Help me identify my Mauser 98?

[Vigilant]

I have had a M98 Mauser since about 1970. It has no Nazi markings that I can see. On the right side of the butt stock, inside a diamond-shaped border stamped into the wood, it has the image of a sword crossed with a scabbard also stamped into the wood. It has the same image inside (about 3/16 inch diameter) a circle on the arm of the bolt, on top. The bolt is straight, not turned down. It has the same sword and scabbard image without any border, just the sword crossed with a scabbard, on top of the receiver, just in front of the bolt. On the left side of the receiver (I guess it's the receiver, the blued steel in front of the bolt), it has 'cal' in cursive writing, 7.92, and what looks like two proof marks. The serial number is W3827, and is also stamped on the bolt.

Can anyone shed some light as to who built this gun, and where it may have been used? Any idea about what it might be worth? I would rate its condition conservatively at Very Good.

Thanks in advance.

[kilo905]

Hi Vigilant,

Based on the bit of information you provided, I am guessing it is likely a Spanish Mauser of some sort. The Spanish M1943 was manufactured with the straight bolts, and looked pretty muck like a 98k. The cartouche you mentioned sounds like the Spanish "Guardia Civil" (Civil Guard) emlem. I have never seen the Civil Guard emblem used as a receiver crest, but I am not an expert.

What does the receiver crest writing say? If it says something like "Fabrica de Armas", it is definitely a Spanish Mauser.

Check here http://surplusrifleforum.com/

and here
Parallax Bill (http://p102.ezboard.com/ParallaxBills-Curio--Relic-and-Military-Surplus-Firearms-Forums/bparallaxscurioandrelicfirearmsforums)

for expert opinions on what you have. They both have a Spanish rifle forum.

Here is a link to the Spanish Guardia Civil emblem so you can compare:

Guardia Civil Emblem (http://foros.emagister.com/fotos/1/2/9/6/5/141983escudo_de_la_guardia_civil.gif)

[Vigilant]

Thank you VERY much. Please let me know if I can return the favor.

[MrMurphy]

All Spanish Mausers were 7X57mm not 7.92, except, i believe, for one model made for the Spanish unit that went and fought in Russia with the Germans? (made sense, ammo commonality). Not sure... I'll have to look it up.

[Vigilant]

I would be very interested to hear the answer. Thanks to both of you.

I had planned, provided it is not a Nazi weapon, to have it refurbished and brought back as close as possible to new condition, although I realize this may affect the value. The fact that it is of Spanish origin is good news.

[MrMurphy]

According to the Military Small Arms of the 20th Century by Ian Hogg.....


Mauser rifle Modelo 1943. Adopted due to the Spanish Army's adoption of a large number of machine guns firing the German 8mm (Presumably, MG34's and MG42s) and was more or less the same weapon as the German Kar98k.

However it did have a straight bolt handle, finger groove in the fore-end, a short handguard and sling bar on the butt.


Length 43.5 inches, weight 8lb 10oz unloaded, 23.62" barrel if that helps checking out the rifle any.

[kilo905]

Hi MrMurphy,

I've learned quite a bit from your other posts, but let me expound on your previous one.

The "small ring" Spanish mausers were manufactured in the Oveido national armory and were chambered in 7X57mm. They were mostly the 1893/1895 and 1916 models (bent bolt). These were used throughout the Spanish-American War and the Spanish Civil War. Many of these were later converted to 7.62X51, and refered to as "Guardia Civil" Mausers, and many were surplused to the US.They were also "chopped" and converted to the FR-7 rifle, that is related to the CETME.

The "large ring" M1943 was manufactured in the La Coruna national armory, and was chambered for the German 8X57mm round (which is actually 7.92mm, hence the chamber markings).It is almost dimensionally identical to the German 98k, with some minor cosmetic differences (straight bolt). They also came from the factory with a bayonet adapter so the older Spanish bayonets could be mounted on them. Most of these were later removed. M1943 Mausers were also "chopped" and converted to the FR-8 rifle, which is related to the CETME. There was also the M1944 model, which were apparently cobbled together from German and other left over parts, and are referred to as the "Air Force" model. The sling swivel layout on the stock is different for these.

My family is from the La Coruna province, so I have a bit of a personal interest with these.

Also, the "Division Azul" (Blue Division) was comprised of Spanish (anti-Communist) volunteers who were state sanctioned to fight the Soviets at the Eastern Front as the 250 Infantry Division (Volunteer) of the German Army. From what I have read and researched, they crossed the Spanish/French border with Spanish arms and uniforms, but once they garrisioned in occupied France, they were re-equiped with standard issue German arms and uniforms, so it is unlikely that Spanish Mausers ever saw combat in WWII. My research also includes interviews with family members who spilled blood on Russian soil fighting the communists, so I will accept their version of events as gospel.


Vigilant,

Unfortunately, Spanish Mausers are not worth a whole lot, but keep in mind that I am pretty sure that yours is an M1943, and I have never seen one with a Guardia Civil crest on the receiver, so that should add a few bucks to the price. Unfortuately, not a lot is written about Spanish Mausers, so good luck researching it for your restoration.

Again, I hope I don't come across in a negative way, but the Spanish Mausers to me are like what a Springfield 1903 or M1 Garand would be like to most of you 5th and 6th generation Americans.

[Vigilant]

Many, many thanks to both of you. And Kilo, thanks VERY much for going to such detail. I intend to print this thread out and keep it. Also, take heart in knowing that while I had originally intended to sell this rifle to help finance an 03A3, based on what I have read here, I intend to start looking into someone (hopefully in North Carolina) who can refinish and refurbish this rifle, and restore as much of its original splendor as possible. I realize it may decrease the market value, but I have no intention of selling it, ever. The floor plate is starting to rust, and there may be other areas as well. And I promise, I won't shoot any crappy ammo through it. This will be one Spanish Mauser that will live on for many years, and NOT be cut down and 'sporterized'.

Again, I thank you both sincerely.

[MrMurphy]

Not a problem.

I had a shot at getting a small ring '16 some years back but was broke at the time. Always regretted that.

[Vigilant]

I meant to folllow up before this. Kilo: it still has the bayonet adapter you mentioned, so it sounds like you were 100 percent correct. Thanks again to you and Mr. Murphy.

I should have maintained this gun down through the years, but sadly, I did not. The lands are very sharp and distinct, but appear to be pitted. I have been swabbing and brushing with Hoppes, and took a break after I drenched the bore with some gun oil.