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LOT 1414
Exceptional World War II German Model 98 Bolt Action Single
Claw Sniper Rifle - Serial no. 4942e, 8 mm cal., 24 inch round
bbl., blue finish, laminate stock. Manufactured during World War
II, this rifle was produced as a “single 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 left-offset single claw mounts soldered and screwed to the receiver, the former numbered to match the barrel and covering the manufacturer’s markings and proofs. Matching numbers are present on the barrel, front barrel band (double struck, possibly factory error), floorplate, and bolt, which has a turned handle and a trimmed down safety to clear the scope. The stock is smooth and unnumbered, with a checkered steel buttplate.
CONDITION: Very fine, with 85% plus original blue finish, showing areas of brown and gray patina, mild spotting and scattered handling marks. The stock is also very fine, with minor dings and dents, and the buttplate is bright with mild spotting and areas of brown patina. Mechanically excellent
Estimate: 6,500 - 9,500
LOT 1415
Rare Serial Number 2 German Mauser Oberndorf Model
1904 “Salesman’s Sample” Export Sniper Rifle with Prototype Safety and Scope - Serial no. 2, 7 mm Mauser cal., 29 inch round bbl., blue finish,
walnut stock. A similar example of a German Mauser Model 1904 “Salesman’s Sample” Export rifle without a scope is pictured on page 384 of the
SIMILAR EXAMPLE PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK MAUSER MILITARY RIFLES OF THE WORLD, FOURTH EDITION BY BALL
book “Mauser Military Rifles of the World, Fourth Edition” by Robert
W. D. Ball. This example has a prototype safety mechanism located behind the bolt handle as an alternative for use while the scope is affixed. “Crown/B” and “Crown/U” proofs ahead of the serial number and “WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER-OBERNDORF A/N.” marked on the left of the receiver, matching serial number “2” marked on various parts including
the bolt components, rear scope mount, and buttplate. Includes period leather sling and “O.G. SCHERELL, BERLIN-SUHL” marked scope.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 85% plus original blue finish with smooth brown patina on the balance, a few small patches of light pitting, and some light flaking on the black painted sections of the scope. Stock is fine as lightly sanded and re-oiled with defined edges and some light scratches and handling marks. Optics are clear. Mechanically excellent. Certainly a rare example of a Mauser Oberndorf Model 1904 sniper rifle, serial number 2, that would make an excellent addition to any advanced Mauser collection!
Estimate: 5,000 - 9,000
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