Manufactured late in the war in Suhl, this Gustloff Model 98 Rifle is outfitted in the "long rail sniper" configuration, with the 3 1/2 inch long mounting rail secured to the receiver side wall with two guide pins and three screws, the latter also fitted with a set of smaller lock screws; mechanically this mounting system was very similar to the American-fielded M1C Sniper, though the use of an extended mount arrangement to bring the scope directly over the bore simplified armorer installation and end-user adjustment of the optics. The rifle is fitted with a hooded blade front sight and a tangent rear sight, with the receiver ring marked "eagle/swastika/bcd/4" and the rear area of the barrel marked "eds" and "eagle/37". Mounted on the rail is a "dkl" code Dialytan 4x scope numbered "3053/+", with a ring and mount set numbered "55382" (only 15 numbers away from rifle). Both the mount and base bear "eagle/359" proofs. The bolt components are numbered to match the receiver, with a "key" profile safety. Fitted with a smooth pistol grip stock, bearing the Heer "eagle/H" stamp on the right side of the buttstock, leather sling, and a checkered cupped steel buttplate. High quality examples of late war German sniper rifles are very rare on the market, as many snipers made a point to destroy or discard their equipment prior to capture for fear of reprisals. Rifles captured by the Soviets tended to be roughly treated prior to long term storage, often with the original markings struck off to "de-Nazify" the weapon and parts mixed and matched to make functional rifles, and rifles captured by Americans often suffered from "duffle cuts" to make them fit in their luggage, sporterization, parts mixing, and other issues.

Fine, with 60% of the original phosphate finish, showing a brown patina on the barrel and frame, gray on the barrel bands and high points, and scattered spotting and handling marks. The stock is good, with a number of scratches and dents overall, a sanded-down area on the left side of the buttplate, and some openings in the grain on the comb. The bayonet lug is missing its pin, and has come loose. The optics are a bit hazy, with a solid reticle, smooth adjustment, and mild external wear. Mechanically excellent.