This World War I GEW 98 rifle has been arsenal reworked in the 1930s for the SS. The barrel has been shortened to 24" and a tangent rear sight installed. The top of the receiver ring is blank, the left side is marked with the serial number, "ST.mG." and a crown/N proof, and the right side has traces remaining of three crown/letter proofs with a eagle/N proof. The left receiver wall is marked "GEW 98". The left rear of the barrel is marked with the matching serial number and the lazy S/death head stamp. Matching numbers on barrel, receiver, bolt assembly, trigger guard, floor plate, front sight, barrel bands, stock, buttplate, and a couple of screws with the follower numbered to another gun. Smooth stock with flat buttplate, a droop eagle/WaA proof on the underside, and a death head stamp in the grip area.

Very good. The rifle retains 40% original blue finish with the balance a smooth brown-gray patina with some minor spotting. The wood is fine with numerous minor dings, pressure dents, and scratches, with a few large shallow dents on the hand guard, matching numbers, including the renumbered bolt.