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LOT 1372
Very Scarce and Exceptional
Documented Mauser Tankgewehr-18 Bolt Action Single
Shot Anti-Tank Rifle with Bipod and Sectionalized Cartridge Display - Serial
no. 5959, 13 mm cal., 39 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Produced by the
Germans in 1917 and 1918 in response to Allied tank assaults, the Mauser Tankgewehr
18, or “Elefant-Buechse” was the first dedicated man-portable anti-tank weapon,
and the forefather of the “anti-material rifle” as a small arms category. Weighing in
at 37 pounds minus the ammunition and bipod, the T-Gewehr was capable of
penetrating the armor of the day, and could disable an enemy vehicle in 6-10
shots. Relatively few T-Gewehrs made it to the U.S.; while a truly intimidating
trophy, most AEF men opted for souvenirs that didn’t require a team lift to
get on the boat home. Blade front and tangent rear sights, with matching
numbers on the barrel, sights, barrel band, receiver, bolt components,
and bolt catch, the Mauser banner over “1918” on the receiver ring, and
a smooth matching numbered two-piece pistol grip stock fitted with
swiveling metal bipod with spiked feet. Included with the lot is a cased
display of ammunition, featuring two empty casings with dismounted bullets, and a cut away casing and
bullet showing the steel core of the projectile. This Tankgewehr can be seen on pages 92, 110 and 111 of
the book Mauser Military Rifles of the World by Robert W.D. Ball. The cartridge display can also been seen on
page 111.
CONDITION: Very fine, with 70% of the original blue finish, showing an untouched gray patina on the
receiver, brown on the barrel band, and mild spotting and wear overall. The stock is fine, with crisp military proofs, scattered scuffs, chips and
dents. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 9,500 - 16,000
LOT 1373
World War I German Erfurt Kar 98 Bolt Action Carbine with Very Scarce Dust Cover and Flash Hider - Serial no. 3357X, 7.92 mm cal., 23 3/4 inch round
bbl., blue finish, hardwood stock. Manufactured in 1917, this Erfurt Kar98AZ carbine is outfitted with two very scarce wartime accessories, a detachable flash hider and
an articulated dust cover. Measuring 6 1/4 inches long and compatible with the mounting hook on the front, the flash hider is of tubular construction with some small proof stamps and a swiveling
locking collar. The dust cover is of two-piece construction, with both the actual cover and the base of blued steel construction and marked “W/Co/DRP”. Blade and tangent sights, with “ERFURT/1917” on
the receiver ring, downturned bolt handle, and smooth pistol grip stock with a brown leather sling and a steel buttplate. Matching full and partial serial numbers on multiple parts, including the bolt components,
floorplate, buttstock and buttplate.
CONDITION: Fine overall, with 70% of the original blue finish, showing areas of brown and gray patina, wear and spotting. The buttplate shows a darker, rougher appearance, with mild spotting on the flash hider and the exterior of
the dust cover turned brown, preserving original blue on the interior. The stock is also fine, with minor chips, a duffle cut forend under lower band, and dings. Mechanically
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
LOT 1374
World War I German DWM Gewehr
98 Bolt Action Rifle with Dust Cover
and Trench Magazine - Serial no. 4386l, 7.92 mm cal., 29 1/2 inch round bbl., blue finish,
hardwood stock. Manufactured in 1916, this rifle is outfitted with two pieces of very scarce optional
equipment, namely an articulated dust cover and an extended “trench magazine”. The dust
cover is marked “W/Co/DRP” on the sliding cover and spring mounted base, the former covering
everything from the bolt cocking piece to the rear of the receiver ring when closed. The magazine
installs in lieu of the standard floorplate (normal floorplate not included), with an extended spring
and a metal wedge to retain the follower and spring when the magazine is removed from the weapon.
Blade front and “ski ramp” tangent rear sights, with a muzzle cover, tan canvas sling, and a smooth pistol grip stock with flat steel buttplate.
CONDITION: Very good, with 30% of the original blue finish, showing areas of brown patina, spotting and wear. The bolt handle and components are of mixed numbers, with what appears
to be a struck out unit marking starting with “S” on the handle and mild spotting, and the magazine shows some dings and edge wear. Stock is fine, with light scratches, dings and stains.
Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 2,750 - 4,250
As pictured & described in Mauser
Military Rifles of the World by Ball