BACKGROUND: The K98k rifle evolved from the WWI Mauser Gew 98 model with slight modifications. The main modification was the shortening of the rifle. Due to restrictions of the Versailles Treaty the K98, wasn’t actual produced in Germany until 1934, although the Mauser company had licenced out production rights to other European countries. Originally the K98's were constructed with good quality walnut stocks and tooled steel fittings but as the war progressed these were replaced by cheaper beech wood and ply wood stocks and stamped metal fittings.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Early war, carved and lathed, laminated Beechwood stock, with blued, tooled steel and stamped sheet metal fittings. The overall length of the stock is roughly 100cm or 39 1/2". The stock has a semi-circular cut-out to the top edge to accommodate the barrel, the breech and the receiver. The forward tip of the stock has an inset blued tooled steel, bayonet attachment lug and the tooled cleaning rod receiving port. The center of the bottom edge of the stock has cut-outs to accommodate the internal components and the trigger and trigger guard. The right hand side of the stock has a horizontally oval depression to accommodate the bolt. The butt end of the stock has an inset, circular, steel disc use in takedown of the rifles bolt. The butt also has a small vertical cut-out in stepped depressions to secure the carrying sling. The end of the butt has a stamped steal heel plate secured by two screws. The stock is also complete with its original forward upper wooden grip. The forward barrel band is missing.