My first k98- 41ASW with minty blade

**drdata** · 01-31-2010, 06:56 PM

A matched 41 ASW, made by E.u.F Horster in 1941 it would seem. The bade appears to have its original bluing and is in such pristine shape I doubt it ever saw service. The but plate is perfect with no dings or dents. Scabbard is clean and appears to have original paint with wearing where the frog was.

Only runner marks, and I cleaned up the drags and waxed with ren-wax to eliminate that grindy sound that was occurring upon insertion/removal. The locking button work great and also has a matching SN. What I do not like is that the maker stamp is weak and the "W" is hard to make out.

Also, the scabbard and knife are both marked with the number "68". Anyone know if that is a group assignment or what?

And here are the pics:

**Espenlaub Militaria** · 01-31-2010 06:56 PM

We also buy and trade your items and full collections!

**jock auld** · 01-31-2010, 07:40 PM

The 68 might be an armoury 'Butt number' for their weapons ledger, like in the modern day army, serial numbers are quite long, it is easier to localy mark items with a shorter number for accounting purposes?

Jock

**drdata** · 01-31-2010, 10:27 PM

Thanks. I wish I could take a decent blade pic. They all come out dark. This blade is really nice, and despite not being sharpened is prone to poke.

Regards

**Andrew** · 01-31-2010, 11:47 PM

Nice one drdata. i know how difficult taking pictures can be too lol.
andrew

**drdata** · 02-01-2010, 03:29 AM

Thanks Andrew. Surprising heavy the first time I felt it.

BTW, saw a M3 w/no sheath, dated 43 IIRC, going for 500 + on flea-bay.

**AndyB** · 02-01-2010, 08:25 AM

Looks nice, maybe by the rework could be the new serial? 68

**drdata** · 02-01-2010, 09:46 PM

Thanks all.

To be clear, I have no indication this was reworked, other than general awareness that some k98s were re-blued.

Can anyone confirm that a second number would be stamped in such a case?

Regards

**drdata** · 02-15-2010, 08:01 PM

Watched ebay for a while and I think I snagged an ok frog to complete the item. Won @ 39. Given a repro is 14, not too bad, and I think its OK. Not a very common maker, heard it may be ldo/Luftwaffe issue. I like as has same date as the blade.

E.O Gotze & Sohn
Gersdorf, 1941