Caliber: ........................ 7.92 x 57mm (8mm Mauser)
Rifling & Twist: .............. 4 Groove, Right Hand
Barrel Length: ............... 29.13 in. (740mm)
Overall Length: ............. 49.2 in. (1250mm)
Weight: ........................ 9 lb. (4.075 - 4.150 kg without sling)
Magazine Capacity: ....... 5 rounds
Qty Mfg: ....................... 5 million (Estimated production between 1898 - 1918 by John' Walter's calculations)
Source: ....................... The German Rifle by John Walter (1979) - ISBN: 0969048688
Canadian Collector Market Value Estimate: $
1916 Gewehr 98 Rifle
(131 picture virtual tour)
Observations:
Primary infantry rifle for the Imperial German Army during World War 1. Check for matching serial numbers on left side of receiver and top of bolt flat, with last two digits of serial number on virtually all other components, right down to the firing pin and cleaning rod. Check under wood for matching serial numbers on handguard, stock and barrel. Check for availability of correct WW1 Gew98 sling with German "Fraktur" markings, which by itself can add approximately $200-$250 value to the rifle. Check for availability of Imperial marked "mud cover", which by itself can add approximately $400-$500 value to the rifle.
Collector's Comments and Feedback:
1. One of the best web pages run by a highly knowledgeable Gew98 collector is Graf's Gewehr98.com Web Site (click here). He goes into great detail about the rarest manufacturers and describes what the Gew98 collector should look for. He also covers the Kar98a (Karabiner 98a) in detail, another rifle which appears in our Milsurp Knowledge Library. ...... (Feedback by "Badger")
2. Gew98 Occasional Notes Series compiled by Peter Kuck
(Click PIC to read and save Adobe PDF File)
(Right Click on PIC and choose "Save Target As..." to download PDF file)
This brief PDF file by Peter Kuck is an excellent quick reference to the various markings and other things to look for when examining a Gew98 rifle. ...... (Feedback by "Badger")
3. Here's a very rare accessory add-on that was issued for Gewehr 98 rifles between 1914-18. The obvious purpose of the "Action Mud Cover" was to prevent mud from entering the action and breech area, yet be quickly swung out of the way so the soldier could fire his rifle with it still mounted. Most of these were lost during the war or during the last 90 years, therefore they are exceptionally rare, hard to find and of course expensive. ...... (Feedback by "Badger")
1914-18 Gew98 Action Mud Cover
(27 picture virtual tour)
4. Here's a photo montage of another Gewehr 98 rifle, belonging to member longbranch* ...... (Feedback by "Badger")
1905 Oberndorf Gewehr 98 Rifle
(43 picture virtual tour)