This is a solid original example of a pre-war German Gewehr rifle that was originally converted by the Germans into a short side rail type sniper rifle, probably circa 1933/34. The receiver is the correct early Gewehr 98 style, with the receiver ring markings removed, with some remnants of the WWI GEW proofs on the right side of the receiver ring, followed by a partial "eagle/N" commercial proof. It is fitted with a standard K98 rifle barrel that is numbered "5780" on the left rear side with the correct "S/42" and double "WaA63" mauser factory rework proofs on the right side of the rear sight base. The left rear side of the barrel is stamped with the matching serial number and a single SS Death's Head proof, and a five pointed star proof is on the barrel ring. It still retains the early all milled components; trigger guard, floor plate, and front barrel band with those components still retaining partial Imperial proof(s) and matching numbers with a later WWII "eagle/37" proofed replacement lower barrel band. It still retains its original WWI GEW bolt, striker and cocking piece that are matching with a replacement safety. It is fitted with its original walnut stock and handguard that has the early style flat buttplate with all correctly numbered to the rifle. The stock has a small Death's Head proof inside the pistol grip area. The left side of the receiver is fitted with a short side rail type scope base that is secured with three large round top screws with three locking screws and no taper pins. It is numbered on the rear of the base "5780". It is currently fitted with an "SS" marked short side rail scope mount and a blued Ajack sniper scope. The side of the mount is stamped "202", and the side of the scope tube is engraved with the matching numbered "202". The elevation dial base is stamped "SS-Dientsglass" on the left and "AJACK 4X90" on the right. Complete with a early brown cross-hatched leather sling, cleaning rod, push-on front sight/muzzle cover and leather lens caps.

Very good with 30% of its blue finish remaining overall, the exposed metal surfaces all turning a gray patina mixed with some erosion on the exposed areas of the barrel and front barrel band. The stock and handguard are also in very good condition with numerous handling marks, scratches and pressure dents on the sides from use in the field and handling over the years. One of the leather lens cap covers is detached. The scope and mount retain 85% of the blue finish with wear on the ends of the scope and some spotting and blue loss on the center and underside of the scope. The optics are clear. This rifle was most likely in some very serious battles!