A very original question, "What kind of Mauser is this?"

HardMaple72 · 02-22-2008, 06:31 PM

I tried looking at the Unofficial Mauser Web Site and still couldn't figure it out. I also tried to get pics of the markings for you guys, but my digital camera is having issues with close up shots. So I will describe the best I can.

On top of the chamber, right in front of the ejection port there is a crown, the letters EF?URT (the 3rd letter was drilled for a scope, but I thinks its an F, so EFFURT), and 1916.

To the left side (opposite side from the bolt handle) is 1 42 and a symbol below it that's kind of a cross between an N and a devil's tail. And on the left by the ejection port is Kar 98.

On the bolt handle side, in front of the ejection port, are the letters B G ? (the last letter is stamped very poorly, may be an O or U). All three letters have a small crown above them.

The bolt release handle (left side), between the bolt handle and the safety, and the front of the bolt assembly are all marked 42. The marking between the bolt handle and the safety actually has ??42, but the other 2 markings are unreadable. I took them to read 1942, but further study makes me think its not. And all 4 characters are centered properly, so I don't believe the first two were striken out to allow the 42 to be restamped to try to make matching numbers.

So that's what I have. Also the original stock was not with it. Got it at an estate auction with a very nice carved wood stock.

On the receiver is the number 72818 stamped upside down on the right side, and ayk Cc wrapping around the left side.

lefty o · 02-22-2008, 07:17 PM

you have a WWII k98 parts gun of some sort. pictures would get us closer, but really dont matter as the rifle is no longer original.

270wsm · 02-22-2008, 08:09 PM

You described it very well but,without seeing it makes it difficult(atleast for me)I have a similar mauser with similar markings.
It is an Oviedo 1916 in 7x57 mauser.It is a Spanish military rifle according to what I've been told.

Igor Polski · 02-22-2008, 08:57 PM

What you have is a KAR98A manufactured in 1916 at the Erfurt arsenal in Germany. It is a small-ring model 98 Mauser action that originally was chambered in 7.92x57mm Mauser (aka 8x57mm Mauser). The three stamps on the right front side of the receiver are proof marks. Opposite those marks on the left front should be the serial number and maybe another proof mark or two.

You should not attempt to fire this rifle until the chambering has been identified positively by a gunsmith!!! Many sporterized Mausers have been re-barreled so it's in your best interest to verify the chambering.

Igor Polski

HardMaple72 · 02-22-2008, 09:06 PM

I did find the code ayk indicates M. Rudolf Jahr in Gera, Germany. So then its a German-made barrel/action sold to the Spanish military. Well that's something anyway.

For collectors it obviously has no value without an original stock, especially since the end of the barrel was cut off to remove the front sight when it was tapped for a scope. But what's left of the Whitetail in my freezer will certainly argue against it being a mere "parts gun." But these are the reasons I only wanted some information or history, not a value.

lefty o · 02-22-2008, 09:14 PM

igor is correct, my mind read mod98 instead of kar98.

HardMaple72 · 02-22-2008, 09:21 PM

Thanx for the info Igor. I guess I got lucky with the caliber because I have fired several 8x57 Mauser rounds through it and hunted with it. That could have been a real mess.

02-22-2008, 06:31 PM	#1
HardMaple72 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 6	A very original question, "What kind of Mauser is this?" I tried looking at the Unofficial Mauser Web Site and still couldn't figure it out. I also tried to get pics of the markings for you guys, but my digital camera is having issues with close up shots. So I will describe the best I can. On top of the chamber, right in front of the ejection port there is a crown, the letters EF?URT (the 3rd letter was drilled for a scope, but I thinks its an F, so EFFURT), and 1916. To the left side (opposite side from the bolt handle) is 1 42 and a symbol below it that's kind of a cross between an N and a devil's tail. And on the left by the ejection port is Kar 98. On the bolt handle side, in front of the ejection port, are the letters B G ? (the last letter is stamped very poorly, may be an O or U). All three letters have a small crown above them. The bolt release handle (left side), between the bolt handle and the safety, and the front of the bolt assembly are all marked 42. The marking between the bolt handle and the safety actually has ??42, but the other 2 markings are unreadable. I took them to read 1942, but further study makes me think its not. And all 4 characters are centered properly, so I don't believe the first two were striken out to allow the 42 to be restamped to try to make matching numbers. So that's what I have. Also the original stock was not with it. Got it at an estate auction with a very nice carved wood stock. On the receiver is the number 72818 stamped upside down on the right side, and ayk Cc wrapping around the left side. Last edited by HardMaple72; 02-22-2008 at 06:39 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost

02-22-2008, 08:09 PM	#3
270wsm Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 326 Images: 2	You described it very well but,without seeing it makes it difficult(atleast for me)I have a similar mauser with similar markings. It is an Oviedo 1916 in 7x57 mauser.It is a Spanish military rifle according to what I've been told. __________________ THIS IS MY COMMANDMENT,THAT YE LOVE ONE ANOTHER,AS I HAVE LOVED YOU-Jesus Christ(John15:12)

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02-22-2008, 07:17 PM	#2
lefty o Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: mn Posts: 4,240	you have a WWII k98 parts gun of some sort. pictures would get us closer, but really dont matter as the rifle is no longer original.

02-22-2008, 08:57 PM	#4
Igor Polski Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 1	What you have is a KAR98A manufactured in 1916 at the Erfurt arsenal in Germany. It is a small-ring model 98 Mauser action that originally was chambered in 7.92x57mm Mauser (aka 8x57mm Mauser). The three stamps on the right front side of the receiver are proof marks. Opposite those marks on the left front should be the serial number and maybe another proof mark or two. You should not attempt to fire this rifle until the chambering has been identified positively by a gunsmith!!! Many sporterized Mausers have been re-barreled so it's in your best interest to verify the chambering. Igor Polski

02-22-2008, 09:06 PM	#5
HardMaple72 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 6	I did find the code ayk indicates M. Rudolf Jahr in Gera, Germany. So then its a German-made barrel/action sold to the Spanish military. Well that's something anyway. For collectors it obviously has no value without an original stock, especially since the end of the barrel was cut off to remove the front sight when it was tapped for a scope. But what's left of the Whitetail in my freezer will certainly argue against it being a mere "parts gun." But these are the reasons I only wanted some information or history, not a value.

02-22-2008, 09:14 PM	#6
lefty o Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: mn Posts: 4,240	igor is correct, my mind read mod98 instead of kar98.

02-22-2008, 09:21 PM	#7
HardMaple72 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 6	Thanx for the info Igor. I guess I got lucky with the caliber because I have fired several 8x57 Mauser rounds through it and hunted with it. That could have been a real mess.