1940 337 code Gustloff Werke K98k

[Phosphorus32]

This was a recent auction find. I'm a Fabrique Nationale fan so the FN barrel grabbed me. As I looked at the auction pictures, I could see the distinctive contractor codes on the stock parts, indicating that it could very well be the original Gustloff furniture. The seemingly uniform patina also suggested originality, so took a shot and won.

It has a peculiar letter block. With "n" being the highest letter block observed for 1940, mine ought to be simply "m" but it has a following "o" ... or possibly a circle, not an "o". it appears the o was added after the m, since the m is generally centered under the 320 (except on the barrel) and the o is generally out of register.

Regardless, it's a matching example with honest wear. The bluing under the wood is excellent. Pic heavy because they marked the heck out of these rifles.

[Bacarnal]

Nice find Jon!!  Now you need some FN NC ammo for it!! L

[Phosphorus32]

Nice find Jon!!  Now you need some FN NC ammo for it!! L

Thanks Bruce!

Yeah, I don't think I have any FN 7.92x57 ammo of any kind, non-corrosive or otherwise. I have quite a few FN contract Mausers though. I'll have to be satisfied with those 

[1mlt]

WOW, what does the inside look like? If I could have ONLY have one rifle (some stupid law gets passed) it would be my Swedish Mauser 6.5x55, 2nd choice a K98 7.92x57.

[Phosphorus32]

WOW, what does the inside look like? If I could have ONLY have one rifle (some stupid law gets passed) it would be my Swedish Mauser 6.5x55, 2nd choice a K98 7.92x57.

The chamber and bore is very good. The bluing below the wood is beautiful.

I love my Swedish Mausers and their (Creedmoor equivalent) 6.5x55mm cartridges too.

[Phosphorus32]

For those who look closely at fonts and numbers, I’ll note that the mix of fonts (e.g. the round vs. flat-top 3s) is the norm on the Gustloff Werke guns and some others as well (even Sauer und Sohn).

Gustloff was one of the manufacturers that acquired all of the  parts through sub-contracts, then assembled and proofed complete guns from the receiver on up.

[Papahound]

My BYF is nothing more than a mixmaster Russian capture but still a blast to shoot !

[Bob_The_Student]

I really love the worn look of this one, Jon. Nice pick-up and photos as usual.

[Phosphorus32]

I really love the worn look of this one, Jon. Nice pick-up and photos as usual.

Thanks Bob! It definitely saw the show and some unfortunate German soldier probably “bought the ticket”.