I posted this in the Mauser section of Gunboards.com but thought I would put it up here as well.

I just recently acquired a barreled action that is marked ERFURT 1902 on the top receiver ring.
It is GEW 98. All of the serial numbers match with the exception of the bolt handle. All numbers are 8554. The sights, screws, trigger guard etc. all are marked with 54. It has a langegewehr sight which starts at "2" and goes to "200".


I have built sever customs from various 98 actions.
I have just never come across one with these markings and wanted to throw it out there out of curiosity.

Some of the guys on Gunboard.com indicated it was a rifle that was used by the German military in Namibia for their Camel Corp and was rare.

Early Erfurt Gewehr 98; how do they know it was used on camels? or are they pulling your leg?

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Originally posted by dpcd:
Early Erfurt Gewehr 98; how do they know it was used on camels? or are they pulling your leg?

It was indicated that there were few of these (ERFURT 1902) and most went to be used in what is now Namibia for use with the Camel Corp. Could be sending me on a snipe hunt and I would not know the difference.

Just ask for a reference, in print. I have a lot of Mauser books but have not run into that; not saying it isn't true. It is true that production was low in 1902. Maybe they are just making assumptions....

Some Erfurts were short "cavalry" versions. Issued to cavalry, assault troops, and other troops needing a "handier" rifle.

Never knew Germany had camel jockies.

Here is a link to a video that someone on Gunboards.com provided in response to my inquiry.

https://www.forgottenweapons.c...-german-camel-corps/

That provenance is irrefutable. Your action is super rare and is worth at least $1000.

I am not sure of the value but I would like to think so. My only concern was sporterizing it if it is a value to someone. I would gladly trade it to someone that wants it for the alleged historical value for another action that I would not feel guilty sporterizing.

quote:

That provenance is irrefutable. Your action is super rare and is worth at least $1000.

dpcd

I think you should buy for 800 and make a 200 dollar profit.

quote:

Originally posted by p dog shooter:

quote:

That provenance is irrefutable. Your action is super rare and is worth at least $1000.

dpcd

I think you should buy for 800 and make a 200 dollar profit.

My sarcasm meter is pegged.

Due to the number of Erfurt I saw in France as "barn find", I suppose the Camel Corps fought in Somme, thanks for the information.

Good advice; Yes I will buy it for 800.
Not dollars though.
It is worth no more or less than any other Gew 98 with the wrong bolt. . Really