This World War I GEW 98 rifle has been arsenal reworked in the 1930s for the SS. The barrel has been shortened to 24" and a tangent rear sight installed. The top of the receiver ring has been scrubbed to remove the markings, the left side is marked with the serial number, "ST. in. G." and a crown/N proof, and the right side has traces remaining of three crown/letter proofs. The left receiver wall is marked "GEW 98". The left rear of the barrel is marked with the matching serial number and the lazy S/death head stamp. Matching numbers on barrel, receiver, follower (possibly restamped), trigger guard, and floor plate with mismatched laminated stock and mismatched bolt assembly. Complete with steel muzzle cover, cleaning rod, and leather sling.

Arsenal reworked/refurbished. The rifle has a mottled gray patina with some minor pitting. The barrel bands retain 80% of the blue finish thinning to a gray. There are numerous minor scratches on the buttplate. The hand guard is cracked, otherwise the wood is very good with some minor dings and scratches and a few minor gouges.