This is a fine example of an early WWII German G-41(M) rifle that was manufactured by the Mauser factory. This model of rifle was produced in 1941 in response to a request by the German Ordnance Office for the development of a semi-automatic rifle. The rifle had to be initially charged like a 98K bolt action rifle but still fire in a semi-automatic rifle mode. These rifles were all equipped with a "Bang" gas trap gas system that utilizes a muzzle cone on the end of the barrel to trap gas and cycle the action. During the cycling of the action, this 98K style bolt handle/assembly was disengaged and then the rifle functioned in a normal gas-operated style, utilizing the gas trapped in the muzzle cone to actually cycle the operating rod located under the barrel, which in turn cycled the bolt and cocked the action. The actual bolt is constructed in two pieces with a rotating bolt head with dual locking lugs, with a machined top cover. The cylindrical receiver is marked on top, with the small "Eagle 135" proof over "G41(M)/1942". The actual serial number of the rifle (2890) is stamped on the left side of the rear sight base. At the time this rifle was manufactured, it featured the tried and true all machined parts and assemblies, such as the trigger guard and box magazine. The walnut stock is fitted with a cupped steel buttplate and short walnut top handguard and is fitted with an original WWII leather sling. These are very scarce rifles today as they were produced in very small numbers because they were time expensive and complicated to manufacture since the parts were machined and hand fitted and most all of them saw considerable use throughout the war, especially on the Eastern Front. They were eventually all replaced by the later G41(W) and then the G/K43 series of rifles.