K98k Cleaning Kits.

[Willi Z.]

As a German sniper rifle collector, I always had an interest in super clean, complete and unusual Reininungsgerät 34 cleaning kits. Few seem to be found in the manner in which they were issued, or in mint condition. The late-war styles are especially unique. Various styles of oiler and chain pullthrough can be found.

Here is a mint unissued late-war tobacco tin I found today.

[Willi Z.]

Here is how this one is packed. Can anyone tell me what is unusal about this kit?

[Willi Z.]

The other end contains the cotton cleaning strings.

[Willi Z.]

The contents. At some point in the war, the floorplate takedown tool was not always included.

[bodes]

Here is how this one is packed. Can anyone tell me what is unusal about this kit?

Willi, Looks like it's got an extra brush to me...The one mounted to the lid...Bodes

[Willi Z.]

You are correct bodes....seldom encountered like that.

Here is a '44 dated example. Includes the very rare style of pullthrough. Bakelite oiler.

[Willi Z.]

And a very rare '45 dated example in ordnance tan. Note the very rough stamped steel oiler and the matching maker-marked and dated floorplate takedown tool.

[bodes]

And a very rare '45 dated example in ordnance tan. Note the very rough stamped steel oiler and the matching maker-marked and dated floorplate takedown tool.

Willi....Very Nice '45 dated kit.... Those are quite scarce.....Bodes

[R_Hessian]

Willi

Here is how this one is packed. Can anyone tell me what is unusal about this kit?

Willi,

It was told to me quite sometime ago that RG cans with the "clasp" in the lid were for the MP40.... might be worth your time to measure the diameter of the bore brush.

Robert

[Matt Starr]

Robert, is the 'Clasp' in the lid not a spring to make the lid pop open when you release the catch? Thats what I thought it was. Willi, you have some very nice kits there in mint condition! The type of oiler and pull through chain in the '45 dated one I have never seen! do you think the RG34 with the extra brush was issued that way or the soldier just shoved it in?
Cheers
Matt

[R_Hessian]

Clasp

Robert, is the 'Clasp' in the lid not a spring to make the lid pop open when you release the catch? Thats what I thought it was. Willi, you have some very nice kits there in mint condition! The type of oiler and pull through chain in the '45 dated one I have never seen! do you think the RG34 with the extra brush was issued that way or the soldier just shoved it in?
Cheers
Matt

Hi,

No, the clasp or catch as seen in the lid was put there for holding the brush as shown.

Robert

[Matt Starr]

Thankyou very much Robert
Matt

[Willi Z.]

Hi Robert, I measured all the brushes with a caliper. I found that brush to be the same as the others, and I checked several kits. I found the wire brush to be about .33" in diameter. For a 9mm, I would have expected to see at least .36".

Here are several floorplate takedown tools......top to bottom, early to late.

[Willi Z.]

Oiler variations. Top to bottom...pre-war to very late-war.

[Willi Z.]

Pullthrough variations. Top to bottom...pre-war with brass ftting to very late-war with crude stamped steel and wire. The bottom two are '44 and '45 manufacture. The difference in the two is amazing, for just one year difference in manufacture. It is the study of these silly details that still make the hobby fascinating to me. Always something new to figure out.