This is an exceptional example of a extremely rare pre-war Mauser Experimental or Prototype carbine. This is one of only three or four known to exist with one other example currently in the Aberdeen Proving Grounds Museum. This specific example has the unique experimental/prototype "V" prefix serial number (V84) and it is theorized it was developed as a precursor to the G33/40 carbine or an attempt by the Mauser factory to produce a new improved, short lightweight version of the K98 rifle while still employing the full size 7.92 Mauser cartridge. The receiver ring is marked "byf/41" and the receiver side wall is marked "G40K". The left side of the receiver and barrel are both appropriately stamped with serial number "V84". There is also a single large Nazi eagle firing proof on the left side of the receiver, the barrel, and the back side root of the bolt. In between the firing proof and serial number on the barrel is a small intertwined Mauser factory "RW" inspection/acceptance proof typically found on in-house manufactured rifles or pistols. The rifle itself is "very unique" in that it is fitted with a short 19 1/4 inch barrel, a shortened (by almost 4 inch) laminated rifle stock with a shorter (by approximately 1/4 inch) laminated handguard. The barrel appears to be the same general outward size and configuration as the K98, however it is fitted with a much shorter "one-piece" milled rear sight base with a shorter rear sight staff. On this example the tangent rear sight base is only 3 inch long vs. 4 inch for the regular 98K and the staff is approximately 2 3/4 inch long. The face of the tangent sight is only graduated from "1-12" (100-1200 meters) vs. 2-24 (200-2400 meters) on a standard 98k rear sight. Both the top of the base and underside of the tangent are matching numbered "84". This short rifle/carbine design also eliminated the middle barrel band and instead, uses a "one-piece" all milled front barrel band which also secures the front of the handguard. The rifle overall has numerous early Mauser single or double "eagle/655" Test proofs stamped on almost all the various parts or components to include; the right side of the receiver, flat of the trigger guard, the floorplate, extractor and collar, follower, rear of the striker, side of the cocking piece and underside of the bolt handle. The bolt handle is also very unique in that it is correctly bent downward like a standard 98K however instead of having a round bolt knob it is somewhat flat on each side with a hole drilled through the center. Maybe intended also as a weight reduction, (but not much). As noted it is still fitted with a standard laminated type buttstock and handguard with the stamped cupped steel buttplate with a takedown washer through the stock. However the sides of the buttstock from just behind the receiver to the buttplate appears to be much thinner, again we assume as weight reduction measure. Make no doubt about it the stock "HAS NOT" been sanded or altered outside the Mauser factory as it still retains its original wartime color and original finish. All the various parts are unnumbered which would be correct for a experimental/prototype rifle as they were all hand fitted and it was not intended to issued to field. The rifle has the beautiful all original higher polish Mauser blued finish with the noted laminated stock and handguard. Includes a leather sling. This is certainly an extremely rare and unique WWII German Mauser rifle certainly the center piece of any advanced Mauser rifle collection!

Excellent with 90% plus of the original blue finish overall with edge and high spot wear with some slight blue loss on the bolt from cycling the action as well as some very light thinning/oxidation on top of the receiver ring. The stock and handguard are both in very fine condition with their wartime finish just showing numerous light handling marks and scratches on the sides, and dark patina on the cupped buttplate . An exceptionally rare Mauser experimental carbine.