German Mauser Rifle Serial Numbers

Manufacturing codes are assigned to the various firearms manufacturers. Over the years, when these companies changed ownership or merged to form new companies with new names, they were given different manufacturing codes and used serial numbers that started with different digits. This also helps to identify how old the gun is.

German Mauser Rifle Serial Numbers

I have a model 98 8 mm german mauser. All serial numbers match. It has bnz 43, says germany, 53 RU, and #9283, with initials AH carved in the stock.Any idea on value, and is there any information who it may have been assigned to?

*- Later (higher) serial numbers were issued as Kriegsmodells. **- Kriegsmodells had rough unfinished stocks and no butt plate. Some years may have dual maker codes and/or dual dates marked on receiver K98 Variations- During the war several changes and/or alterations were made to the K98. Most of these changes were simply design alterations that were made to simplify or increase production of the rifle. Some of these were totally different model of the K98, including the G33/40. The G33/40 was basically a shortened version of the K98. The G33/40 was only in production for 3 years, from 1940-1942. It was produced by Waffen Werke Brunn, Brunn. It fired the exact same 7.92mm round, and had the same Mauser 98 action. However, that is where the similarities end. The G33/40 had several different parts that were not matching with the K98. These included: the bolt, stock, cleaning rod, sight hood cover, upper hand guard, barrel bands, sling, and even the bayonet. Below is an example of the G33/40, that was made in 1941, and bears the maker's code "dot 1941." Note also in the pictures below the differences between the standard K98 and the G33/40.