5/13/21 - This is a rare and excellent example of a WWII K98 Mauser "SS" double claw sniper rifle. These rifles were produced from late 1943 to late 1944 using both Mauser and Steyr produced rifles, all were fitted with the double claw bases on the receiver with the early Czech "dow" center adjustment/focus scope. The top of the receiver ring is marked "byf". The left rear of the barrel is marked with correct eagle firing proof and the right side has the barrel code of "42 Rg 0". The left side of the receiver ring also has the original eagle firing proof along with an "eagle/SSZZA2" proofmark followed by the serial number (26045d). The receiver side wall stamped "Mod. 98". The rifle has the milled trigger guard, floor plate, and milled barrel bands and is complete with the original bolt assembly, with all correctly matching. It is fitted with an original (although non-matching) Czech center-focus sniper scope as produced by the Czechoslovakian firm of Optiotechna. It carries the correct factory wartime code of "dow" followed by a blue cross and is fitted with a set of original double claw rings with the two locking levers on each side of the rear ring. The left side of the scope tube is marked with serial number "1442" and it is fitted with the standard three-post reticle. The rifle has the standard laminated stock and hand guard, and it is fitted with the early style smooth flat butt plate. The stock does not have any Waffenamt/Army proofs on the sides and is correctly stamped with a faint Death's Head proof on the very rear underside of the stock. The finish is excellent overall with most of the wear on the trigger grouping. Rock Island previously listed this rifle with an upper estimate of $14k in 2018, but also labeled the finish as "restored". We do not specifically see any signs of refinish but we mention this detail in interest of full disclosure. Minty bore, hardly looks used. Includes sling, cleaning rod and sight hood.
