BNZ 44 Mauser & Lee Enfield No 4 MK1

**Ben Evans** · 12-02-2012, 04:38 PM

Again many thanks, I have been looking around various sites, the pigstickers are peanuts really apart from the crucifix one, that a bit pricey, I have seen No 9 for about £20 and the No 5 again are over the £100 mark. I will get them as and when I can just to add to the rifle

**Ben Evans** · 12-03-2012, 05:19 PM

Chaps. does anyone know what the shield symbol is? I have seen them on other K98.s

Thanks

**big ned** · 12-03-2012, 05:37 PM

Hi Ben,

The shield proofmark looks like that for a Czech made weapon. I once owned a BRNO Fox rifle with an almost identical marking on it. Just guessing here really...

Were K98's made there?

Regards, Ned.

**Ben Evans** · 12-03-2012, 05:44 PM

Cheers Ned I have no idea mate, rifles not really my ting, but if there free then I dont say no

**NDShooter** · 12-03-2012, 05:46 PM

The 660 and BNZ code Mausers were made by the Steyr factory under the Nazi control of Austria. The sheild is another proof mark from the factory on BNZ K98's.
From what I understand, most BNZ rifles were issued to the SS and has a connection using slave labor at the Mauthausen Concentration Camp according to some collecting books.
Some Czech Rifles were send back to the Camp when the eastern front started to fall to be completed.
Thanks
Cody

**Ben Evans** · 12-03-2012, 05:55 PM

Cheers Cody, very interesting I must get on the net and have a good read

**NDShooter** · 12-03-2012, 07:07 PM

No Problem Ben!

I collect K98's and that BNZ 44 is worth quite a bit of cash over here in the States. Around the 700-1350. Matching would make it the higher number.

**Ben Evans** · 12-03-2012, 07:10 PM

by NDShooter

No Problem Ben!

I collect K98's and that BNZ 44 is worth quite a bit of cash over here in the States. Around the 700-1350. Matching would make it the higher number.

Cheers Cody, why are they more sought after than the other ones? Is it because they are meant to be SS related or the makers mark/maker? Like I say mate, I really collect these so dont know much about them

**NDShooter** · 12-04-2012, 01:18 AM

The big drive over here for these Rifles is for that main reason of "SS" related and concentration camp connections. Also, they are very well built rifles! Many different kinds of firearm collectors go for these BNZ's. Steyr is another reason, known for well built firearms.

**Ben Evans** · 12-04-2012, 02:01 AM

by NDShooter

The big drive over here for these Rifles is for that main reason of "SS" related and concentration camp connections. Also, they are very well built rifles! Many different kinds of firearm collectors go for these BNZ's. Steyr is another reason, known for well built firearms.

Cheers mucker, many thanks