Quote:
Originally Posted by JCF
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Mismatched numbers on the 98K. Bet there are no import marks on the 1916 98 GEW, probably not even rebuild markings and likely to be all numbers matching. the 1916 GEW's are the most likely to be in the best original condition and matching numbered of all the 98 GEW's. After WW1 many of the GEWs were reworked during the Weimar period, and many went to Spain during the Spanish civil war of the 1930's (and are marked on the stock). With the reworks and field repairs during WW1 and WW2 it isn't easy to find matching numbered GEW's or 98K's. .
The Mauser 71/84's are in the best overall condition because for the most part there were never issued as black powder cartridges became suddenly obsolete with the advent of smokeless powder which allowed for smaller caliber high velocity cartridges. As such they were stored away and during the 1960's were imported into the USA in virtually new condition where you could buy them for about $30.
Personally I think that if I were to collect military Mausers I would have...a 71/84, a 1896 Swede Sniper, a 1916 98 GEW, A 98 GEW Kar AZ, a Serviceman's Tgt 98 GEW and a 1934 Mauser Banner 98K...all would have to be matching of course...and I would have to think about a 71 Kar and a 98 33/40 mountain Kar.
Then if I wanted a commercial Mauser I would go for a cased Rigby 98 Sporter. The one that I would dream about having would be the one in the photo on the cover of the
2000 Standard Catalog Of Firearms...Starting around 1903 Rigby acquired the exclusive rights to commercial 98 actions.