Manufactured at the tail end of World War II, these "last ditch" VG-98 rifles (Volksgewehr/people's rifle) are part of the "volkswaffen" (people's weapons) series of weapons, made to create greatly simplified substitutes for the conventional infantry weapons of the day to arm the second and third line troops called up for the final defense of Germany. Stripped to the bone of all unneeded features and made with zero regard for aesthetics, speed of production and raw functionality as a weapon were the only concerns. While capable weapons, few VG variants caught the eye of Allied trophy hunters or commercial exporters, frequently passed up for the (undeniably prettier and more iconic) Model K98k rifle, resulting in few examples being available stateside on the modern market. Blade front sight and fixed notch rear sight dovetail mounted on top of the receiver. Fitted with a late war unmarked half-length stock correctly without a handguard, barrel bands, or buttplate. Stamped trigger housing and floorplate. Crude cast bolt safety sleeve. Steyr "bnz45" code marked receiver ring, eagle and swastika proof on the left breech of the barrel, "(eagle)/623" proofed bolt handle, and "(eagle)/135" proofs on both the floorplate and trigger housing. Serial number "7374" marked on the left breech of the barrel, "4652" on top of the replacement bolt handle and bolt sleeve, with the remaining late war components of the rifle unserialized. Includes an original cross-hatched brown leather sling.

Exceptionally fine, retains 90% original blue finish on the barrel and receiver, 90% original phosphate finish on the bolt, floorplate and trigger housing with smooth brown patina on the balance. Stock is very fine with defined edges, some scattered dents and scratches, a minor crack behind the trigger guard, a few minor cracks at the rear of the buttstock, and a few scuffs concentrated on the left side. Mechanically excellent.