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Finally got one it's a BNZ 43. Now it has or had a couple of etched numbers, same as serial number, on top of bolt and on safety catch. When I saw it on viewing I immediately thought RC, still not convinced it wasn't. The etchings were very feint and a bit of 1200 grade wet and dry and wirewool removed them without any hassle, reblued the areas and you would never know they had been touched. Now what I find a bit odd and am unsure about are the markings on the bolt, or the lack off. It has the same serial number on stock, receiver, barrel etc all except the bolt. This has no serial number whatsoever though does have Waffenamt markings of 655 which are for a Mauser Werke inspection, so I am assuming it has a Mauser bolt, but why no serial number markings on it. The rest of the item has numerous swastika markings and inspectors stamps of 623 for Steyr which are correct. And finally can someone tell me what the markings in the attached photo relate to. All I need now is a cleaning rod as it didn't have one. Hope to pick one up at Stoneleigh tomorrow.
ps the barrel looks a cracker

saddler wrote:Mate near me has a Russian capture K98 he is wanting to sell.
That the sort of thing you are after, or are you not interested in any of the Russian ones?

Forgot to get more details on Sunday but I know is is a 30's made one. I can find out more if you want?

Oh my must have missed your original post very sorry. I'd never deliberately ignore a message from someone.

Attached a few more pics. I am assuming the X stamped by the serial number suggests a RC but to my mind doesn't look obvious when viewing from normal distance.

More pics. any idea what the number 3 on the stock means?

Hi Bogart.

A quick search for your German proof marks, they are from left to right : eagle over N (final nitro proof) lined sheild shape (Mellrichstadt proof House 1968>) 1AD (date of latest proof Jan 03)
These proofs are a European standard so no need to be re proofed here.
The 8x57 confirms the above.
I would say nice buy and a Russian Capture numbers stamped on the stock. No idea what the 3 means.

There are 2 sizes of cleaning rod 10 or 12 inch measure the depth of the hole with wire the cleaning rod should just finish short of the front sight when fully screwed in.

Pics in the original wanted ad.

Hi Thanks for the info. I need the 12 inch cleaning rod. Still confused by the lack of markings on the bolt.

Lack of markings on the bolt (stamped numbers) is because the bolt was new when fitted by the Russians after the war so did not go through the German war proof system. The Russians electro penciled the rifle serial number on the bolt when fitted, which you have now removed (1200 grade wet & dry & wire wool). Most R/C Mausers serial numbers are like this on the bolt and magazine floor plate.

Aye, shame you removed the electro penciled markings, a little bit of its history gone.

Still its your rifle to do with what you will even when we are only holding them in trust for future generations.

bnz41 wrote:Lack of markings on the bolt (stamped numbers) is because the bolt was new when fitted by the Russians after the war so did not go through the German war proof system. The Russians electro penciled the rifle serial number on the bolt when fitted, which you have now removed (1200 grade wet & dry & wire wool). Most R/C Mausers serial numbers are like this on the bolt and magazine floor plate.

Two questions. Why would the Russians fit a new bolt in the first place, am assuming there was one there to begin with.
The bolt has no stampings but does have inspectors stamps, doesn't this show that it did go through the proof system?