1916 was a date of change for the Kar.98a also, with the introduction of the grasping grooves & bolt takedown, it was a gradual process, and one can find much variation in the application of these changes. By early/mid 1917 the changes were firmly in place. As with the Gew 98, insufficient walnut sources induced the Germans to use other wood for stocks in 1916. By mid 1916 beech had largely replaced walnut as the primary stock source and by 1917 beech was the primary source to stock the Kar.98a and Gewehr98. Though largely replaced, walnut was used till the end in limited amounts.

As can be expected, the 98a is often found with post World War I use markings, 1920 Versailles Permission stamps, and often German police markings.

German rebuilds exhibit several features and not always consistent with other rebuilds- by the nature of a rebuild there is variation to them because they were done by different facilities, armorers & at different times. The primary signs to look for are a blued bolt and follower (sometimes the butt plate will be blued as well, this is the only exception to the rule that German rifles don’t have blued buttplates!). Very often the post war German used rifle will have the 1920 permission stamp on the receiver, but not always.

Like the Weimar Gewehr98 the small parts (that usually have but the last two digits on them) will often have the first digits of the serial number added to the various parts like the bands and rear sight in order to include the full serial number on them, sometimes parts will be renumbered to match, forced matched, but done in the proper way - these Weimar reworked rifles very often have re-numbered parts, the general method post war was scrub & re-serial to the rifle, there is some variation though.

When it comes to what is most desirable to the collector, it is condition, date of manufacture and if it has any unit markings.

Condition: primarily interested in the stock, as that is where most problems are found with the 98a. The stock is often found sanded, and even more important is the hand guard, which is a little fragile (and very difficult to replace). When examining a 98a check for the proofs on the butt stock/comb, which is supposed to have several clear proofs and the serial number, if there is weakness or especially smooth, I take this as a serious distraction. Hand guards are prone to cracking & are often repaired, a minor distraction.

The finish is always important, it is nearly impossible to correct a metal surface problem & an unattractive finish is something to take serious when buying. Signs of foreign military service (Turk, Polish or Spain are most encountered) are serious distractions to most collectors.

Pre-war production, especially Spandau or Amberg are especially desirable, if original condition very valuable. Unit markings are found on the buttplate tang and depending on the unit they can add significantly to the value.

The reference material that would be helpful to the new collector:

Mauser Bolt Rifles, by Ludwig Olson
German Military Rifles and Machine Pistols, by Gotz
The German Rifle, by John Walter
Central Powers Small Arms of World War One, by John Walter
The Imperial German Regimental Marking, by Jeff Noll
German Small Arms Markings, by Gortz and Bryans
The Original Kar 98, 4th Edition Gun Collectors Digest 1985 American Rifleman, July 1998 and Oct. 1999

Thanks to Peter Kuck for the examples he provided.

John Walters “The German Rifle” is dated but the best single reference. Jeff Noll’s “The Imperial German Regimental Marking” is invaluable for identifying rifles with unit markings.