Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Oberndorf Mauser Sporter first year serial number

I have a very early commercial Oberndorf Mauser model 98 receiver with B U proofs (pre 1913) It has Waffenfabrik Mauser-Oberndorf A/N on the left rail and no other markings besides the 3 digit serial number with no letter. This is an 1899 at the latest. Does anyone know the last serial used in 1898? That would be so cool to have a 98 made in 1898!

You want to look it up in Speed's book in Appendix I, Serial Numbers and Production Dates.

If it is just the action and not a complete rifle some ambiguity is introduced.

jim

Bet I'm not the only one who would love to see a picture.

DF

OK, the big disclaimer, my camera is not the best, and I am not the best photgrapher or artist. The markings on the bottom are clear and crisp; a few are offset strikes, the D and the wierd symbol or letter above the pair of proofs. The receiver has no evidence of any markings buffed off. I have examined this very closely in strong light witha strong magnifying glass. The synthetic was a temp home; you can see it has a good home now. B U proofs and serial 740 plus the little import stamp.

Yeah, I like the wood handle a lot better.

That's a good one.

Maybe someone can interpret those markings. There's a whole lot I don't know about such.

DF

The verdict is in, solidly an 1898 made model 98!

I remain unconvinced.

jim

Here is a link to Jon Speed's #9 version.

http://forums.nitroexpress.com/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=183938&an=0&page=0#Post183938

Now I will say flat out that nobody knows everything as far as Mausers. Some know a lot, some think they know more than they do, and some make their assumptions and beliefs become gospel, true or not.

The only issue in the article that disagrees with what I know to be fact is the statement about date stamps. The text is even ambiguous as it starts talking about one thing and then finishes up talking about WWII.

I have seen this to be true. I have seen and/or held examples:

Commercial Oberndorfs have B U proofs 1913 and earlier. Check
The G was added in 1914 Check
The N was added 1934 Check
Commercial Oberndorf were marked Waffenfabrik Mauser-Oberndorf A/N Check
Military Oberndorf were marked Waffenfabrik Mauser A.G. Oberndorf A/N "Not addressed as the article deals with commercials"
Military had different proofs on the left side of the front ring and additional acceptance marks on the right side of the front ring as well. "Not Addressed in this article as it dealt with commercial variants"

Here is where we differ: Some commercials were marked on the left rail, some the receiver ring, some both, and some dated. Jon Speed says they all are dated and this is simply not true, but again the article was possibly mis proof-read/printed as the statement looks as if it was confused, two similar subjects blended/corrupted.

Military Oberndorf 98's were marked on the front ring and always dated; the left rail was marked Gew 98

There is no ambiguity. I only ever had a question as to numbers made in 1898. Serial Number 1-900 Period. Square bridge, Standard ,Kurz, Magnum etc., Serial Number range is 1-900

Now Oberndorf made other military models pre WWI, but they were contracts and marked with model numbers, i.e. M1908 Brazilian.