Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this SCARCE bolt-action military rifle for a penny-start auction; this is the Mauser (Arsenal Code “byf”) K98.
The prominent “X” mark found on a Mauser K98k bearing the arsenal code “byf” is a well-recognized indicator that the rifle was captured by Soviet forces at the conclusion of World War II and subsequently processed through a Russian refurbishment program. Applied after the war, this mark denoted rifles collected from battlefields, depots, or surrendered German units and placed under Soviet control for inspection, repair, and long-term storage. During this process, rifles were typically disassembled, cleaned, and reassembled using serviceable parts without regard to original serial number matching, often resulting in a mix of components from different production periods. Many received a dark, utilitarian reblued or phosphate finish and were reassembled to functional military standards rather than original factory configuration. On a byf-coded K98k—produced by Mauser at Oberndorf during the war—the “X” mark adds a distinct layer of historical context, directly linking the rifle to the Eastern Front and the vast postwar Soviet arms recovery effort, making it a tangible artifact of both German wartime production and Cold War–era surplus history.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Mauser Oberndorf am Neckar (Arsenal Code “byf”)
Model: K98
Serial: 24707
Date of Manufacture: 1944
Caliber: 8mm Mauser (7.92x57mm Mauser)
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 23.62"
Optics/Sights: Patridge Blade on Serrated Ramp Base Front and Adjustable Ladder Rear with Sliding Gradient
Stock/Grips: Laminated Wood Stock
Action: Bolt-Action Rifle
Markings: Standard / The left side of the stock above the serial number is stamped with an “X”.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The “Code byf” Mauser K98k refers to German military Karabiner 98k rifles manufactured by Mauser-Werke AG at its Oberndorf am Neckar factory during the Second World War. The “byf” factory code was used by Mauser from 1941 through 1945 as part of Germany’s wartime practice of concealing production locations. These rifles retained the classic Mauser Model 98 controlled-feed bolt action, chambered in 7.92×57mm (8mm Mauser), and were built as the standard service rifle of the German Wehrmacht. Early byf-coded rifles often exhibit high-quality machining, milled components, and traditional blued finishes, while later-war examples increasingly reflect simplified production methods, including stamped parts and rougher finishes, as wartime pressures intensified.
Model: K98
Serial: 24707
Date of Manufacture: 1944
Caliber: 8mm Mauser (7.92x57mm Mauser)
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 23.62"
Optics/Sights: Patridge Blade on Serrated Ramp Base Front and Adjustable Ladder Rear with Sliding Gradient
Stock/Grips: Laminated Wood Stock
Action: Bolt-Action Rifle
Markings: Standard / The left side of the stock above the serial number is stamped with an “X”.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The “Code byf” Mauser K98k refers to German military Karabiner 98k rifles manufactured by Mauser-Werke AG at its Oberndorf am Neckar factory during the Second World War. The “byf” factory code was used by Mauser from 1941 through 1945 as part of Germany’s wartime practice of concealing production locations. These rifles retained the classic Mauser Model 98 controlled-feed bolt action, chambered in 7.92×57mm (8mm Mauser), and were built as the standard service rifle of the German Wehrmacht. Early byf-coded rifles often exhibit high-quality machining, milled components, and traditional blued finishes, while later-war examples increasingly reflect simplified production methods, including stamped parts and rougher finishes, as wartime pressures intensified.
From a historical and collector standpoint, byf-marked K98k rifles are among the most studied and sought-after variants due to their direct association with Mauser’s primary production facility. They provide a clear window into the evolution of German arms manufacturing during the war, illustrating the gradual transition from pre-war craftsmanship to late-war expediency. Today, originality, matching serial numbers, and correct wartime features heavily influence collector value, with earlier production examples generally commanding a premium. Regardless of condition, the byf Mauser K98k remains an iconic military rifle, valued for its mechanical excellence, battlefield legacy, and enduring influence on bolt-action rifle design worldwide.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection. 
Additional Information
GunbrokerLink: |
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1149411514 |
BidPrice: |
505 |
AuctionEndDate: |
2026-02-01 21:00:00 |
CurrentBid: |
880 |
