The following article is reprinted from the April 1999 issue of the Military Rifle Journal.

MAUSER KAR98a - 1907 Erfurt

by John Du Bois

While rooting through my collection to find my KAR 98b about which I have previously written, I stumbled upon another old favorite Mauser of mine that has always left an unanswered question in my mind. This piece was apparently rnanufactured at the Erfurt ImperialArsenal in 1907. The barrel, bolt, butt plate, sight leaf, and trigger guard serial numbers all rnatch the receiver serial number. While correct for the piece, the floor plate, upper band, lower band, safety, bolt sleeve and cocking piece do not. Not so unusual for a venerable old veteran like this. The butt stock has also been replaced as it has grasping grooves which, per Ball's book, were not standard until post 1915 KAR 98a's. I'm easy; I love it anyway. It has all of the Imperial proofs in places where they should be including the Imperial Army acceptance "turkey" on the left side of the receiver,forward of the serial number. The question that has always puzzled me when I pick up and fondle this piece is about the date. I have read in more than one book/article that the KAR 98a or 98AZ as you may prefer, was not manufactured or issued to Imperial cavalry units until sometime in 1908. How come mine is marked 1907?? 1 either have one of the first units manufactured (SN #455, no letter) or 1908 is a bad date or both of the above. The piece is in remarkably good condition with an excellent bore/barrel and at least a very good + finish. I have fired this piece many times over the years and it is boring as the recoil is minimal for an 8mm ancl it is quite accurate at 100, 200 and 400 yds. in spite of the difficult, for me; sight arrangement. Barley corn front sight blades combined with tiny rear sight notches do not work well for eyes as ancient as mine even with glasses. I have never seen a KAR 98a even close to the age of this one. I have seen many (they are not a rare piece) with l915 to 1918 dates; but very few if any do I remember seeing older than 1912. Any comments from you 98 Mauser guys???