Offered here is a WWII German K98k Mauser rifle chambered in 7.92×57mm / 8mm Mauser / 8x57 IS. The receiver is marked bnz 44, indicating manufacture by Steyr-Daimler-Puch AG in Austria during 1944.
This rifle retains an attractive wartime configuration and is equipped with a front sight hood, cleaning rod, laminated wartime stock, and a period German leather sling.
While the rifle is not numbers matching, it remains a desirable example with authentic WWII German components throughout. Inspection shows that both the stock and handguard retain wartime serial markings, and multiple parts display original factory codes and German military acceptance stamps (Waffenamt).
A small “X” mark is present on the bolt handle root. Due to its very small size, isolated placement, and appearance as a single-component inspection stamp, it is more consistent with a wartime manufacturing or inspection mark rather than a Russian Capture marking.
The rifle displays no obvious signs of Russian Capture (RC) or post-war East European refurbishment. No receiver-mounted RC markings, electro-penciled serial numbers, Soviet refurbishment stamps, shellac finish, East European rework markings, or other common post-war refurbishment features were observed.
Included with the rifle is a period German leather sling showing natural age and service wear. The sling bears the hand-carved marking “JBRAHM”, believed to be a soldier-applied ownership or identification marking rather than a factory marking, adding historical character to the rifle.
Bore Condition
The bore is exceptionally strong, with very sharp rifling and excellent definition throughout the barrel. The lands and grooves remain deep, crisp, and well-defined. For a wartime 1944-produced K98k, the bore is remarkably well preserved and stands out as one of the rifle’s strongest features.
Features
-
bnz 44 receiver marking
- Manufactured by Steyr-Daimler-Puch AG
- 7.92×57mm / 8mm Mauser / 8x57 IS
- Front sight hood present
- Cleaning rod present
- Laminated wartime stock
- Stock and handguard retain wartime serial markings
- Multiple Waffenamt acceptance marks
- Period German leather sling included
- No obvious RC or East European refurbishment features observed
- Excellent bore with very sharp rifling
- Mechanically functional
Wear
Metal surfaces show honest service wear, handling marks, and finish loss consistent with military use and age. Wood furniture shows normal dents, scratches, and handling wear while retaining an attractive wartime appearance. No visible cracks were observed in the stock or handguard during inspection.
Overall
A highly attractive 1944 Steyr-produced bnz 44 K98k retaining many desirable wartime features, including a laminated stock, serial-marked stock and handguard, Waffenamt-marked components, period German leather sling, and an exceptionally strong bore. Although not numbers matching, this rifle remains composed of authentic wartime German components and shows no obvious signs of Russian Capture or East European refurbishment.
