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WWII Reworked World War I GEW 98 Bolt Action Rifle with SS Markings and Bayonet

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:800.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 4,000.00 USD
WWII Reworked World War I GEW 98 Bolt Action Rifle with SS Markings and Bayonet
This is a solid example of a GEW 98 rifle manufactured at the Amberg Arsenal in 1917 and later reworked in World War II for the SS. This particular rifle was assembled in 1940 with a barrel supplied by Steyr Diamler Puch, Austria, (the only company to do business with the SS). The left side of the takedown washer is stamped "Su4" indicating rework at a facility in the Suhl area. The right rear side of the barrel is marked with the 2nd style "SSZZA4" SS marking below an eagle proof. The top of the receiver ring is marked "crown / AMBERG / 1917", the right side is marked with three crown proofmarks and the left side is marked with the Rampant Lion (Lion of Bavaria) and the serial number. The left side wall is marked "Gew. 98.". Around the left rear of the barrel is marked "ORD" and three "eagle/WaA623" Waffenamt proofmarks. The right side of the barrel directly below the rear sight is marked with three "eagle/WaA623" proofmarks. Most parts are marked with the matching serial number (partial and complete) and crown proofs. Blade front sight and tangent rear sight graduated to 2,000 meters. Mounted with a one piece walnut pistol grip stock with handguard, flat buttplate and matching serial number on the bottom. Crown proofs over "B" on the right side and various proofs on the inside of the wrist. Complete with a "S/172" code bayonet with smooth wooden handle and metal scabbard. The bayonet and scabbard have matching numbers, however not to the gun.
BBL: 24 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 8 mm
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 4758
Condition: Fine as arsenal reworked. The barrel and receiver have a smooth brown patina with some pin prick type pitting on the front receiver ring. The barrel bands, floor plate, trigger guard, bolt release and extractor retain most of the blue finish with some thinning and high edge wear. The stock is very good. The area over the SS marking has been nicely dished out so that the marking is visible and there are a few scattered minor dings and dents. interestingly there is what appears to be a small piece of shrapnel on the left side of the stock just ahead of the takedown washer. The markings are clear. The bayonet and scabbard are very good with a few minor dings and dents on the handle and about 25% finish on the scabbard, which shows signs of some cleaning.