Make: B. Geipel GmbH, Waffenfabrik Erma
Model: K98
Serial Number: 6491g
Year of Manufacture: 1938
Caliber: 8mm Mauser
Action Type: Bolt action, internal 5 round magazine.
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked, "27 / 1938", the right has three "77" code Waffenamt, the left has a transitional Erma style Reichsadler and "6491g / Mod.98". The barrel is marked with a transitional Erma style Reichsadler and "6491g". The bolt handle is marked "6215" (non-matching). There are various "77" Waffenamts throughout. The stock has several Reichsadlers along with a Luftwaffe stamp on the right side of the serial matching stock. The screws are non-matched. The serial matched floorplate is marked with a "WaA63" Waffenamt along with a Mauser "S/42" code. The follower is marked, "S/42" with a "63" Waffenamt. There is no visible import mark.
Barrel Length: 23.5"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a chevron post set atop a ramped serrated base mounted to the barrel. The rear sight is a v-notch blade attached to a sliding escalator assembly marked out to 20.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two piece laminate wood set with a forend cap/bayonet lug, hole for the missing cleaning rod, barrel band w/ sling bar, through bolt, semi-pistol grip, sling well & passthrough, straight comb, bolt disassembly disc, and steel buttplate. There are scratches, pressure dents, and small chips throughout. There is a small crack at the wrist and at the front of the top handguard The LOP is 13" Overall the stock rates in about Good-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Arsenal Refurbished
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is sharp. There is light erosion in the bore along with some stubborn fouling. In this writer's opinion, this bore rates 8/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. There are scratches and handling marks throughout along with light thinning and patina. The action has light wear. The action has moderate wear. The screw heads are lightly tooled. The markings are mostly clear with some smaller ones being blurry. Overall, this rifle rates in Good-Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: A leather sling is included.
Our Assessment: This rare transitional German K98 was made in 1938 by B. Geipel GmbH at the Erma factory in Erfurt and bears the early "27 / 1938" code associated with Erma production prior to the full standardization of later wartime codes. Transitional rifles from this period reflect the evolution from earlier Reichswehr-era Kar.98b patterns into the standardized K98k configuration adopted by the Wehrmacht. This example is further distinguished by Luftwaffe acceptance markings on the stock, indicating issue or inspection for German air force service, along with a mix of Erma and Mauser-coded components typical of transitional assembly practices. The rifle retains the classic 23.5 inch barrel and tangent rear sight graduated to 2000 meters, reflecting the infantry configuration of the period.
This rifle exhibits a mix of matching and non-matching components, including a non-matching bolt handle and mixed Waffenamt codes such as "77" and "63" along with Mauser S/42-marked internal components. The overall configuration reflects transitional production and later service or refurbishment. The screw heads show light tool marks and the markings remain largely clear despite wear. Overall, this 1938 Erma "27 code" K98 stands as a scarce transitional Mauser with Luftwaffe association, combining early production features, mixed wartime components, and strong historical significance. Please see our high quality photos and best of luck with your bidding!
