Grips on a 1938.

[ithacaartist]

Your grips appear to be within the range of potential effective improvement. I have re-checkered several pairs that probably had even less "meat" to work with. One pair had had all the diamonds removed and the terrible beginnings of a new pattern. Those are in the first and third pics. Another set had very deep initials but allowed reasonable results nonetheless. Second and fourth pics. One grip scale revealed very handsome grain character when completed.

In the case of a 70's Mauser (or one of the Houston stainless examples from the 90's), the original grips are usually noticeably thicker than a you'd find on an original Parabellum. The Swiss style versions of the Mausers were made with a pattern that is annoyingly coarse, and it's best for shooting comfort to remove it entirely and reestablish a new, finer pattern which is easier on the hands. And since the thickness is somewhat reduced by the process, it will be much more friendly to use.