This is a very fine example of an early WWII K98 rifle manufactured by the Steyr factory that has converted into a double claw sniper rifle using high objective type commercial scope mounts along with a "B. Nickel" commercial scope. This exact rifle is pictured in the book "Sniper Variations" by Richard Law on pages 126. The rifle was probably manufactured circa 1940/41 as the barrel is marked "321 40 Bo," indicating it was manufactured with a Bohler steel barrel dated 1940, and it has a cupped sheet metal buttplate with a laminated stock and handguard set. The receiver is numbered "3343" with no letter suffix. The right side of the receiver ring has four WaA623 Waffenamt proofs, and a single firing proof is on the left side of the barrel and receiver. The right side of the rear sight base also has multiple WaA623 Waffenamts as do the trigger guard and floor plate, all indicative of the Steyr factory. The scope bases and mounts are typical of the objective mounting system that is slightly higher and does not cut a dovetail through the front receiver ring with a double claw base on the front and rear receiver ring. The scope has a corresponding set of double claw rings. The scope as noted is a very rare early commercial version that was manufactured by the "Nickel" company. It is very unique in that it has both elevation and windage knobs on the scope tube. It also has the traditional German windage adjustments in the rear scope ring/base. It is marked on top of the scope "B.NICKEL/MARBURG" with the scope tube numbered "6017" on top. It has the standard milled barrel bands, trigger guard and floor plate, which are numbered to the rifle. This scarce rifle is complete with a WWII smooth leather sling, cleaning rod and front sight cover and leather scope caps. Also included is a very rare, original Waffenamt proofed, commercial leather scope case. The case is approximately 2 1/2 X 2 inches square and 12 inches long. The lid of the case has a clear sharp "Eagle/WaA159" Waffenamt proof.

Very fine overall with 90% of the blue finish on the metal parts with wear and blue loss on the barrel band and front exposed area of the barrel with thinning and blue loss on the edges of the scope bases and receiver area. The scope retains 50% of its blue finish with most of the blue thinning on the center section of the scope tube with both the objective and ocular ends having 95% of their blue finish and clear sharp optics. The windage and elevation knobs both work correctly. The scope case is in very good condition with 90% plus of the original outer leather surface showing age cracking and flaking on the sides of the scope case. The leather strap has broken. The rifle has matching numbers on the various parts except the scope which is unnumbered and the bolt which has been renumbered to match the rifle.