Manufacturer: J.P. Sauer & Sohn, Suhl, Germany
Model: Karabiner 98k (K98k)
Year of Manufacture: 1944
Factory Code: ce 44
Caliber: 8×57mm Mauser (8mm Mauser)
Action: Bolt Action
Country of Origin: Germany
Historical Background
Offered here is a German Mauser K98k military rifle manufactured in 1944 by J.P. Sauer & Sohn, retaining its original “ce 44” factory and year markings on the receiver.
This rifle is a typical Russian Capture (RC) example, featuring the characteristic “X” marking commonly associated with German firearms captured by the Soviet Union.
Following World War II, large numbers of German military rifles were collected, inspected, refurbished, and placed into Soviet storage. During this process, components were often mixed and reassembled, with serial numbers reapplied using electro-pencil engraving.
Serial Numbers and German Military Markings
The rifle retains numerous original German manufacturing and military inspection markings, including several Waffenamt eagle stamps on various metal components.
Some of these eagle stamps and numerical markings remain visible, although certain details have become faint or difficult to identify due to service wear and postwar refurbishment.
As commonly seen on Russian Capture K98k rifles, several components feature Soviet electro-pencil renumbering.
Overall Condition
The rifle remains in good overall condition, showing military service wear and typical signs of postwar refurbishment.
The wooden stock is solid and structurally stable, with no major cracks or significant structural damage. It retains normal service wear, including handling marks, dents, and scratches. The wood grain remains clearly visible, and the stock is in good overall condition.
The metal components show noticeable signs of use and wear.
The bore is in good condition, with clearly visible rifling.
The rifle retains its traditional K98k military configuration, including the adjustable rear sight, front sight, and steel buttplate.
The cleaning rod and front sight hood are missing.
