The Kar 98 carbine was only manufactured from 1903 to 1905 with about 20,000 produced, most of which were issued to the Schutstruppe in Africa and to the Deutches Ostasiatische Expeditionkorps, making examples rare due to hard use in harsh environments. The top of the receiver ring is marked "Crown/ERFURT/1904". The right side is marked with "crown/letter" proofs and the left side is marked with an "Imperial Eagle" proof followed by the serial number. The left receiver wall is stamped "KAR. 98". The top breech end of the barrel has the single "S" stamp and is marked "7,91". The stock is correctly numbered on the underside and has numerous Imperial stock cartouches/acceptance proofs on the underside and right side of the stock. The barrel is fitted with an inverted "v" front sight with the early, "Lange Vezier" rear sight graduated from 300-1800 meters. It has the early style flat pattern bolt handle, early style sling slot, all milled components and flat polished steel buttplate. The underside of the stock has had sling swivels added and is fitted with a leather sling.

Fine as altered. 40% of the original blue finish remains with a slightly mottled gray patina on the balance and clear markings. The bolt handle has been altered to its current configuration and possibly renumbered and the receiver has been non-factory drilled and tapped. The stock and handguard set are also fine with small dings and pressure dents overall, relatively clear stock markings, the above mentioned non-original sling mounts, and good metal to wood fit. Mechanically excellent.