I saw a Mauser carbine at a gunshow this weekend. It looks like a small (carbine) Mauser 98 with a metal reinforcing band on the butt, just in front of the butt plate.
The dealer said it was issued to the Ski Troopers and that the metal band was to protect the wood from getting chewed up by the ice crampons worn by the soldiers (when they rested the butt on the ground, next to their feet).
Has anyone seen one of these or read anything about them?
I just saw a show on The Military Channel about special troops that showed that same carbine. The buttstock was reinforced like that so the mountain/ski troops could use the rifle as a climbing aid without damaging the stock. So they said, anyway. Probably rare and collectible, and therefore pricey.
The 33/40 was made for 3 years - 40, 41 & 42. If original it will have G33/40 stamped on the left side of the receiver above the stock.
Depending on condition and whether it is matching - many have mismatched bolts - it is worth from $800 to $1500+.
Sarge
I just saw a show on The Military Channel about special troops that showed that same carbine. The buttstock was reinforced like that so the mountain/ski troops could use the rifle as a climbing aid without damaging the stock. So they said, anyway. Probably rare and collectible, and therefore pricey.
Saw that same show. It was about cold weather or special climate troops so to speak. Very interesting and informative show I thought.
__________________ "My next door neighbors two dogs have created more shovel ready jobs then Obama has." - Gary Johnson
