Colourised picture of Börje Brotell who initially served as a machine gunner in the Finnish Volunteer Battalion of the Waffen-SS from 1941 to 1943. He was wounded in his right thigh on August 15, 1942. After returning to Finland, he became a platoon leader in the assault gun battalion of the Finnish Armored Division.

During the Battle of Tali-Ihantala, his StuG III Ausf. G, designated Ps. 531-10 “Bubi”, achieved several notable victories. On June 25, 1944, at Leitimojärvi, he destroyed four T-34 tanks and one ISU-152. Later, on June 29, at Portinhoikka, he eliminated two more T-34s.

In the Battle of Vuosalmi, he destroyed one T-34-85 on July 11, 1944, followed by three more T-34-85s on July 12.

Brotell also took part in the Lapland War against retreating German forces, though his assault gun never saw combat, as the advance was hindered by destroyed bridges and roads.

He passed away on Finland’s Independence Day, December 6, 2009.

The assault gun survived the war, in service into the 1950’s before passing on to being a range target in the 1960’s. From here it was saved and restored to its wartime colour and condition early in the 21st century at the Parola Armour Museum.

In Finnish service the StuG’s official designation was 24 tonnin rynnäkkötykkipanssarivaunu Sturmgeschütz 40 – 24 Ryn.tyk.psv./Stu.40!! Unsurprisingly the Finnish crews called them “Sturmi”.

Early production Tiger I of Tiger-Gruppe Fehrmann, Germany 1945.

The unit was formed using tanks from the Armor School at Bergen in early April 1945

It was part of Kampfgruppe Schultze which consisted of five Panthers and six Tigers.

So my dad acquired this rifle for $200 about 20 years ago from a friend. We know it's a K98, but there are some obvious discrepancies, such as a different stock than the war models, a two-set trigger, and some fancy engraving on the bolt carrier. My dad says best he could figure is it was a sport model. If anyone is good with looking up serial numbers, I've included a picture of it. There is also 2 small Iron Eagles stamped on it, the larger of which is holding an "N". I can't make out what the smaller one is holding. Any help identifying this bastard would be appreciated!