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365
LOT 1380
Very Scarce Early Production Two-Digit Serial Number World War II
German Walther G41(W) Semi-Automatic Sniper Rifle with Desirable
ZF41/1 Scope - Serial no. 27, 7.92 mm Mauser cal., 22 inch round bbl.,
blue finish, hardwood stock. This is a very scarce early production G41(W)
sniper rifle as manufactured in 1943, and fitted with a seldom seen ZF41/1
scope on a period base. One of the earliest German attempts to field a
semi-automatic battle rifle, the G41(W) uses the Bang gas trap
system, which utilizes a pressure chamber around
the muzzle to capture spent gas and drive a full
length rod in the forearm to strike the bolt carrier.
While the system worked, it was intricate and not
sufficiently robust, and would be phased out in
favor of gas port operation, much like its American
counterpart/rival the M1 Garand rifle. Manufactured
prior to the introduction of the G43 rifle, the G41 was one of
the only production model semi-automatic rifles to use the “gas trap” system, as opposed to the gas port used
on the G43, which has become the de-facto standard for gas-operated weaponry from World War II up through the
modern day. This rifle is fitted with a blade front and tangent rear sights. The left of the receiver is marked “G.41”
with the serial number “27” followed by “ac/43”, the wartime code for the Walther factory and 1943 manufacture
date. “Eagle/swastika” and “eagle/359” proofs. The stock is hardwood construction with a black resin handguard
and a cupped steel buttplate, stamped with “eagle/359” proofs on the bottom and left of the buttstock. The rear
sight base has provisions for use with the included ZF41/1 scope and mount. The scope is marked with “fzg+”
Feinmechanik GmbH of Kassel manufacturer code, “ZF41/1” model marking, numbered “05223” and the mount is
numbered “9” on the rear surface along with a Waffenamt. Matching visible serial numbers including interior
bolt components. Original G41(W) sniper rifles with period mounts are very difficult to find!
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 70% plus original blue finish with areas turned to a smooth brown on the
balance, and sharp markings and edges in the metal overall. The stock is fine with scattered scratches and
dents, a hairline crack on the left behind the receiver, and mostly clear stampings. Mechanically excellent. The
ZF41/1 scope is fine, with hazy but viewable optics. This desirable early production Walther G41(W) sniper rifle
would make a fine addition to any advanced military firearms collection!
Estimate: 14,000 - 22,500