This rifle is a Mauser 98-pattern rifle produced under the German K98k / Mod.98 system, with receiver markings “Mod.98” and “dou 45.”
The marking “dou” is the German wartime factory code assigned to Waffenwerke Brünn AG, Werk Bystrica (Brno II), a subsidiary plant of the Brno arms production system located in what is now Slovakia. The marking “45” denotes the year of production, 1945.
Historical Background
Following the German occupation of Czechoslovakia in 1939, the former Czech state arms factories were incorporated into the German wartime industrial system under German control. Production of Mauser 98-pattern rifles continued across multiple plants within the Waffenwerke Brünn AG group, including both the main Brno works and its subsidiary facilities.
By the final stages of the war, particularly during 1944–1945, Germany faced severe shortages of raw materials, skilled labor, and industrial capacity. As a result, manufacturing standards became increasingly inconsistent. During this period, rifles were commonly assembled using existing inventories, recovered components, or mixed production parts, with some assembly, repair, or refurbishment continuing into the immediate post-war period.
Consequently, non-standard configurations and mismatched components are a well-documented and historically normal characteristic of late-war and immediate post-war K98k / Mauser 98-pattern rifles.
Mechanical Description
The rifle is chambered in 7.92×57mm (8mm Mauser) and features an approximately 24-inch barrel with strong, well-defined rifling, a notable positive feature.
It is fitted with a straight bolt handle that cycles smoothly, and the internal magazine functions properly. Overall mechanical condition is solid.
Please Note
The rifle exhibits non-matching serial numbers and is configured with a straight bolt handle. Based on the production date (1945) and the historical context outlined above, it is reasonable to strongly suspect that the rifle underwent parts mixing or component replacement during late-war production or immediate post-war arsenal refurbishment.
Such characteristics are commonly encountered on late-war German K98k / Mauser 98-pattern rifles and do not indicate a modern parts assembly.
Condition Notes
Factory / Date Markings
Mod.98 and dou 45 — Waffenwerke Brünn AG (Bystrica works) production under the German wartime factory code system, 1945.
Stock
Shows clear signs of use with surface wear and dents. Rough in appearance, but structurally sound with no looseness or cracks.
Bore
Strong, well-defined rifling visible; a major positive feature.
Metal Components
No obvious cracks or signs of major repair observed. Overall mechanical integrity remains good.
