[JB]

I saw a 98 marked SVWBM in a local shop. It's not import marked and all the numbers appear to match. Am I correct that these were post war production by the french? Are there any major differences between these and the war time produced 98's?

 

[chasdev]

Where's FArb when you need him?
I think the French versions have a K31 style sling bar installed in the left buttstock.
Some may lack German WaA proof marks as well.

 

[Pisgah]

svwMB's were not all postwar French. Law's Backbone of the Wehrmacht was incorrect in this regard. Signs of French completion/use include: only the last 3 digits of the serial number are present on the bolt flat (serial number suffix letter is not on bolt flat), numbered components that would not have been numbered by the Germans--usually bands, floorplate, and triggerguard, French stacking rod screwed into the top of the bayonet mount delete sheetmetal, circle on that sheetmetal plate where a stacking rod once was that has been replaced by a simple screw (i.e. someone trying to make the rifle look less French by ditching the French stacking rod), cutout on the left of the buttstock where a French sling bar resides or used to reside (look for wood filler and nonsense here deposited by someone attempting to make a French stock look less French), French star firing proof, all blued metal on a byf 45/svw 45/svw MB rifle (you can pretty much count on finding at least some phosphated parts on a 1945 assembled rifle), "e" or later serial number suffix on an svwMB coded rifle (the very last known German assembled rifles are in the "d" serial number block). These are some hints but I may have missed an item or two.

During 1945 it appears that Mauser Oberndorf stopped attempting to correct flaws on rifles that were rejected by inspectors. It appears that they came to the conclusion that it made more sense (at that time) to concentrate efforts on regular production. If a rifle was rejected, they simply set it aside. When the French came along, they took control of the rejected rifles along with many parts. They fixed the rejected rifles and continued production where the Germans left off. Therefore there is not a clean break where German rifles stop and French rifles start. You will find French rifles interspersed throughout the 1945 production serial numbers along with a few earlier dated rifles. Take a look at the stickies saved up top for more detailed information (esp. the Mauser Oberndorf serial number study).

Post some more details when you can as we are always interested in hearing more. If you can, post the rifle's information in the serial number thread.

 

[JB]

This rifle had the French star on the receiver as well as bolt. The finish was all blue. The stock had the sling bar as well as the traditional German style cutout. The serial number has a "c" suffix. I'm shooting from memory on this, so I don't remember a lot of details. I remember the floorplate had a serial number, but I don't believe the front stamped band had one.

 

[JB]

I forgot one thing that struck me as odd. There was no takedown hole in the stock, but the buttplate had a hole that I'm guessing served the same purpose.

 

[Pisgah]

Sounds very French. Any one of the things I mentioned would have made me suspicious for the rifle having been post-war French, so having multiple French items is a lock. If you can, post the serial number and I'll include it in the serial number study. BTW, when matching and in excellent condition these tend to sell for $500 or less.

 

[JIMMY C]

Here are some photos of mine. I hope they help you in your decision.

 

[JB]

Thanks for the pictures Jimmy. This rifle appears to be a twin of yours except the stacking swivel isn't on it. I'm guessing the stacking swivels would be next to impossible to find if I ended up buying the rifle.

 

[Bruce98k]

svwMB

Some additions to Pisgahs comments. Very early French guns follow very closely the production pattern in 1945 used by Mauser - only the bolt and bolt parts, and receiver are numbered. In addition, the bolt can be phosphated as well as the trigger housing and bands, again very similiar to standard 45 wartime production. This pattern did not last long as only a handful of early French produced MBs exhibit these features. There is some debate as to whether the stacking rod and sling cutout were factory modifications or later depot modifications implemented for guns used in border guard use. I believe the complete parts numbering was a process initiated by the French shortly after production resumed.