Mauser 98 Questions, for COL Murph, Keith Hixson and anyone else ?

[ArtySgt]

I bought a 98 Mauser with the following markings on the breech,
byf 41, other markings are Mod. 98, Nazi proofs and eagle 685 (I think, old eyes not too good any more ) serial number on breech, barrel, stock 290X. Can not find any serial number on bolt,
several eagle numbers thow.
Stock has the usual sling hole and the disk hole though the stock, what was the use of the hole though the wood ?

This weapon was either surrendered or captured by Russian forces early in the war because it is in near excellent condition, it came from captured Russian stores.
I would appreciate any information you can provide me with. I do know it is 8mm caliber. Really nice piece for less then $ 250.00
A keeper for sure.\

I put this out to every one, I have a copy of " Small Arms of the World " 12th edition by Hogg. Any one have an earlier editon they want to sell ? My main interest is pre-1950 Military rifles. :cd: :cd: :cd:

[colmurph]

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[colmurph]

If it has a 29" bbl it is the Mauser Rifle, if the bbl is 23.6" it's the carbine. byf was the Mauser Factory at Oberndorf that was in business during 1941-1942 Most of the Mausers were made here. Some will have DWM markings indicating manufacture at Karlsruhe, Germany at Deutche Waffen und Munitions Fabrik. In excellent condition like you describe, the weapon is worth around $600.00 I'm not sure what the hole in the stock is for but I would assume it's got something to do with the sling. I've seen the same kind of hole in the Soviet and Chicom Moisen-Nagant rifles.

You will also find Walther P-38's and Luger's with the byf stamp indicating manufacture by Mauser Werke, Oberndorf

[Keith_Hixson]

Except I've always wanted a Mauser 98.

Keith

[ArtySgt]

colmurph, the barrel is just under 24 in. What happened to the Mauser Factory after 1942 ? Bombed out ? I know the stock hole is for the sling, below the stock hole is another hole with a metal disk on each side of the stock. I thought it might be a way to secure the rifle in the barrecks but who knows for sure ?

[colmurph]

Ok, you have a Kar. 98. The carbine version is worth around $500.00 as there were more made in this configuration than the rifle.