G01354 DEACTIVATED CARBINE 98 AZ. (Karabiner 98 a) A shortened version of the longer "98" model bolt action rifle, destined for cavalry, foot artillery, machine-gun and supply units, and designated the "Karabiner 98 AZ" (the letters indicating that it had "Aufpflanz-und Zusammensetzvorrichtung," or, Fixed-and Assembled-mechanism[s]). The 43 1/4" long weapon was the last in a series of experimental carbines, whose tests had been completed by 1907, with this accepted version most readily distinguished by its bent bolt handle, the depression cut into the stock to accommodate that, and the stacking hook before its hinged upper barrel band. Its metal butt plate has a screw to its lower center, and another where it extends for a short distance over the top of the butt of its hardwood stock, with what appears to be "8822" stamped beneath the former screw. Indistinguishable markings are to the right of the butt itself, immediately before the 1" diameter metal collar set into both sides of it (through which a rod would pass to link the weapons in arsenal storage). Forward of these collars, to each side, are depressions cut into the wood for the sling. Stamped to the end of the bolt assembly is an inspection mark, in the form of what appears to be a crowned, Gothic letter "S," and "71." The leaf safety has this inspection mark stamped to its underside, and the same numerals to its upper surface. These stamps may also be seen to the collar on the bolt assembly just forward of the safety. The bolt release mechanism, as a result of its deactivation, has been deliberately fused, although the bolt may be drawn back enough to cock it, and both the safety and the trigger still function. Stamped to the base of the bolt handle is "8371," with an indistinguishable marking beneath that. To the underside of the bolt handle is stamped an inspection mark, with a large, crowned Imperial eagle beneath it, and what appears to be a large, crowned "O" inspection mark beneath that. The underside of the knob to the end of the handle is flattened and cross-hatched. To the front of the rear section of the receiver are provisions for using a charger clip, and a semi-circular cut-out is to the left wall of the receiver, which acted as a "thumb slit" for pushing the cartridges into its internal, five round magazine. Stamped forward of the "thumb slit" is, in Gothic script, "Kar 98." ("Karabiner" [18]98), beyond which is stamped "4719" with a stylized "h" beneath, and, beyond that, what must be a partial Imperial eagle stamp. Stamped to the upper surface of the forward section of the receiver is "7.91" (the ammunition caliber), above "1920" (this date typically indicating that it was later inventoried and issued under Allied supervision, in accordance with the Versailles treaty), beneath which is a partially obscured crown over "Danzig" (which was one of Prussia’s three leading state rifle factories - the others being Erfurt and Spandau). Stamped to the right of this section are four inspection stamps, each in the form of a crown over a different letter. A circular washer is to each side of the stock beneath the receiver, with a crowned "J" inspection mark stamped to the left washer. The plate from which extends the trigger guard, and unto which is fixed the plate for the magazine, has "48" stamped to its rear securing screw, and "46" to its forward screw, before which are stamped two inspection marks and "1384." An inspection stamp and "81" is stamped to the plate covering the base of the internal magazine. Forward of the receiver is the curved, sliding clinometer sight (often called the "Lange" sight, after its inventor, who had been the director of the ammunition factory at Spandau), ranged from 300 to 2000 meters. An inspection stamp is to the right side of its base, and two more, along with "v," "L," and "642," are to the underside of its scale. Grooved hand holds are to either side of the stock beneath the sight. The barrel band with the forward sling loop to its left has "44" stamped alongside that, and, to the other side, an inspection mark alongside its retaining screw. To the underside of the stock, immediately before the foremost barrel band, is a bent stacking hook with a ball finial. This hook allowed the weapon to be joined with the hooks of several others to form a pyramid. To the plate from which this hook extends is stamped "38." The forward band is hinged, to make disassembly easier, and it has an inspection stamp to its right, "37" to its left, and the two stamps repeated to its uppermost surface. A "T" shaped bayonet lug extends from in front of this band underneath the barrel. Its forward sight, to the top and end of the barrel, has sight protectors to either side of it, to the right of which are stamped two inspection stamps, and to the left of which is stamped "19." The end of the barrel, as part of its deactivation, has been conspicuously filled. The bluing to the metal components is, unsurprisingly, worn to its edges and highlights, but has minimal surface spotting. Its wooden stock has age darkened and has typical, light surface scratches to it.

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