Manufactured in 1915, this is a fine example of the Mauser Gewehr 98 service rifle as made by Deutsche Waffen und Munitionsfabriken. While produced in sizeable quantity, World War One issue G98s were heavily used and abused in the trenches, and the survivors were sold as scrap, retained by Germany to keep suffering military abuse, or dumped on the export market to be beaten about by sportsmen in the field. Blade front and "ski ramp" tangent rear sights, with the manufacturer and date markings on the receiver ring, Gothic lettered "Gew.98." on the receiver wall and matching external numbers, including the smooth pistol grip stock. With an E&F Hoerster (Solingen) bayonet, 25 3/4 inches overall, 20 1/2 inch quillback spine, ribbed grip and leather sheath.