DESCRIPTION: Unusual German Kar. 98AZ style carbine in 7 x 57 mm caliber! The carbine has a very short, 17.25 inch barrel (rather than 23.2 inch long barrel found on K98AZ). The overall length of the carbine is only 37.25 inch (compare to 43 inch overall length of K98AZ). The lower part of the barrel (under the stock) displays following marking: "Crown over B, Crown over U, Crown over G, 6.9 mm 57, 4/27, Crown Stm G, N 11gr". Based on the markings, the carbine was built (or converted) in April 1927. The receiver ring displays the following abbreviation and number: "I. G. H. 096". The carbine has mismatched serial numbers. Other than, "096" there is no serial number on the receiver. The bolt does not have a serial number. The right side of the buttstock displays a number, "86". The trigger guard and magazine floor plate displays some old Imperial German numbers and markings. The front sight and nosecap display a number "36". The follower displays, "47". The left side of the receiver ring displays, "Crown over B, Crown over U". No provision for the cleaning rod. 98AZ style bolt with with turned down bolt handle. Early style stock with no finger groove. Other than the number on the right side of the buttstock, there are no markings on wood. Tangent rear sight calibrated from 100 to 1200 meter. K98AZ style side sling swivels. I assume that the sling swivels in the lower part of the stock were added after the carbine left the factory. Somewhat similar, German post-WWI police carbine (in cut-away version), is pictured in Ball's book on Mauser on page 293 (second edition). CONDITION: Very good+ to low fine. 60% of thin, original blue finish is still on metal. The balance is in white, mixed with some light patina. The blue is turning to brownish color in some places. The barrel band shows some scratches, or tool marks. The buttplate shows some brown patina. Solid stock with some handling marks, dings and scratches. The handguard shows some wear. Bore is well used with little rifling left. Strong action. Mechanically, the carbine is in very good/fine condition. All the internal parts of the carbine are in very good/fine condition, with only minor service wear. The markings and numbers are still visible on metal. No import markings. Unusual German Kar. 98AZ style carbine in 6.9 x 57 mm caliber! Serial# 0XX. This Carbine ships only to FFL or C&R.
