This is an excellent example of a early prewar Mauser K98 Standard Model rifle that was made as a short side rail style sniper rifle. These prewar commercial standard models were the first true K98 style Mauser rifle that was the forerunner for all later wartime production rifles. It is has the large "Mauser Banner" logo on top of the front receiver ring with an unmarked rear bridge.The left side of the rear section of the barrel and receiver are both numbered "B76652" and the receiver has the additional prewar commercial, Crown over "B, U and G" proofs as well as the standard Crown over "N" nitro proof. The top of the bolt also has the prewar commercial Crown over "B and U" proofs. Matching numbers on the barrel bands, trigger guard and floor plate and complete bolt assembly. This particular example has a short side style sniper rifle that has the late (1942 era) Type Three scope base and mount, (the latter numbered to the gun). The base is fitted with three main screws, three locks screws and two taper pins. The mount is also a late model that has a commercial 4 power rifle scope that is marked on the rear ocular eyepiece; "DIALYTAN 4X/Nr.61753". It is equipped with the first pattern "H" front barrel and the later pattern wide middle barrel band, which is numbered and proofed with a small "S/237" and Waffenamt/"26" proof, (the only military proof on the entire rifle). The barrel is fitted with the standard tangent military rear sight and inverted "V" front sight. Mounted with the correct prewar Standard Model pattern stock with the finger grooves on the sides, flat butt plate, take down washer through the butt with the lower sling swivel (behind the pistol grip) fitted with field walnut insert, as this was not considered the K98 style. It is complete with an original WWII leather sling and cleaning rod. In their popular book on the German sniper, both Richard Law and Peter Senich show that the Standard Model was the early choice for conversions to siderail snipers in the crisis of 1942 on the Russian Front. The period (old) alteration of the stock verifies the conversion by Army contract (the commericial swivel attactment was plugged at an arsenal for conversion to military use.) (The aforementioned statement is the opinion of experts and could apply to this rifle, although we have no proof.)

Excellent. The rifle retains 98% of the prewar blue finish. The base, mount and scope all also retain 98% original blue finish. The stock and hand guard are excellent showing minor handling marks overall with a couple of heavier gouges on the underside of the front portion of the stock. The scope has excellent optics and the elevation knob works correctly. The markings are clear and crisp. The action is fine.