*German, WW2, Mauser K98k Rifle with Sling by Gustloff-Werke (337) — Mostly Matching Numbers, Waffenamt Stamped, Dated 1940, Deactivated*
Serial number 9427
Barrel Length 630mm, 1110cm overall
Calibre 7.92mm
On June 21st, 1935, the German Wehrmacht officially selected the Karabiner 98k (abbreviated as “kurz,” meaning “short”) as its standard service rifle, a role it maintained throughout World War II. This bolt-action rifle, chambered in 8mm Mauser (7.92 x 57), features an internal 5-round magazine.
This is a desirable German K98k bolt-action service rifle manufactured in 1940 at the Suhl factory under Gustloff-Werke (formerly Berlin-Suhler Waffenwerke), using the ordnance code 337. Production under this code occurred only in 1940 before the designation changed to “bcd” in 1941. Output from the Suhl plant was significantly lower than that of major producers such as Mauser Oberndorf or Sauer, (an estimated production run of only 145,000 rifles) making 337-coded rifles particularly rare. This example retains serial number 36431 on the bolt assembly, floorplate, trigger guard, barrel bands, and buttplate. The receiver ring is marked with the factory code 337, the 1940 date, the WaA749 Gustloff inspection stamp, the eagle/Nazi proof mark, and a different serial number 9427. The barrel carries the “Bo” Oberndorf proof, the WaA623 Steyr-Daimler-Puch inspection stamp, and the eagle/Nazi firing proof, reflecting the wartime practice of sourcing barrels from Steyr and proofing them at Oberndorf before final assembly at Suhl.
The K98k was the standard service rifle of the German Wehrmacht during WWII, evolving from the Mauser Gewehr 98 of the First World War. In 1940, production was expanded to multiple plants to equip troops for the campaigns in Western Europe. Gustloff-Werke rifles are particularly sought after because of their relatively limited production and their high early-war build quality. The 337-coded rifles of 1940 still featured milled components, fine bluing, and precision machining — qualities that were simplified in later bcd-coded rifles as wartime expediency took priority.
This rifle’s laminated stock is original and correctly numbered to the rifle, fitted with a flat buttplate also matching the bolt serial number. The metalwork retains much of its blued finish with honest service wear. The markings are sharp and clear, including all Waffenamt stamps, the eagle/Nazi proofs, and the Oberndorf and Steyr marks on the barrel.
Although the different serial on the receiver makes this a “mostly matching” example, it remains a correct and desirable early 1940 Suhl rifle with matching components elsewhere. A scarce 1940 Gustloff-Werke (code 337) K98k with mostly matching numbers, correct factory and inspection markings, and strong wartime presentation. A fine example from an uncommon early-war production run.
*Condition*
The metalwork retains a good proportion of its original blued finish with even patina from service use. Markings on the receiver, barrel, and small parts remain sharp, including the factory code, date, Waffenamts, eagle/Nazi proofs, and Oberndorf “Bo” mark. The laminated stock is solid and correctly numbered, showing service handling marks consistent with age but no cracks or structural repairs. Most numbered parts, aside from the receiver, match the serial number 36431. The rifle has been deactivated to current UK/EU specification, the bolt cycling under spring pressure, the trigger functioning, and the magazine removable. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
JAQFBD_2708300425
