I got this rifle many years ago, it was either a WWII bring back or post war custom.

It's a relatively nice piece, 8x57 (.323), with double set triggers, integrated front sight, two leaf rear site, 1/2 octagon barrel w.integrated rib, integrated front sling swivel, butter knife handle.

The top of the action where the crest would be is completely stippled, the only marks are OK the side and bottom, and few with that are legible.

Can anyone tell from the markings the origin of the action?

Nice stock finish on that large ring 98. Hopefully the markings on the underside will help the more educated I.D. the action for you.
A photo of the bolt handle top and bottom will help.

Here's the best shot. I have right now.
I assumed that the handle was added on as a custom feature and wouldn't have a bearing on ID'ing the action.

The Schnabel forend tip and angular cheekpiece shout German. Overall, it resembles somewhat a Type K Mauser. I am leaning towards a postwar sporter built by an as of yet unknown maker on an interwar receiver. No imperial proofs on the underside, so that rules out a ww1 receiver. Too nicely machined to be wartime. Engraving a bit amateurish. So, my guess is a nice post ww2 cigarette rifle?

Thanks. No clue from the underside marks except the over stamps mean something. Not sure what exactly. The engraving reminds me of post WW1 build-outs made from spoils of war in other European countries like Czechoslovakia or Poland, etc. But, most of those were small ring Kar98's from either Erfurt or Danzig.
Sorry. Not much help.

Its what we, Texas curmudgeons always referred to as Germanic "Guild guns" that flooded the US shortly after both WW1 and WWW2, well made and a half round half octagon in a modern custom runs $2000 to $3000 alone, they are old world quality as a rule, but some better than others of course, Ive rebored a couple to 9.3x62, 338-06 and 35 Whelen love those old dogs..

I vizulize and old german sitting on a stool in a closet that could make a ball out of an anvil with a file!!

guild gun, or cigarette gun - guess what the americans traded for them?

mine has integral bases -- a friends uncle, stationed in germany post war had it built, in 270 -- he showed it to me, told me the story, nice piece, was pretty heavy barreled, i told him I liked it, asked how he liked the set triggers .. it shot, by today's standards, okay ... he asked what I would have done differently, i told him just about nothing, but would have it recut to 10,75x68 ... he said "fine, do that, it's yours" ..

Here are some random ones I just grabbed off the shelf and tried to label them with masking tape which was a disaster. For your viewing pleasure. First two are a Gewehr 98, Oberndorf, 1917. Next to it is a 10.75, scrubbed, made after WW1; low end sporter.
Next two are Kar98Ks:
Last two is a JP Sauer 1917 Gewehr 98, and a K98. Which are all Polish small ring. I know, everyone on earth calls any Mauser a K98, which grates me for some reason.

What are the markings on the bottom of the barrel?

Sometimes determining where the rifle came from, can help point to origin for the rest of the components or determine era.

Based alone on what you have pictured, I would say pre WWI DWM receiver, or interwar Quandt group.

I'll take a look at the bottom of the barrel and see if there's anything there.
I did find a name inked inside the barrel channel. Looks like Boget, which in and of itself means nothing but it sounds more French or Belgian than German.

quote:

Originally posted by dpcd:
Here are some random ones I just grabbed off the shelf and tried to label them with masking tape which was a disaster. For your viewing pleasure. First two are a Gewehr 98, Oberndorf, 1917. Next to it is a 10.75, scrubbed, made after WW1; low end sporter.
Next two are Kar98Ks:
Last two is a JP Sauer 1917 Gewehr 98, and a K98. Which are all Polish small ring. I know, everyone on earth calls any Mauser a K98, which grates me for some reason.

Lol, what doesn't grate you?

Not much.

I am in in this gun. I have a 7x57 custom by Norbert Flashinbaur and a 16 gauge O/U I would trade if you are interested.