ce 41 Mauser, Bought It Anyway

[martin08]

I was the first to answer a local online classified for a "WWII matching Mauser, non-import. $500. " Aside from the missing cleaning rod and barrel band spring, I couldn't glean much more information from the seller over the phone.

I met with him today, and discovered immediately that it wasn't a complete match - bolt sleeve, safety and cocking piece were not numbered. Rear sight leaf and handguard have different numbers. Stock is sanded, not sharp. I didn't disassemble any further (when I got it home, inside channel of stock is not numbered).

I made a half-hearted attempt to dicker on the price, and he showed me the list of 20 or more phone numbers from across the country which were waiting in line.

I liked the gun and the sling, and it's more significant than an RC to me, so I paid him. It's a J.P. Sauer ce 41, which doesn't seem to be too abundant.

Some pics (forgot to picture the barrel, but it matches), and thanks for looking.

 

[majspud]

Matching enough. If you can get closer pics of the cocking piece, bolt sleeve, and safety. Safeties and band springs commonly broke; they could be armorer's spares. A milled blank band spring is an easy find.

There is a matching CE41 at the store where I got my carbine - $2200. You did fine; $500 is the going rate for RCs.

T

 

[magoo]

I would of picked that up for that price too.

 

[martin08]

No more daylight, so lightbox pics will have to do.

First is a pic of the matching barrel which I forgot, and the following are details of the sleeve, safety and cocking piece.

 

[majspud]

Well, you have an 'e221' unnumbered armorer's safety;

221 e K98k parts
for Gustloff
Hermann Köhler Altenburg (Th) 1942

When you strip the bolt, look for any marks.

T

PM: Here's a nice early one for $20 shipped

 

[majspud]

Is that a '43 after the barrel code? If so this piece was re-barreled at the depot level where the front sight was cut for a hood at that time. The bolt parts could have been changed at that time as well. Any unusual marks on the butt plate or the underside of the stock wrist?

I'd like to see the classifieds where you find these things.

T

 

[martin08]

The number 158 follows the barrel code. I also found to E/359 acceptance stamps on the right side under the sight base.

The stock is devoid of cartouches, entirely.

And the only mark on the buttplate is the WaA1. Hope that helps!

Oh, and the classified is good old Uncle Henry's.

 

[majspud]

Sauer was an assembler of parts supplied my other manufacturer', although they made many on their own. WaA359 was the code for Walther; they supplied the rear sights and barrels to Sauer. The butt plate, WaA1, is Gustloffwerke.

Is there a number before the barrel code?

T

 

[martin08]

Sauer was an assembler of parts supplied my other manufacturer', although they made many on their own. WaA359 was the code for Walther; they supplied the rear sights and barrels to Sauer. The butt plate, WaA1, is Gustloffwerke.

Is there a number before the barrel code?

T

Thanks, Tim.

Here is the barrel code.

 

[K98]

Martin,
Looks like you have a real sweetheart there! I'll take it off your hands so my '43 Sauer isn't alone.
As far as some of the markings go, according to the K98 Bible, the butt plate 37 Sn, Stock Bottom 37 (4) Sn, Stock right 37 (3), Bayonet mount 37, front sight base 18\37, Upper and lower bands 37 Sn, Floorplate 37 Sn, Triggerguard 37 (2) Sn, Receiver Right Side 359 37(2), Receiver Left FP SN, Barrel FP SN.
I wouldn't be too concerned about the small parts matching or not. Interesting safety marking though. If this is a non-matching bolt, be sure to check head space before throwing any lead. Always looking for a K98 if you get tired of it.
Ken

 

[martin08]

Martin,
Looks like you have a real sweetheart there! I'll take it off your hands so my '43 Sauer isn't alone.
As far as some of the markings go, according to the K98 Bible, the butt plate 37 Sn, Stock Bottom 37 (4) Sn, Stock right 37 (3), Bayonet mount 37, front sight base 18\37, Upper and lower bands 37 Sn, Floorplate 37 Sn, Triggerguard 37 (2) Sn, Receiver Right Side 359 37(2), Receiver Left FP SN, Barrel FP SN.
I wouldn't be too concerned about the small parts matching or not. Interesting safety marking though. If this is a non-matching bolt, be sure to check head space before throwing any lead. Always looking for a K98 if you get tired of it.
Ken

Thanks, Ken. The majority of marks are present. The exceptions are the stock and buttplate, which are looking more and more like armorer's replacements.

The bolt body does match, so no worries. And just over 24 hours after getting my hands on it, I have yet to tire of the Mauser.

 

[Maninblue1861]

I'll give $550 for it

 

[20thpzgr]

Oh, you had to buy that for that price! Not only a good looking rifle, but as said, much better than a RC for the same price, maybe less! Money in the bank for sure......enjoy it, congratulations!

 

[majspud]

Thanks, Ken. The majority of marks are present. The exceptions are the stock and buttplate, which are looking more and more like armorer's replacements.

The bolt body does match, so no worries. And just over 24 hours after getting my hands on it, I have yet to tire of the Mauser.

Welcome to my world.

T