WW1 Original Imperial German Gewehr 98 Mauser Spandau Arsenal Rifle

SKU: 902

Original/Reproduction: All-Original

Availability: In-Stock

Manufacturer: Spandau Arsenal

Date Manufactured: 1916

Model: Mod 98

Serial Number: 3723

Caliber: 8mm Mauser / 7.92×57mm 

Action Type: Bolt

Barrel Length: 600 mm (23.62 in) 

Bore Condition: 9.5/10 

Condition: Excellent

Mechanically: Excellent 

Price: $1295.00

Seller Type: Classification: C&R / FFL

Seller ID: JMW

Seller Code: PS750

Return Policy: 3-day inspection and return policy on used guns and accessories.

Description

This original World War I Imperial German Gewehr 98 (Gew. 98) Mauser military rifle manufactured at the Spandau Arsenal, preserved in excellent overall condition. The Gewehr 98 was the principal service rifle of the Imperial German Army during the First World War and represents one of the most historically significant military bolt-action rifles of the early 20th century.

Manufactured at the Royal Prussian Arsenal at Spandau, one of Imperial Germany’s principal government arms-production facilities, this rifle is an excellent example of the famous Mauser Model 1898 action that established a standard subsequently followed by military and sporting rifle designs throughout the world.

Imperial German Gewehr 98

The Gewehr 98 was officially adopted by the German Empire in 1898, replacing earlier Model 1888 Commission rifles as Germany transitioned to Paul Mauser's exceptionally strong and reliable controlled-feed bolt-action system.

Chambered for the 7.92×57mm Mauser (8mm Mauser) cartridge, the Gewehr 98 utilized an internal five-round staggered-column magazine that could be rapidly loaded using stripper clips. Its long barrel and full-length military stock reflected the infantry doctrine of the period, when accurate long-range rifle fire remained an important consideration in military small-arms design.

By the outbreak of the First World War in August 1914, the Gewehr 98 was Germany's standard infantry rifle. Millions were subsequently produced as Germany mobilized an enormous wartime army.

Spandau Arsenal Manufacture

Of particular collector interest is the rifle's Spandau Arsenal manufacture.

The Königliche Gewehrfabrik Spandau (Royal Rifle Factory at Spandau) was a major Prussian government arsenal located at Spandau near Berlin. The facility manufactured substantial quantities of military arms for the Imperial German Army and became an important producer of Gewehr 98 rifles before and during World War I.

Spandau-manufactured examples are normally identified by the prominent "SPANDAU" arsenal marking on the receiver, together with the Imperial crown and production date appearing on the receiver ring. Additional Imperial German military inspection and acceptance markings are typically encountered throughout original rifles.

These government arsenal markings provide an important historical connection between the rifle and Imperial Germany's wartime arms-production system.

Classic Mauser Model 98 Action

At the heart of the Gewehr 98 is the legendary Mauser Model 98 bolt action, incorporating features that made the design famous for strength, reliability, and safety.

Characteristic features include a controlled-round-feed bolt with dual opposed front locking lugs, a third safety lug, a large non-rotating claw extractor, gas-handling provisions, and the distinctive three-position Mauser safety.

The rifle feeds from an integral five-round magazine and was designed to be loaded rapidly from the receiver bridge using five-round stripper clips.

The basic Model 98 action proved so successful that its influence can still be seen in military and sporting bolt-action rifles more than a century after its introduction.

Lange Visier Rear Sight

An especially recognizable feature of the early Gewehr 98 is its distinctive Lange Visier, commonly referred to by collectors as the "roller-coaster" rear sight because of its unusual, curved profile.

This elaborate sighting system was developed during an era when military planners anticipated infantry engaging targets at extremely long distances, both individually and through massed or volley fire.

Combined with the rifle's long barrel and full-length stock, the Lange Visier gives the original Gewehr 98 its unmistakable Imperial German appearance.

World War I Service

The Gewehr 98 saw extensive combat throughout World War I from 1914 to 1918, serving German forces on the Western Front, Eastern Front, and other theaters of operation.

German infantrymen carried the rifle through many of the defining battles of the conflict, including the campaigns surrounding Verdun, the Somme, Ypres, and the German Spring Offensive of 1918.

Although trench warfare demonstrated the advantages of shorter and handier weapons, the Gewehr 98 remained a formidable service rifle. Its rugged Mauser action proved exceptionally dependable under the mud, dirt, moisture, and harsh battlefield conditions characteristic of the First World War.

Following Germany's defeat in 1918, large numbers of Imperial rifles were surrendered, destroyed, modified, reworked, or transferred to other nations. Consequently, surviving examples retaining their recognizable Imperial configuration are particularly desirable to collectors of German and World War I military firearms.

Construction & Features

This original Spandau Gewehr 98 displays the classic characteristics associated with Imperial German military production:

• Original Imperial German Gewehr 98 military rifle
• Manufactured by the Spandau Arsenal
• Mauser Model 1898 controlled-feed bolt action
• Chambered for 7.92×57mm / 8mm Mauser
• Five-round internal magazine
• Full-length military stock
• Long Gewehr 98-pattern barrel
• Distinctive Imperial German military configuration
• Period military sights
• Mauser three-position safety system
• Imperial arsenal and military markings as applicable
• Original WWI-era German military collectible

Condition

This WWI Imperial German Gewehr 98 is described as being in excellent overall condition, especially desirable for a military rifle now more than a century old.

The rifle presents the substantial, purposeful appearance for which the Imperial Gewehr 98 is known. Any minor handling marks, finish wear, patina, or age-related characteristics present should be considered consistent with the rifle's age and military history rather than detracting from its historical character.

As with any antique or collectible military firearm, individual markings, serial-number relationships, bore condition, stock markings, proofs, acceptance stamps, and component details should be evaluated from the rifle itself when determining its exact configuration and collector grade.

Collector Significance

Original Imperial German Gewehr 98 rifles occupy an important position in any serious collection of World War I firearms, Imperial German militaria, or historic Mauser rifles.

A Spandau-produced example is particularly appealing because it combines several major areas of collecting interest: Imperial German government arsenal production, the legendary Mauser 98 action, and direct association with the primary German infantry rifle of the First World War.

The Gewehr 98 also represents the beginning of a military rifle lineage that ultimately led to later German Mauser developments, including the Karabiner 98b and Karabiner 98k, while the fundamental Model 98 action became one of the most influential bolt-action designs ever manufactured.

Historical Specifications

Model: Gewehr 98 / Gew. 98
Country: Imperial Germany
Manufacturer: Spandau Arsenal
Type: Military bolt-action rifle
Era: Imperial German / World War I
Action: Mauser Model 98 bolt action
Caliber: 7.92×57mm Mauser (8mm Mauser)
Magazine Capacity: 5 rounds
Loading System: Stripper clip or individual cartridges
Standard Barrel Length: Approximately 29 inches / 740 mm
Standard Overall Length: Approximately 49 inches / 1,250 mm
Standard Weight: Approximately 9 pounds, varying by configuration
Primary Service Period: 1898 through World War I and into the postwar era

An Outstanding Imperial German WWI Rifle

This Original WWI Imperial German Gewehr 98 Mauser Rifle manufactured by the Spandau Arsenal represents one of the classic infantry weapons of the Great War. Combining the legendary Mauser Model 98 action with Imperial German arsenal manufacture and unmistakable early military styling, the Gewehr 98 remains a cornerstone firearm for advanced collections.

Preserved in excellent condition, this Spandau example would make an impressive addition to a collection focused on World War I firearms, Imperial German military history, German Mauser rifles, or European military small arms.

A highly collectible original Imperial German Gewehr 98—a classic Spandau Arsenal Mauser and an important surviving example of Germany's principal infantry rifle of World War I.