German, Pre WW2-1937, Karabiner 98k Rifle by S/237 (Berlin-Lübecker), Fully Matching Serial Number 291, Extensive WaA26 Stamps, Deactivated

*German, Pre WW2-1937, Karabiner 98k Rifle by S/237 (Berlin-Lübecker), Fully Matching Serial Number 291, Extensive WaA26 Stamps, Deactivated*

An outstanding early-production German Karabiner 98k, manufactured in 1937 under the pre-war maker code S/237 (Berlin-Lübecker Maschinenfabrik). This example is a true factory-matching rifle, with serial 291 (or correct factory shorthand 91) found on virtually every numbered component: bolt body, shroud, extractor, safety, cocking piece, floorplate, trigger guard, barrel bands, rear sight base, rear sight leaf, sight slider, and even the floorplate screws. Matching early S/237 rifles are seldom encountered; one with this degree of consistency is especially desirable.

The rifle displays the classic early K98k features: correct tangent rear sight graduated to 2000 metres, early-pattern hardwood stock with crisp grasping grooves, and the correct pre-war finish now mellowed to an attractive service patina. The bore gauge marking 7,90 confirms its original 7.92×57 chambering, and the stock bears a wartime-style rack number “262” underneath — the kind of small-unit marking increasingly scarce on 1930s rifles.

Most impressive is the abundance of crisp Waffenamt 26 inspection stamps across the rifle — the correct Heereswaffenamt code for Berlin-Lübecker between 1935 and 1939. These appear on the receiver, barrel, bolt parts, rear sight components, trigger guard, screws and stock metalwork, providing a rare, cohesive example of a fully inspected, fully matched pre-war rifle.

Deactivated to the latest EU/UK specification by the Birmingham Proof House (certificate included), with the action welded and barrel rendered inert in accordance with 2018/337 standards. Despite deactivation, the rifle retains superb mechanical integrity and displays beautifully.

110.5cm overall length

Historical Note:
The S/237 code marks rifles produced during Germany’s covert rearmament programme, before open re-armament made factory codes unnecessary. By 1937, Berlin-Lübecker Maschinenfabrik was one of the principal K98k producers, known for meticulous machining and highly consistent inspection, reflected in the plentiful WaA26 stamps seen here. Waffenamt inspection marks were applied only during the Nazi rearmament and wartime period, from 1934 until the collapse of the Third Reich in 1945.

Rifles of this period often saw long service lives — from pre-war training formations to frontline Wehrmacht units — and were frequently reissued post-war by various nations. The survival of a fully matching 1937 S/237 rifle is therefore exceptional. Most were captured, rebuilt, scrubbed, or later converted to 7.62 NATO; few remain in anything approaching original specification. This example offers a rare glimpse into the earliest standardised production of the K98k — the rifle that would become the backbone of the German Army throughout WWII.

*Condition*
Overall very good deactivated condition with strong, honest patina consistent with long service. Metalwork shows even wear with scattered age toning; markings remain sharp throughout, particularly the S/237, 1937, serial numbers and numerous WaA26 stamps. Woodwork is solid with attractive grain, light handling marks and a clear underside rack number. All serialled components match (291 / 91). Rear sight unit fully numbered and intact. Bolt parts, trigger guard, floorplate, barrel bands and all screws appropriately marked. Deactivation work is neatly executed to EU/UK 2018 specification. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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