Help finish the story of this old Mauser

[ligonierbill]

Once Dad's, then my deer rifle, back in the days when a new rifle was a major investment for most. I have it now. Took it to the range yesterday to sight in my go to load of a 175 JSP over IMR-4064. Got it dead on at 150, and it groups as well as these old eyes can see. No scope, of course. Just a Marble 26N in front and a Redfield aperture in back. This is a Gewehr 98, as you will see in the photos if I can manage to upload them. The barrel was shortened and the original stock cut down, bolt turned down, and of course the new sights. I believe this was done at Flaig's in Millvale just north of Pittsburgh. My father and grandfather shopped there, and I remember one visit when I was a kid.
So, here's the photos. Can anyone fill in some facts?

 

[tahoe2]

this old mauser

I can't give you any info on it, albeit to say, Congrats on that Great family Heirloom !! that is a cool deal. I personally love the simplicity of form and function, and the graceful lines of the Mauser breed.
I own several, both military and sporting versions, I find the old world craftsmanship much more satisfying to wield in my hands than the new CNC machined firearms.
I craft my ammo with the same care they were built from, and I will be taking my 1908/1909 Hybrid Brazilian/Argentine Cavalry Carbine (in 7.65x53), Black Bear hunting this weekend

 

[ligonierbill]

Mauser experts aren't responding, so I'll speculate. I know I can count of the forum to tell me if my head is in a dark place.

This rifle was indeed made in Danzig in 1916. I added a photo with the serial number, which is also on the butt plate (so it was the original stock that was cut down). It was refurbished in 1927, at which arsenal I have no idea. Some time between then and the mid-30's, it made its way to the US, where Flaig's sporterized it. Either during refurb in Germany or when Flaig's did their work, bolt and receiver were separated, so those numbers don't match. Within 1,000 of each other, though, so probably the same batch of rifles.

In any case, she's a shooter.

 

[James K]

It has a BSW barrel, probably installed in the 1930's when it was overhauled. Many of the old Gewehr 98's were updated to a K.98k configuration at that time, also, but whether that was done or not can't be told at this point.

Jim

 

[ligonierbill]

If my googling is correct, BSW started in 1938, it was Simson before that. The rifle is stamped 1927 and 27 in numerous places. Do you think that was the original manufacturing date, rather than 1916? I made the assumption, pure speculation, that that was the refurbishment date. What marks this as a BSW barrel? Could it have been made by Simson prior to the Nazi takeover?

Reposting pictures.