Portuguese contract Mauser K98k Rifle (Portuguese Model 1941 Short Rifle) manufactured in 1941. The late production Portuguese contract Mauser K98k rifles were nearly identical to Wehrmacht K98k rifles but featured solid walnut stock and a commercial quality blue finish. The receiver is roll-stamped with the Portuguese crest and the date "1941". The Portuguese crest and "1941" are also stamped on the left side of the stock. The rifle has the Mauser commercial blue finish on the receiver, barrel, bolt floor plate and other components. The European walnut stock is oil-finished and fitted with a bright cupped buttplate. The left side of the receiver is roll-stamped with the commercial legend "MAUSER-WERKE AG OBERNDORF A.N.". The serial number "H10223" is roll-stamped on the left side of the receiver ring. "10223/H" is crisply stamped on the stock below the pistol grip. The top of the bolt handle is stamped "1/0223/H" in three lines. Major components including the trigger guard, floor plate, upper and lower barrel band, rear sight, bolt sleeve, cocking piece and safety are stamped "10223". Smaller components including the rear sight slide and bolt release are stamped with the partial serial number "23". The bayonet hilt is stamped with the serial number "H10223" and the bayonet scabbard frog stud is stamped "H23". All of the visible serial numbers match. The rifle is has a full set of Wehrmacht inspection and proofmarks. "Eagle/Swastika" firing proofs are stamped on the left side of the barrel behind the rear sight base and in front of the serial number on the left side of the receiver. "Eagle/135" Armed Forces Inspection Stamps (Waffenamts) are stamped on the side of the barrel and top of the side of the stock below the serial number and on the left side of the stock below the bolt disk. A third smaller "Eagle/WaA135" inspection mark is stamped behind the trigger guard. The buttplate is stamped with "+", "brg" and a "Eagle/WaA497" Waffenamt. The bayonet pommel is stamped with two stick eagle Waffenamts and a third inspection mark is stamped on the release button. A similar Waffenamt is stamped on the bayonet scabbard tip. The bayonet has a full blue finish with two-piece walnut grips and a blue scabbard with black leather frog. The rifle is complete with an original russet leather sling with contractor markings stamped in ink on the inside face. Although manufactured under contract for Portugal, many of the Portuguese K98k rifles were diverted to the German Wehrmacht in 1942 and 1943 to alleviate rifle shortages that resulted from combat losses in Russia. This is one of the very last commercial quality K98 rifles manufactured by Mauser.

Excellent plus. The rifle is as-issued condition and appears to be un-fired since proofing in 1941. The rifle retains 99% of the original commercial blue finish. The blue finish on the bolt is free from cycling wear. Wear is limited to several pinpoints of surface rust on the heel of the buttplate; the buttplate is free from dents and scratches and except for the very minor rust spotting is in perfect condition. The screws are also perfect. The Mauser markings and serial number, proofmarks and Waffenamts are extremely crisp. The stock and forearm are near new with perfect Portuguese crest, serial number stamping and Waffenamts. Wear is limited to a few scattered and very minor storage marks. The scarce sling is the same new near as the rifle and shows almost no wear. The bayonet is almost new and retains virtually all of the commercial blue finish on the pommel and blade. The walnut grips are near new. The scabbard retains 98% or more of the original blue finish. The serial numbers and Waffenamts on the bayonet and scabbard are crisp. This is an outstanding example of a WWI configuration Portuguese Contract Mauser K98k rifle with sling and matching bayonet. If you had to have one example of a WWII Mauser K98k rifle it would be nearly impossible to find a better example than this outstanding rifle.