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LOT 431
World War II Mauser “41” Date Model 98 Bolt Action Rifle in “Double Claw Sniper”
Configuration with Shipping Crate, Scope and Documentation - Serial no. 4600p, 8
mm cal., 24 inch round bbl., blue finish, laminate stock. Manufactured in 1941, this rifle has
been outfitted as a “double claw” pattern sniper rifle. While on paper these sniper patterns
were rendered obsolete by the introduction of the turret and rail pattern mounts, claw mount snipers were still used by the Germans during the war. Blade front
and tangent rear sights, with a set of centrally aligned scope bases, one dovetailed into the receiver ring with light border engraving and an “eagle/135” stamp
(leaving the “41” date uncovered), the other secured to the receiver bridge with screws and engraved on top with a checkerboard pattern. A Hensoldt-Wetzlar
Dialytan 4x scope is included, installed in a set of “eagle/135” marked scope rings with an integral elevation adjustment knob and windage adjustment built into
the rear ring, the windage adjustment also numbered to match the receiver. The bolt has a turned handle and the slightly trimmed and polished safety flag.
Matching numbers are present on the barrel, barrel bands, rear sight, floorplate, bolt, buttplate and stock, the latter with faint waffenamt markings. Included with
the rifle is a green painted hardwood case, the interior having a padded cover, a set of individually cut compartments for the rifle, scope and (included) sheathed
bayonet, with enough room for an (included) brown leather sling, and the exterior stencil address from a Sergeant Benjamin J. Shaub, Co. B. 41st Artillery A.P.O. 3,
to a John L. Shaub of Springfield, Illinois. Also included with the lot are multiple pieces of documentation, including vintage photographs of American soldiers in
the field, two 3rd Armored patches (one with “SPEARHEAD” tag), Railway Express tag (made out to same name and address as on case), a May 1945 dated capture
certificate (note: certificate lacks region/theater markings) identifying a “German Mauser Sniper Rifle” by serial number “4600”, and a notarized letter from a prior
owner asserting their belief that the rifle is as originally used in World War II, and the included case a German made custom item sourced by the original capturing
GI for transit back home. Records on Sergeant Shaub have not been found.
CONDITION: Very good with replaced renumbered to match stock and bands, with 60% of the refinished blue overall, with areas of brown and gray patina, edge
wear, and handling marks. Some components have been renumbered to match the receiver. The stock is very good as sanded, with minor dings and scuffs. Optics
are clear, with a solid reticle and good adjustments. Mechanically
excellent. The case and accessories show mild wear.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
LOT 432
World War II German Walther “ac 44” Code G43 Semi-Automatic Rifle - Serial
no. 129h, 7.92 mm cal., 22 inch round bbl., blue finish, laminate stock. Hooded blade
front and tangent rear sights, with the “G43” model marking, serial number, and “ac 44”
Walther code on the left side of the cast receiver, which is fitted with an integral scope rail on the right side. A matching serial number
is present on the bolt carrier, with the manual catch on the right side and the hollow cocking knob on the left, and the smooth pistol
grip stock is also numbered to match on the underside with faint Waffenamt stamps on the left.
CONDITION: Fine, with 60% of the original blue finish, showing areas of plum tone and brown patina, edge wear, and mild spotting and
handling marks overall. The right side of the barrel has a patch of pitting near the front sight. The stock is also fine, with scratches and
dents. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 4,500 - 6,000