It is on a small ring 98 Mauser custom done in the fashion of a Type B sporter. It is very light. The serial numbers are stamped (1) underneath on the barrel and (2) next to it on the action ring.

Hope you find something out because I have an old German sporter with the similars markings.

post your pics here

http://www.k98kforum.com/forum.php

My rifle

http://www.k98kforum.com/showt...KAR98a&highlight=gwf


http://home.pipeline.com/~shootzm/sr-act-b-1.jpg

http://home.pipeline.com/~shootzm/sr-act-l1.jpg

http://home.pipeline.com/~shootzm/sr-act-r2.jpg

http://home.pipeline.com/~shootzm/sr-markings-sn.jpg

quote:

Originally posted by richj:
post your pics here

http://www.k98kforum.com/forum.php

My rifle

http://www.k98kforum.com/showt...KAR98a&highlight=gwf


http://home.pipeline.com/~shootzm/sr-act-b-1.jpg

http://home.pipeline.com/~shootzm/sr-act-l1.jpg

http://home.pipeline.com/~shootzm/sr-act-r2.jpg

http://home.pipeline.com/~shootzm/sr-markings-sn.jpg

Awesome. It has a brother. Have you shot yours? Any clue on a value range? I anticipated turning this one into a custom African style hunting rifle. I just can't do it. Numbers match including the stock. Bluing on the stock and action is like 90%+. Thanks much. CB

This may / may not add some info. I have a similar rifle - SR, 8x57, no engraving. I don't know how many MFGs used that style of floor plate release button, could be several maybe not.

Having said all that my rifle has a small - Geco - stamped on the frt. ring, right side. If nothing else at least that button might say "made in the same area".

Just a shot FWIW. --- John

In a short period following WWI the former Prussian Arsenal in Erfurt made rifles using the smallring Kar98a actions.
The more common marks on the left rail were
GwE (Gewehrfabrik Erfurt).

I believe the abbreviation on your rifle is out of the same sorce meaning:
GwehrFabrik Erfurt

quote:

..... has a small - Geco - stamped .....

John-3,

Geco stands for:

Gustav Genschow & Co. A.G. Berlin-Treptow

First two letters of the last Name + plus Co., very typical Teutonic Company Name.

Just like your favorte Gummi Bärs, called HARIBO, which stands for Hans Riegel, Bonn.

quote:

Originally posted by Uncle Grinch:
Hope you find something out because I have an old German sporter with the similars markings.

Uncle Grinch...After much research I've come to the conclusion that actions of this type were built, engraved and stocked at the Erfurt factory from leftover German made military parts and sporter parts that were removed from various factories throughout Germany directly following WW1. Since the Prussian King at the time was not in power, these Erfurt factory built sporters could not use official standard markings as seen on the military Erfurt Kar98 actions they were made from. These were not military Erfurts anymore. Hence the receivers were professionally voided of all/any outer markings except for the eagle stamp (correctly termed?). These were obviously based on the small ring Oberndorf commercial sporters of the first decade prior to WW1, a premium sporter. Simlarities abound on these Economy Sporters (as Ludwig Olsen called them) including the rear barrel mounted sight, the lightweight stock shape, the high quality double set trigger, the position and shape of the barrel swivel, Prince of Wales type grip, military flag type safety. Shortcomings to look for are lack of a brass pin through the stock near the tip, straightened Erfurt bolt handle evidenced by the checkering on the flat. There is the lack of the Oberndorf address on the side of the action, stepped military type barrel and most likely polished rails and other tweaks one might expect on a fine quality German sporter of the period. Serial numbers are now stamped on the barrel and action underside in close proximity. Any stampings on top of the sporter-shaped bolt handle root are gone, serial numbers match on all parts, now under the bolt handle included. My action feels well fitted, trigger is smooth as glass, rails are no better than military Erfurt's of the period and weight is a mere 6.25 pounds. I've seen 3 markings so far on the left side of the action on these. GwF.E. = Gewehr Fabriken Erfurt. RwE = Reichswerke Erfurt. DAS(?) = designation unknown. Value is up in the air at this point. I personally think that the historical value is significant. Cosmetically, quality observed has been merely Good to Very Good including engravings, yet not near true official commercial German small ring Mauser sporter quality of the first decade. Economy? Not really. More in the middle. I'd call it a '''Unofficial Prussian Sporter'''. I like that better. Definitely has a cool factor about it. CB

CB,

I certainly appreciate your research on our Mauser Sporter. I can just imagine the history behind it and think about the previous owners and where it has been.

Regards,
Mike

Well thanks Mike. Heavenknows actually got me hot on the trail. I just expanded on his information. Thanks to all who replied and contributed. Ray

One for sale here marked RwE. http://www.cabelas.com/product...%3D7&Ntt=Reichswerke