Quote:

---

To me, this action and barrel lack all the earmarks of a 1930s Mauser, Oberndorf commercial action:
I have yet to see an original 1930s commercial action with a round instead of teardrop bolthandle and a short striker nut, features that appear on late commercial actions from 1940 to 1945 only.
The serial number 1124 does not fit into the Mauser commercial sequence. A 1930s Mauser number would be in the 110000 to 116000 range. Such a Mauser number would be on the underside of the receiver, behind the recoil lug, on all commercial actions sold to other gunmakers. Here the receiver lacks the typical script G or Q worker’s and the ornate K marks usually found on such actions. Instead, there is a plethora of worker’s marks as usually found on receivers made by the government arsenals up to WW1. Then there is a German civilian crown/U view mark under the front end of the receiver ring.
The barrel dimensions in mm are marked on the barrel at right angles. The Mauser factory put this information on lengthwise.
As it is a standard length large ring action, it is a Gewehr 98 action left over from WW1 production, likely barreled in Suhl and bought in by Rigby from a source other than Mauser. The “commercial” appearing triggerguard does not change my opinion as it is just a matter of filing to reshape a rough military undermetal to this form, a common feature of Suhl made Mausers.

---

kuduae,
This is very interesting and informative, thanks for adding this.
A question then: the left action siderail has no markings at all, but with a thumb cutout. If a Gewehr 98 WW1 production would this mean that the action bypassed the step in fabrication/acceptance where it would have been stamped "Gew 98" or similar? Could this have later been ground/polished off by Rigby or their supplier?
My 1930's made Cogswell and Harrison M98 also has no action markings save the (Vickers?) serial number and London View stamp.
The smaller parts (bolt, bolt shroud, bolt stop, etc are all stamped with the last two digits "23" of the "1123" upper stamp on the receiver ring found above the Rigby serial number "5628".
I believe the mentioned German crown/U view mark under the front of the receiver ring is actually the London crown/V view mark the same as with the London proof marks on the barrel?

All very historically interesting.
- Mike

--------------------
"Here's to killing people you don't like with people you do"

"Will Rogers never met a fighter pilot"
- Anon

“Always carry a flask of whiskey in case of snakebite, and furthermore always carry a small snake."
-- W. C. Fields

Post Extras