Is this Kar98K authentic? - Wehrmacht-Awards.com Militaria Forums

Schreiner · 06-08-2012, 09:25 PM

Hello,

I spent around $700 or so for this partially-matching Kar98K with the code of 237. It was manufactured by Berlin-Lübecker Maschinenfabrik in 1939. All the markings are intact (two Adlers clutching Swastikas). It's in excellent condition with a cherry stock. It does have electro-pencil import markings (under the barrel and around the receiver).

It came with a manual that calls the rifle "HUNTING CARBINE OF THE MODEL "Mod.98" which seems like it was published in Russia. The seller was a company by the name of Classic Firearms based in North Carolina. I heard they have a dubious reputation. From my experience their service was questionable. I will post photos soon.

However, it seems like the markings or stamps in the manual are not on the rifle itself. Perhaps the manual sent with the rifle was a supplement since there was no original available. It's better to have a manual then no manual.

Shot at 2012-06-08

SirPayne · 06-08-2012, 09:34 PM

Hello

Your fears may be true. I have heard of this company and if I remember correctly they "specialize" in building fake weapons with parts and selling them as originals. Kar98's, Mosins, etc. Somebody needs to double check me on this.

Schreiner · 06-08-2012, 09:59 PM

Damn, if it's really true then that sucks.

jack944 · 06-09-2012, 09:14 AM

Where to start...this is a typical Russian capture gun. These guns were re-worked and reblued and parts changed around. The stock is not cherry it is beechwood.... I would encourage you to go to the 98k forum and learn what true originals look like.

www.k98kforum.com

Schreiner · 06-09-2012, 03:45 PM

Well, thanks for the insight. I guess the two intact markings on the weapon were stamped artificially. The thing is that none of the markings in the manual of the manufacturer are stamped on the weapon. If anyone else has any information to help with then please post it.

phild · 06-09-2012, 11:43 PM

As others have posted it is a Russian re-built/re-finished K98k. It is a real 98k, just not in factory orignal condition or in the condition that it was used during WWII.

The German reciever stamped markings appear to be orginal. The etched markings and perhaps some other markings that I can not see would have been applied in conjunction with the import requirements and in some cases with other markings (I can not see in the photos) as part of the Russian re-work.

As for the "manual" all of those markings shown appear to be of Russian origin and really have nothing to do with orignal k98k markings.

tanker · 06-10-2012, 01:03 AM

Not sure when you purchased it, but if recently, you should return for a refund. You can certainly do better than that for 700.00. You could get one with original finish but M/M bolt for about the same money if not less. At least it would be original.