Hello all,
I just joined the forum today. I just bought a K98K BNZ 41 with an extremely low serial number, just wondering if anyone out there can comment. It's 15
over C. All numbers match with exception of the upper and lower band. According to Law's book, the lowest SN is 2005...so a serial number of 15 would
be interesting. Nothing looks doctored at all, it does look all original (except someone lightly sanded and varnished the wood). Can send pics if that
helps.
Thanks,
Bill
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BNZ 41 serial number
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 wcantrell |
BNZ 41 serial number |
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Posts: 1 (05/02/09 14:06:08) |
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armyrat1970 |
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Posts: 1492 (05/02/09 23:41:49) Moderator |
Welcome to the forum Bill. Unfortunately I can't help you with your question and can only say this: although Laws is a very good reference on the K98k it
is not the bible and does have some flaws. Of all of the weapons he may have viewed, think of how many he never saw.
"If a man has nothing greater to believe in than himself, he is a very lonely man".
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wcantrell |
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Posts: 2 (05/03/09 04:55:56) |
Good point! In fact I did a little more research yesterday (internet plus Laws) and the 15 over C serial number means that the rifle was the 15th produced in
the 4th lot of BNZ rifles in 1941 (lot #1 being 1-9999, lot #2 being 1-9999a, lot #3 being 1-9999b and so on. So by my math it was rifle number 30,015 produced
by BNZ in 1941.
However what is interesting about my BNZ 41, the model designation does appear on the receiver. Again, according to Laws the BNZ rifles that year had the Mod. 98 designation ommitted, and it didn't appear until BNZ 43 rifles. Great to be a part of the forum! thanks for the reply! Bill DOU 44, BYF 43, BNZ 41 and soon to have CE 42 |
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armyrat1970 |
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Posts: 1504 (05/10/09 01:44:50) Moderator |
That is odd as Law states the lowest serial number he observed was 2005 without a letter suffix. Which would be from the first lot or run. Not getting into the
math but yours being produced in the fourth lot or run was produced well after.
By doing the math I think more correctly your weapon would have been the 30,012 produced in that year.
"If a man has nothing greater to believe in than himself, he is a very lonely man".
Last Edited By: armyrat1970
05/10/09 01:59:56.
Edited 1 times.
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Sarge13 |
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Posts: 139 (05/11/09 00:20:12) |
The Mod 98 was not put on the 1940 Steyrs and did not show up on the 41s till about the very late b block so yours is correct. Laws
BBOTW is a good general reference, but is very badly flawed in many areas. You have just discovered one of many.
Calling illegal aliens undocumented immigrants is like calling drug dealers unlicensed pharmacists! |
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wcantrell |
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Posts: 3 (05/15/09 03:55:16) |
Sarge13,
thanks! I'll take some pics of the receiver tongiht for you. BTW, does anyone know what 'collectors' use to highlight receiver/barrel stampings? It's like a white paste or something... - BIll |
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armyrat1970 |
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Posts: 1506 (05/17/09 01:14:30) Moderator |
You can use a white paint stick or crayon. Either will work well enough
"If a man has nothing greater to believe in than himself, he is a very lonely man".
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wcantrell |
Collectability of K98s I have | ||
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Posts: 4 (05/24/09 16:25:58) |
Fellow K98 enthusiasts:
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nothernug |
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Posts: 517 (05/29/09 03:29:56) Moderator |
Howdy & welcome to the forum!
Cantrell? I know the odds are astronomically against it, but you wouldn't, by any chance, be related to a Cantrell who was a 1st Sgt in the Army back in the 70s would you? In any case, he was a good Top. It isn't absolutely necessary to hilight the markings. Good use of light will bring them right out. Avoid flash. I've found the best shots are taken outside in the shade on a sunny day. Second best is cloudy bright conditions though for best results edit the photos brightness & contrast. I this helps. This was shot in full sun- grainy 
this shot same day/time but in the shade within feet of where I made the first shot above... 
 
Above/L, using full sun to bring out small marks. Above/R Cloudy/bright Shot late evening sun angled Diplomacy is the art of saying nice doggie until you can find a rock. Will Rogers |
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wcantrell |
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Posts: 5 (06/04/09 04:26:18) |
Morning,
Well no relation that I know of....my Dad was Air Force at that time, and I'm AD Air Force now. Lots of military history within the family....in fact on my Mom's side, her brother was in the 16th Regiment and took part in the first wave at Omaha Beach...he earned the Silver Star that day. But I digress....thanks for the tip on taking photos! Now I notice you have a Russian capture rifle. I need to post photos of my CE 42 which I think may be a Russian capture....none of the numbers match and it has like a phosphate finish (perfect bore to boot). But I see none of the peened out swaztikas or the 'X' so often found. Any ideas? Bill |
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Burt |
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Posts: 2075 (06/04/09 07:49:11) Admin |
Oh boy...uncharted waters for me but, I don't think that all of the Russian captured firearms were peened. And some even made it through without the
"X" being stamped on them. Dennis Kroh (Empire Arms) had his list of for sale K98k rifles and he had some that were not defaced but were Russian
captures. As to why, I have no idea...perhaps just lazy or getting close to time to go home and didn't feel like stamping any more ?
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Sarge13 |
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Posts: 142 (06/04/09 21:16:45) |
RC K98ks come in 4 marking variations -
1. RC X with import marks 2. RC X w/o import marks 3. No X with import marks 4. No X and No import marks - I know these to be RCs because they were bought from the importer and others in the same lot were of the 3 above variations. In addition some had the ser nr stamped horizontaly on the left side of the stock. I also have a P.38, from the importer, with No X, but in the box as most were and with a list of other P.38s by ser nr in that lot. My pistol is among those ser nrs. Not everything got marked, either by the ruskies OR the importer! Calling illegal aliens undocumented immigrants is like calling drug dealers unlicensed pharmacists! |
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