Was at a local show other day just bumin around the tables. You know the usual mixed bag of old&new, with a few but not startling unusuals.
Any ways, I came around a bend and recognised a hint of unmistakeable style&grace being slipped into a tattered old gunbag behind a table. I asked If he didnt mind telling me what it was. Instead he said, we can do better than that,lets pull her out and have a feel.... of a model AorB? 7x57 original Obendorf Sporter(1903).
After that,he said it was not his rifle,but said he did have his own gal he would like to show me, now what could that be? ? I asked myself...
Moments later, He came back from behind the table, this time with a pristine (1935)Orig.ObendorfM98sporter..8x57 Dbletrigg,leverbottom metal,low hooded foresight, which he has had since the 1960s.
after a short few minutes of tempered desire,shouldering and working the action at his request,and his explanation of the rifles history,
I did the predictable thing, " Is this by any chance available 4sale?...somehow I knew the answer before Id asked it. I dont think I really wanted it, but I did want to guage if he still felt the same way about it after 40yrs as I did after 5minutes. And yes, Im most convinced he does.
After that experience, the show just seemed to pale into insignificance.I walked/floated? out out of there beaming/dreaming.

In regards to value, what price would you put on a mauser like that 8x57?

In regards to original parts, where would one best source original set triggers and lever bottom metal?

In regards to new production parts, I know one can get new made Dbleset triggers, but does anyone make a new manufacture high grade lever bottom metal unit,typical in design of the orig.sporting mausers?

Photos please!

D,

Im sorry, I didnt have a camera cause I didnt expect anything like that.
But not to dissapoint, heres one thats somewhat similar to what I fondled.
Apparently, handling one is like looking into Elizabeth Taylors very rare true Violet colored eyes,-you never forget.
That comes from a friend who has gazed her eyes. You become entranced and captivated.
The 8x57 I handled was all so smooooth,finished,balanced,bottom metal still tight&precise all over.

They are exquisite. They must be one of the finest production hunting rifles ever made.

Even my Persian 98/29 and Czech 98/22 rifles rival the very finest modern rifles in fit and finish - actually they surpass most.

Todd