Mauser WW I GERMAN GEW 98 INFANTRY RIFLE

Mauser Gewehr 98 in 7.92mm X 57mm (8mm Mauser). Manufactured by Waffenbrik Mauser Oberndorf A N during 1915. A correct WW I 1915 dated “Butcher Blade” bayonet and scabbard are included. The GEW 98 and the bayonet have WW I German Imperial Army acceptance and proof marks.
In some unknown way, GEW 98 Serial Number 7892 escaped the post WW I tear down and rebuild process. It may have been a WW I “Vet Bring Back”. The 7892, or shortened 92, numbers match on the barrel, receiver, stock, floor plate, trigger guard ,barrel bands, ladder sight, bolt release, magazine follower, butt plate and some screw heads.

The receiver, barrel bands, bolt release lever and the bolt are still in the original “white” and have not been refinished. The barrel is clearly numbered and matching to the receiver with it's original blue/black finish.

The bolt is a repair or replacement part numbered 5439 with the safety base and the safety lever on the bolt being numbered 13.

There is no rust, corrosion or pitting on any of the metal components. The bore is clean. The rifling is worn, but perfectly “shootable”. For a military rifle that is 110 years old, the stock and hand guard are absolutely beautiful. There are a few small handling marks and one small chip on the right side just behind the rear sight.

the GEW 98 would qualify as almost new out of the box.

There are no import marks, or any markings except the original German manufacturing, acceptance/proof marks, adding to the thought that the GEW 98 was a “Vet Bring Back”.

The “Butchers Blade” bayonet is itself a collectors item, and came with the GEW 98 when I bought it over thirty years ago. The name “Butchers Blade” comes from the fact that the blade is larger, heavier and wider near front than at the rear near the handle. The wooden handles are in good shape with no missing pieces, but they do show ware. The bayonet is marked “Simson & Co.” over “SUHL” at the base of the blade with the number 15 and other small manufacturing and acceptance marks on the backstrap. There is some discoloring and light rust on the blade.

The all metal scabbard appears to be original to the bayonet and has done its' job in protecting the bayonet. There are several “dents” and some areas with old rust and pitting on the external surfaces and the tip of the belt tab is bent. The bayonet fits tightly and seats completely in the scabbard.

This GEW 98 with the correct and very hard to find “Butchers Blade” bayonet is a true piece of history showing the best technology and manufacturing capabilities available to the German Empire during WW I.