Manufactured during the Imperial era as a Gewehr 98 Rifle, this Gewehr 98 has been subsequently overhauled to have a 98k pattern barrel and a "short" side rail for scope mounting. In addition to the "Imperial eagle" and "crown/gothic letter" proofs on the receiver, the barrel is marked with a pair of sig runes and "2" over a totenkopf/death's head on the left side of the chamber and "S/42" on the right side of the rear sight base. While the totenkopf in military use predates the rise of the NSDAP and the SS by many decades, it’s use in conjunction with runic motifs is exclusive to the SS in German history, and they are known to have used a number of overhauled Imperial and Weimar weapons to meet their armament needs, due to competitive pressure from the Heer. Blade front and tangent rear sights, with the top of the receiver ring blank, matching numbers on a number of parts, and a brown leather sling. A metal muzzle cover is included. The scope is fitted with a rubber eyepiece, a "WEIHRAUCH/HWZ" base numbered "9299", and marked "(death's head) (double sig runs) Dienstglas" on the elevation adjustment base. The "SS-Dienstglas" marking is seen on a variety of SS issue optics, including scopes and binoculars.

Good as converted to current configuration, showing mostly areas of brown and gray patina, along with mild spotting and handling marks. A dent is present on the trigger guard. The stock has been duffle cut, with the forward section of the forearm loose, a thick dowel in the ramrod channel providing stability, and a thin, professionally installed section of replacement material between the two pieces. Cracks are visible at the wrist, with scattered dents, scuffs and chips. The elevation knob is stuck, otherwise the scope is very good, with a brown patina on the exterior and crisp optics. Mechanically excellent.