These massive single shot rifles were manufactured in 1918 and are chambered for the 13x92SR cartridge. Known as the "Elefant-Buechse" (elephant rifle) by the German Army, the Tankgewehr 18 (T-Gewehr) was an up-scaled single-shot version of the Model 98 infantry rifle with a bipod and a pistol grip. The T-Gewehr could penetrate the armor of any Allied tank used during WWI. Tanks at this time were only designed to stop rifle rounds and shrapnel. Approximately 15,800 T-Gewehr rifles were manufactured with most being destroyed after the war. Likely because no one brought them home as war trophies (due to it's size and weight). The massive 39 inch barrel has a fixed inverted "V" front sight and a tangent rear sight graduated to 500 meters. The receiver is marked with the Mauser Banner and dated "1918". The rifle serial number "2541" is stamped on the left side of the bipod mount, the left side of the barrel in front of the rear sight, the left side of the barrel just ahead of the receiver, the left side of the receiver, the trigger guard finial and the underside of the stock. The top of the bolt handle is stamped "210", the cocking piece shroud is stamped "10" and the striker is stamped "10". Imperial proofmarks are present on the bolt handle, cocking piece, barrel and receiver, in addition there is a crown script letter proof on the right side of the bi-pod mount. A "crown/K" is marked on the right side of the receiver and 3 "crown/K" proofs appear on the right rear of the barrel. The bottom of the barrel just ahead of the forearm is stamped "KK". Mounted on a two-piece walnut stock with a pistol grip.

Good, nearly all of the metal has a brown patina with some areas of oxidation. There are some areas of minor pitting along with a few dings. The stock is good. It has separated at the back and has been nailed in place. There are a few cracks behind the pistol grip. Safety does not function otherwise mechanically fine. The T-Gewehr 18 is a rare and extremely impressive WWI weapon that does not come up for sale often!