Collection theory
I got into it sloppily. I picked up a very nice 1871/84 several years ago just b/c it was a really nice piece, all matching. Thought that was the end of it. My collecting theory was that I would pick up an example of the rifles used by the major combatants of most of the 20th Cen. Then, the 71/84 opened up the late 19th. Cen.; first black powder, too.
Then, early this year, I bought (cheap) several contract Mausers at an antique auction. Mostly Gew 98 progeny, such as Arg. 1909, Persian 1317 (in their calendar; prettiest rifle of the bunch), Braz. 1908, Swede M96/38, Turk M38. Suddenly found myself to be a Mauser collector (I thought of myself as a US military guy).
Next, people started calling my attention to Mauser opportunities. Got a Chilean Police w/ all matching numbers, a K98k S/42 1936 w/ almost all matching numbers and decided to look for a good wartime issue K98k. Found several, including one dou 44 all matching. Picked up a Yugo K98k refurb. just out of curiosity; may get a M48 if a nice one comes across the radar.
Then came the Papa: Gew 98 1906, all matching. Beauty. Also filled in w/ a 1888 Commission, but it has some Turk markings on the bolt. Also a Kar. 98a most recent acquisition; all matching except bolt.
Still don't have a VZ 24, but I picked up a Czech 98 cir. 1924 (contract for the fledgling secular Turk gov't, but no ANKARA crest). I would like to find a Turk w/ the Sultan's crest, but those are not common. Also scouting the Siamese mausers, just because they're kind of interesting (except for that ammunition)
In other words, its a slippery slope. I'm the poster child for the old saying "Once you break the ice, it can shatter on you." But its really nice hunting them like easter eggs. They're still relatively plentiful and reasonable, though climbing in value daily. Fortunately, the RC's seem to be keeping the prices down a little.
Anyway, this time last year, I had one Mauser. Now . . . well, "I are one" as they say. And its only Oct. 1st. GVM
PS: I must add, it is VITAL that you learn all you can about the guns. There's a lot of "strategic behaviour" going on out there. People last weekend were drooling over a K98k that looked especially nice to them, but when I looked it over, it just wasn't right. It was a 1944 (byf?) supposedly all matching numbers. Well, (a) it was just too clean; and (b) it had a flat buttplate, w/ a TWO digit serial number stamped on it (to match the receiver, of course). In other words, it was a fake, but one that fooled all the novices and even some neophytes. Be careful. Even if money is no object, your self-esteem is.