1940 BLM '237' Code Karabiner 98k, 8mm Mauser, WaA214 Marked, Stepped Barrel, Matching Stock
This is an early-war 1940 Berlin-Lübecker Maschinenfabrik (code '237') K98k in 8mm Mauser with Third Reich markings and high machining quality typical of the period. It carries multiple WaA214 acceptance eagles and the correct '7,91 - 237 - 1940' marking stack. The stock is matching-numbered, while the bolt and safety tab are mismatched, with mixed-number components noted. A U.S. import mark from Tennessee Guns (Knoxville, TN) is present.
Receiver markings include 'Mod.98' on the right wall (ejection-port side), with the stepped barrel stamped '7,91.' The rifle retains its early, milled component pattern and classic K98k configuration. The front sight hood is not installed; a cleaning rod is present.
Condition
Overall Condition: Very good condition, showing only light, superficial signs of prior handling or use.
Bore Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: This 1940 BLM K98k bears the '237' receiver code and retains milled components with a matching-number stock. The bolt and safety tab are mismatched, and mixed-number parts are present. The front sight hood is not installed. A cleaning rod is installed. Importer marking from Tennessee Guns (Knoxville, TN) is present.
What's Included
- Berlin-Lübecker Maschinenfabrik Karabiner 98k rifle (8mm Mauser)
- Installed cleaning rod
Manufactured by Berlin-Lübecker Maschinenfabrik and receiver-coded '237,' this K98k is dated 1940, placing it in early-war production. It shows the higher machining quality associated with this period, including milled parts, and is marked 'Mod.98' on the right receiver wall.
Markings are a highlight: multiple WaA214 Waffenamt acceptance eagles are present, along with an E/63 stamp and an eagle over B. The receiver exhibits the correct '7,91 - 237 - 1940' stack, and the stepped barrel is additionally stamped '7,91.'
Configuration is classic K98k: a 23.6 in stepped barrel, tangent rear sight with slider, and a dovetailed front blade (front sight hood not installed). It uses the flag safety and a 5-round internal magazine. The front band has a bayonet lug, and a cleaning rod is present. The laminated stock features a takedown disc, left-side sling slot, and a cupped buttplate. Finish is blued over a steel receiver.
Collector-relevant details include a matching-number stock, with the bolt and safety tab mismatched and other mixed numbers noted. A U.S. import mark reads 'TG KNOX TN 98K 8MM GERMANY.' This WWII-era, German-made, Mauser-platform rifle combines desirable early-war manufacture, documented Third Reich-era inspection marks, and intact period features.