This is a early WWII German Gewehr rifle that was originally converted into a short side rail type sniper rifle, probably circa 1933/34, and subsequently rebuilt or overhauled at the Mauser factory in 1939/40. The receiver is the correct early Gewehr 98 style, with the receiver ring markings removed, and correctly proofed "eagle/ N" proof. Later, it was returned to the factory for repair or overhaul, fitted with the later pattern improved short side base and mount, and rebarreled with a Geco 1938 dated Bohler steel barrel. The right side of the receiver ring has also been reproofed with a single Walther "eagle/ 359" Waffenamt. Later pattern scope base, with three main screws, three side-position locking screws and two small taper pins. A "sig runes 2/ Totenkopf" proof, indicating reissue by the second "SS" ordnance depot, is present on the barrel, along with the intertwined "Geco," and "38 Bo8" makers marks next to three early Mauser "eagle/ 26" proofs. Original rear sight leaf and spring assembly, correctly marked "k" over "S/42" along with an early Mauser "eagle/ 63" proof, installed on the replacement Mauser factory sight base marked "42" along with three "eagle/ WaA63" proofs. Original Gewehr trigger guard and floor plate, with visible partial Imperial proofs. A single "eagle/N" proof is present on the underside of the bolt handle, with the original serial number milled off and restamped to match the rifle. It is fitted with early, non-matching milled barrel bands. Laminated stock and handguard, with the circa 1939/40 flat, though neither match the rifle. The mount is the correct short side rail type that is fitted with an Ajacks commercial scope, correctly marked on the left side of the windage base with the Death's Head and "SS" runic proofs, along with "Dienstglas" markings for service glass, the right side is marked "AJACK 38716", and the left side of the scope tube is correctly engraved with serial number "5486". The side of the scope mount and the base have been renumbered to match the rifle, (both with a different style and size of number stamps). Complete with a early brown cross-hatched leather sling, cleaning rod and push-on front sight/muzzle cover.

Arsenal reworked the barrel and receiver retaining 90% of the blue finish with edge and high spot wear, with some thinning on the receiver rings with some very minor pitting on the exposed section of the barrel, and the trigger guard and floor plate have 80% of the blue finish remaining mostly in the protected areas, with the exposed metal surfaces having turned a gray patina. 85% of the blue finish remains on the barrel bands, with the balance turning a light brown patina. Stock is good as period repaired, with a 3" mended section on the toe, handling marks, light nicks and pressure dings. The scope and mount have 90% of the original blue finish with wear on the rear eyepiece with some thinning and browning on the actual mount. The optics are very clear and the windage knob works correctly. Mechanically excellent. A nice example of an early SS short side rail rifle.