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Mauser Barrel 2

interarmsinterarms Member Posts: 22 ✭✭
edited November 2014 in Ask the Experts
Gentlemen,
I have yet another early Mauser barrel that a friend of mine needs help identifying. From what I have been able to find out so far, this is one that was made during the "transitional" period of the Nazi regime. There is a Weimar Eagle present on the left side with the serial number 4659, which is also present on the rear sight in numerous places. In addition, all over this barrel are small Nazi Eagles with the number 26 below them. In some cases you will see the eagles in sets of three. They are even present on the front sight. On the top side of the barrel are the numerals 238 followed by smaller 38 & then a large R followed by a small u followed by three eagles. At the edge of the barrel before the threads it is stamped 7.9, obviously an 8mm. The condition is not bad, although there is some pitting, but the inside of the barrel looks good. I would appreciate any info and perhaps an estimate of what it may be worth. I have uploaded pictures to the following site: http://s1320.photobucket.com/user/MIK_Investments/library/Mauser barrel 2?sort=3&page=1
Thanks in advance for your help, Mike

Comments

  • p3skykingp3skyking Member Posts: 23,916 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Your information is accurate, they were used to replace barrels on GEW 98's during the early 1930's. The small eagles aren't really considered Nazi eagles, but a German system of parts inspection and acceptance that just happened to overlap the time period. The Nazi eagle will have a swastika at the bottom. Most of the Transisional rifles went to the SA and SS units forming to assume duties previously performed by the Freikorps.
    The value would be to someone that had a shotout GEW 98 with the Lange sight. The serial number would be paramount.
    I don't see it bringing much more than a hundred to someone that needs it.

    ADDENDUM: Forgot to mention they were also on the Karabiner 98b, a very rare rifle made for a short time during the early 20's by Simpson. The value of the barrel would be greatly enhanced by someone needing a barrel to restore one of these. The only differences between the 98b and 98 were the tangent sight, a turned down bolt, and a sling slot in the stock, and of course the the marking Karab 98b on the side instead of GEW 98.
  • interarmsinterarms Member Posts: 22 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Thanks p3skyking. I found a couple of other sources that actually described this as a Karabiner 98a (K98a), being that it measures 23.2" (a lighter, shorter model better suited for trenches), but can not find out when or where it was made or how many were produced. Apparently it was manufactured between the production of the Gewehr 98 and the 98K.
  • p3skykingp3skyking Member Posts: 23,916 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by interarms
    Thanks p3skyking. I found a couple of other sources that actually described this as a Karabiner 98a (K98a), being that it measures 23.2" (a lighter, shorter model better suited for trenches), but can not find out when or where it was made or how many were produced. Apparently it was manufactured between the production of the Gewehr 98 and the 98K.


    The actual 98a was a very short carbine made before the war. The 98AZ was the Erfurt carbine most seen during the war. It's dimensions were similar to the K98k, but this barrel is post war and I assumed it was 29 inches long since you said it's for a Transitional. It is not for the 98AZ.
    The AZ barrel will have a front sight with guards on the side. It's possible it's for a contract Portuguese Model of 1936 or even a early K98k.
  • interarmsinterarms Member Posts: 22 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I came across an interesting article which states it was actually used in WW1 if this is actually a 98a. See the following: http://www.peashooter85.com/post/67018373531/the-german-karabiner-model-98a-not-to-be

    Some similar statements are also discussed on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gewehr_98

    I have not yet been able to find out anything regarding the serial numbers.
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