German Mauser ?/Third Reich stamps

**DemonOfTheFall** · October 7th, 2008, 04:44 PM

Hey Mauser guys, quick question...at a local gun shop I saw a German Kar98, with the eagle stamps on it. Looks like it's in pretty good condition, and I'm guessing that these stamps have to be pre-1945...I mean, I don't think there were many manufacturers putting the eagle/swastika on their guns after WWII. It's got Century Arms Int'l lasered on the bottom of the barrel. I don't trust CAI, i have bought and sold a few of their rifles with varying degrees of quality, but I'm wondering if this is legit. Any thoughts? It's what I think is a reasonable price for what could be (IMO) a really cool piece of WWII history. Does the CAI stamp ruin any value? Is it still a good deal despite that? Thanks.

**wizzegun** · October 7th, 2008, 05:23 PM

Well 1st off, Century would not really have anything to do with building the mauser so I think you are ok there. Generally, on a German mauser you will have a date and 3 letter manufacturer code on top of the reciever. What you saw was probably a Russian capture. It may have an X stamped near the date and the bolt is usually electro-penciled to match the receiver. Without getting into too much, there are many variations and things to look for. Assuming the rifle is in good shape and the bore is decent, its shouldn't be more than $250. If you can gets pics of the rifle, I/we can be more help.

**DemonOfTheFall** · October 7th, 2008, 05:33 PM

thanks for the reply...i'll have to go back and check on the things you mentioned. It's $325, but maybe I could get them down a little bit.

**Karl/PA** · October 7th, 2008, 05:45 PM

If the rifle was made during Hitler's "secret" arming period of the 1930s then there will not be a date on it but rather will have a letter coding.

**762xIan** · October 8th, 2008, 06:17 PM

It's got Century Arms Int'l lasered on the bottom of the barrel. I don't trust CAI

I don't either.....but in this case they are just the importer and I believe they are required to "mark" it with the importer name.

A said marked K98 would not be worth $325 to me, hell decent Russian Captures still abound in the low $200's. A real GI bringback, with NO markings of an importer would be worth the money.

I would write down all the codes before you buy and do a little research to see if it is a rare one or a "run of the mill" Mauser.

Mauser Central forum link...http://www.mausercentral.com/forum/i...44fdbeecce3d81

Check the sticky on the thread for production codes, a pre-war Mauser would be nice to acquire.