This is an unusual example of a WWI-era GEW 98 rifle that was converted into a GEW sniper rifle that has been fitted with a post-war MSW 6X commercial scope. This example is accompanied by a WWII capture document dated October 1945, that lists this rifle by serial number (3685) as a "German Mauser rifle with Telescope cal. 8mm." The top of the receiver is fitted with a large set of double claw, over the bore, scope bases with the corresponding commercial scope rings on the scope. The bases show heavy solder on the sides, the front base having two screws in the center, and the rear base having one screw in the center. The date of manufacture of the rifle is covered by the heavy front scope base however you can read that it is a Deutsche Waffen und Munitionsfabriken (DWM) manufactured rifle. The scope is marked on the rear ocular lens with "6x/M.S.W./WETZLAR/ZEILFERNROHR", with no other markings or serial number on the scope tube or elevation dial. It has the standard late-pattern three post reticle. The GEW rifles were the standard WWI infantry and sniper rifles with many converted to the shorter K98 rifle pattern during the Weimar era. The side wall is marked with the Gothic lettered "Gew.98.". It retains its original military configuration, full length stock and handguard with all milled parts, including the barrel bands, trigger guard and floor plate. It has the turned down bolt handle with the large cutout on the side of the stock. The barrel is fitted with its inverted blade front sight with the large "lange" tangent rear sight. It has matching external numbers, except for the scope as noted above. It comes with a set of unmarked leather scope covers.

Very good with 30% of the blue finish overall, general light wear on all the exposed metal surfaces, and the receiver and bolt still in the white. The stock and handguard are both also in very good condition with heavy pressure dents and dings overall, and clear proofs on the sides of the butt. The scope and rings are in good condition with traces of blued finish remaining and the balance being a gray/brown patina. The optics are clear and visible. A scarce WWI era GEW sniper rifle with scope.