Object Details
Created by
Mauser, German, founded 1811
Used by
Cpl. Lawrence Leslie McVey, Sr., American, 1897 - 1968
Subject of
369th Infantry Regiment, American, 1913 - 1945
Description
1915 Mauser Gewehr 98 Bolt Action Rifle found in Germany by Corporal Lawrence McVey during World War I. The Gewehr 98 rifle has a bolt action system that has two locking lugs just behind the bolt head. The rifle has a long metal barrel attached to the main body of the gun that is comprised of wood and metal pieces. The trigger guard is adjustable with numbers written on all sides and an adjustable locking lug. The rifle ends in a long wooden shoulder hold, in a triangular shape, with a notch cut out from the top. There are inscriptions on many parts of the rifle. On the top of the bolt, is the manufacture's name and location, [7.90 / WAFFENFABRIK / MAUSER. A.-G. / OFERNDORF A/N. /1915 l 16]. On the side of the loading bolt is the type of rifle, [GEW 98.] Under the barrel are the identifying numbers, [ 66 / 2766]. Attached to the middle of the rifle, where the barrel meets the body is a leather strap that has adjustable holes throughout for the metal hinge to attach. The leather has deteriorated and become detached at the shoulder of the rifle but the metal attachment remains on the body.
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Gina McVey
Date
1915-1916
Object number
2019.8
Restrictions & Rights
No Known Copyright Restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
Type
rifles (long guns)
Medium
wood and metal with leather
Dimensions
H x W x D (without strap): 4 7/8 × 49 1/4 × 1 3/4 in. (12.4 × 125.1 × 4.5 cm)
H x W (strap): 34 × 1 1/4 in. (86.4 × 3.2 cm)
Place made
Oberndorf, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, Europe
See more items in
National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification
Weapons and Ammunition
Data Source
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Topic
African American
Military
World War I
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmaahc_2019.8