brush. Wipe the stock and handguard down with a clean cloth and using a clean cotton cloth, rub in boiled linseed oil in a circular motion for three to four applications, wiping with a clean rag between applications. Once moisture is restored to the wood, cartouches and other markings will begin to appear in greater detail. As for the sling, a good, non-petroleum leather restorer should be worked into the leather with buffing between applications.

Hope this helps and good luck!

**echofix** · 12-02-2019, 11:55 AM

Kar 98 az

Originally posted by oldcorps View Post

These were very popular rifles in WWI and were used by a variety of units. The Spandau '08 breech date would be correct for the stock type and I'm wondering if the rest of the numbers match. After WWI, this rifle remained in military inventory as evidenced by the post-Versailles 1920 date. It appears to have a 98K sling added during its WWII use. Too bad the bolt is missing but those are available. This 98A or 98 AZ would be an excellent candidate for restoration considering its historical value. Congratulations on an interesting find!

Hello, thanks for your help!

I can confirmed now, it's one Kar 98 az!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VN4oUg2ANRs&vl=en

**echofix** · 12-02-2019, 11:58 AM

Kar 98 az

Originally posted by oldcorps View Post

In its present condition the rifle and sling will only continue to deteriorate. If you know someone experienced in antique arms restoration, I'd recommend contacting him. Otherwise:

Disassemble the rifle completely and separate the wood from the metal parts. Then, liberally coat the metal parts in Break-Free and cover them with thin, cotton cloth until they soak through. Let sit for about three days at room temperature and brush the rusty residue off lightly with a bronze brush. Wipe the stock and handguard down with a clean cloth and using a clean cotton cloth, rub in boiled linseed oil in a circular motion for three to four applications, wiping with a clean rag between applications. Once moisture is restored to the wood, cartouches and other markings will begin to appear in greater detail. As for the sling, a good, non-petroleum leather restorer should be worked into the leather with buffing between applications.

Hope this helps and good luck!

Thank you for your help!

. Thank you for all your advice! I will certainly be very careful. I'm allway afraid about the screws...

**echofix** · 12-02-2019, 01:23 PM

Kar 98 az

Originally posted by oldcorps View Post

These were very popular rifles in WWI and were used by a variety of units. The Spandau '08 breech date would be correct for the stock type and I'm wondering if the rest of the numbers match. After WWI, this rifle remained in military inventory as evidenced by the post-Versailles 1920 date. It appears to have a 98K sling added during its WWII use. Too bad the bolt is missing but those are available. This 98A or 98 AZ would be an excellent candidate for restoration considering its historical value. Congratulations on an interesting find!

Hello, thank you for your interest!

All parts are Matching… You know where to get that bolt (neutralized of course). All the best.

**Alan Smith** · 12-02-2019, 01:30 PM

Is there any possibility of you being able to legally possess this 98a carbine in live-firing condition in France? If so, what steps, permits, etc. are needed? I am just curious to learn about how French and/or EU law applies in this situation.

It sure would be nice to keep it fully functional (as I understand to be its current condition, less the missing bolt).

**Bill Grist** · 12-02-2019, 01:33 PM

Very nice find. As for a bolt you should be able to find one at the various French & Belgian militaria shows. BILL

**Bill Grist** · 12-02-2019, 01:36 PM

Use a good penetrating oil on the screws such as KROIL oil. BILL

**oldcorps** · 12-02-2019, 01:52 PM

Echofix,

As with anything else, 98az bolts are easy to find unless you're looking for one. These have a distinctive checkered pattern on the bottom of the bolt handle and unless the rifle has been reworked, they were originally finished in the white; reworks are typically blued. EBay, Gunbroker and the K98K Forum are all good sources for parts. Advertising for a wanted complete 98az bolt on this or the K98K Forum should work. In the meantime, have fun carefully restoring your find and please don't refinish the wood.

**echofix** · 12-02-2019, 02:42 PM

Kar 98 az

Originally posted by oldcorps View Post

Echofix,

As with anything else, 98az bolts are easy to find unless you're looking for one. These have a distinctive checkered pattern on the bottom of the bolt handle and unless the rifle has been reworked, they were originally finished in the white; reworks are typically blued. EBay, Gunbroker and the K98K Forum are all good sources for parts. Advertising for a wanted complete 98az bolt on this or the K98K Forum should work. In the meantime, have fun carefully restoring your find and please don't refinish the wood.

Hello, thank you for your interest, i just started the restauration… and i found a new marking!

**zimmerit** · 12-02-2019, 06:04 PM

Originally posted by oldcorps View Post

In its present condition the rifle and sling will only continue to deteriorate. If you know someone experienced in antique arms restoration, I'd recommend contacting him. Otherwise:

Disassemble the rifle completely and separate the wood from the metal parts. Then, liberally coat the metal parts in Break-Free and cover them with thin, cotton cloth until they soak through. Let sit for about three days at room temperature and brush the rusty residue off lightly with a bronze brush. Wipe the stock and handguard down with a clean cloth and using a clean cotton cloth, rub in boiled linseed oil in a circular motion for three to four applications, wiping with a clean rag between applications. Once moisture is restored to the wood, cartouches and other markings will begin to appear in greater detail. As for the sling, a good, non-petroleum leather restorer should be worked into the leather with buffing between applications.

Hope this helps and good luck!

There are 2 schools of thought on this, old corps is one and I am another. I could see oiling the metal. But for the love of god do not touch the stock or sling. There are no condition issues with that stock or the sling that require attention. Anything you do to the sling will cause it to deteriorate faster, do some research on this. Definitely DO NOT use raw linseed oil on the stock- it will take ages to dry and in the wrong environment can cause mold to develop on the stock. Do not use boiled linseed oil either as in it’s modern form it will give you the entirely wrong look to your finish. People like untouched rifles, and the market shows this. Anything you do beyond oiling the metal will devalue it. It takes 75 years to be in this condition, and most have already been gussied up.

The best thing you can do is store it in a temperature and humidity controlled environment.

**oldcorps** · 12-03-2019, 09:30 AM

The restoration and preservation of antique firearms for future generations is a process that has gone on for centuries. Over the past fifty-plus years my 18th and 19th century firearms restorations have become valued parts of dozens of collections and I will continue in the practice for as long as I am able. Reversing the folly and neglect of previous owners is an obligation we all share and therefore, we have to bear in mind that the lamentable condition of this restorable Mauser is solely due to these two factors. Allowing it to further deteriorate is a process not worth further comment.

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