I just acquired a horribly butchered 98 that has matching barrel, action, bolt shroud, cocking piece, and bolt. The bolt handle has been cut and replaced, the rear sight was partially cut off, the stock (original and numbered) was cut, carved, patched and in general ruined. The crowning action was to drill and tap the action.The rifling is almost perfect. It is also missing the bolt stop and safety. The trigger guard is a wwII part and the double set trigger is missing the sear assy. Pretty much ruined it all. However hanging on the endf the barrel was a muzzle cap that has the crowm and the letters LKa with a s/n 168. This is the cap that twists on and locks on a tab that protrudes from the front sight. I am not a mauser person but I would think that these are fairly hard to find. I would appreciate any input as to maker, time frame, and possible value.
I was unable to post photos. Thanks for any info.
Well after some searching on the web it appears that I may have a 98a short rifle. The barrel is about 23 inches long and is a smooth taper with no steps. The bolt handle was changed but the stub angles down from the bolt body and the crown and another stamp on the bottom are not distorted. The front sight matches the ones I have found in pictures. I know that it will never be a collector piece but I may bring it back to as close to original as possible. The stock will probably be a bear to find.
I was unable to post photos. Thanks for any info.
Well after some searching on the web it appears that I may have a 98a short rifle. The barrel is about 23 inches long and is a smooth taper with no steps. The bolt handle was changed but the stub angles down from the bolt body and the crown and another stamp on the bottom are not distorted. The front sight matches the ones I have found in pictures. I know that it will never be a collector piece but I may bring it back to as close to original as possible. The stock will probably be a bear to find.
