GERMANY. Rare "Schütztruppengewehr" Mauser rifle model 1898 cal. 8X57 IS with walnut frame, breechblock marked SPANDAU and dated 1903, regimental stock button, classic type breechlock. Fine rifling. ABE Category C Rifle brought back from the war by battalion commander Louis DURIN (1874-1917) of the 207th RI, killed in action on 17 April 1917. The "KS" marking on the stock badge designates the "Königliche Schützentruppen", the marine troops stationed in Africa and in this configuration in Deutsches Sud-West Afrika. It was therefore a specific rifle reassigned for the war on the Western Front in 1914. Some authors claim that only 2000 rifles of this type survived the destruction of 1915 after the German surrender in Africa.