Adding the two rifles known production roughly brings total rifle production back inline with early production totals (though slightly depressed).Spandau would make the Kar.98a from 1908 through 1910, these rifles are very desirable and few have survived. While Gewehr98 production is known to have fallen sharply in 19, this is probably more due to the introduction of the Karabiner98 (Kar.98a) during those years. The most remarkable thing about this introduction of the MG08 into their production line up was the fact it doesn’t seem to have dramatically affected rifle production. While they are rare today, and little production information is available, it seems clear from what little is known of the pre-war production, that Spandau took the lead in numbers made prior to the war. In Spandau’s case, we have the introduction of the Maxim machinegun, known as the MG08, which Spandau and DWM had worked on together developing a lighter weight version for the German Army. At this stage many of the firms were redirected elsewhere, possibly because enough Gewehr98’s were made to fill initial requirements (arming the regular Army Corps), but also due to new developments. Fifteen years of research suggests that they were the primary maker, along with Danzig through 1906-1907. Spandau seemingly is one of the few early makers that rolled over serialing each year, which aids in estimating production totals. Prior to the war, Spandau would be a lead manufacturer of the Gewehr98, though with early production it is difficult to know just how many rifles each maker made. Danzig and Mauser would make nearly three times that many in 1899. Like all the makers of the Gewehr98, Spandau made very few rifles in 1899, probably little more than 5,000 rifles. They are the only rifle maker that is known (confirmed) to have made the Gewehr98 every year 1899 through 1917. With the Gewehr98 Spandau played a dominate role. Huge numbers in fact, the early disarmament measures taken by the Germans typically focused upon lesser quality rifles and many of these rifles were targeted even before Versailles was signed, – the Entente inspectors were just that, they verified destruction of weapons, but the Germans actually did the work, and this work began long before the first IAMCC inspector arrived in Germany. One must also consider that these rifles were disposed of in large numbers before (exported) and during the war (aid to Turkey), and after the war were destroyed in great number. Perhaps the best view to take, from a collector’s perspective, is to collect the very best examples possible ( original, matching and good condition) and focus on the later years 1894-97 seem to have survived in fewer numbers.
HOW RARE IS A 1906 MAUSER GEWEHR 98 SERIAL
It seems some of the later years Spandau made many more than surviving examples suggest, – going from serial ranges. Serial studies vary in estimating totals made, as most of these studies are based upon a relative small sample and many of the rifles are of dubious value ( condition, postwar service, alterations), one must use caution in placing too much value in them from a “collectors” perspective. They made the Gewehr88 from 1889 through 1897, every year has been observed, though 18 seem to be the most commonly encountered. While Spandau was involved in almost every rifle variation the Germans manufactured through 1918, for our purposes here, I will concentrate on the rifles that one is likely to encounter. Here it would remain, in one form or another until 1945.
![how rare is a 1906 mauser gewehr 98 how rare is a 1906 mauser gewehr 98](https://www.gunsamerica.com/UserImages/5611/946653814/wm_11834236.jpg)
In 1733 a branch was opened at Spandau and by 1855 the Potsdam Arsenal was closed and relocated toSpandau. The beginnings of the State Arsenal date from 1722, when the Arsenal was located in Potsdam (17 miles southwest of central Berlin).
![how rare is a 1906 mauser gewehr 98 how rare is a 1906 mauser gewehr 98](https://image.invaluable.com/housePhotos/CTFirearmsAuction/34/683034/H21471-L224606729.jpg)
Located to the west of Berlin, Spandau was the center of German ordnance and everything relating to small arms originated from the various offices and facilities located there. The Prussian State Arsenal at Spandau was at the center of small arms development and production throughout the Imperial era.