Description
Original, genuine & matching numbers with sling & cleaning rod!
Before & during the Second World War, German gun manufacturers manufactured a wide variety of small-caliber rifles, both for sport shooting & paramilitary training. These weapons are fascinating, both by the variety of models produced & by the very high quality of the materials used to make them, their manufacture & their finish.
During the 1930’s under Hitler German law was changed calling for all rimfire rifles to be military in appearance & operation. This was done in order to familiarise & train people in the use of military rifles without breaking the Treaty of Versailles which limited the number of rifles Germany was allowed to retain after World War One. The SA, Hitler Youth & SS all used these small calibre training rifles to familiarise their members with the operation of the K98k. They were also extremely popular on the civilian market with shooting becoming a highly encouraged national sport, especially at indoor ranges.
These sought to replicate the feel, weight, sights & operation of the larger Mauser K98k. With the strict limits placed on Germany by the Treaty of Versailles this allowed marksmanship to continue to be taught to youth groups & paramilitary groups, despite the limit on military rifles. It’s somewhat unique in that the actual rifled portion of the barrel is only about 8-1/2″ in length & the balance of the barrel is bored out oversized.
Manufactured by J.G. Anschutz prior to WWII, this rifle is marked “Wehrmanngewehr” which translates into ‘soldier’s rifle’ along the top of the receiver. Chambered for the tiny 4mm Long, this single-shot rifle was intended for indoor target practice. As can be seen, this rifle has the same style tangent sight as the K98k with its graduations simply marked 10 rather than 100m graduations because of the calibre. The rifles were produced by several companies including Erma, Walther, Gustloff, Geco, Anschutz & Mauser. This example was manufactured by Anschutz as indicated by the J.G.A Germaniawaffenwerke AG Bella-Mehlis/Thur, stamped on the receiver & beautifully replicates the Kar98k as intended. It somehow retains the dummy cleaning rod & in case there was any arguments about its heritage, the Swastika is clearly visible on the receiver ring surrounded by the ‘sunburst’ & with ‘Eigentum des Sportamts’ which translates into ‘Property of the Sports Department’ surrounding it.
Further adding to its Nazi pedigree is the ‘Kraft durch Freude’ which translates into ‘Strength Through Joy’ which only the Nazi’s could come up with!
Correctly, it has the walnut stock in military style with the deep, rich commercial quality salt bluing with a steel butt plate & comes with the correct, original sling & dummy cleaning rod! It retains all correct proof markings as can be seen in the photos which can be cross referenced if desired online easily enough.
Recently imported from Germany, this highly collectable rifle has all the hallmarks of having been secreted away by someone post war. It was clearly prepared for storage & stored well as per the condition it is still in although there is a loss of finish in places & it does have a degree of pitting, as can be seen in the photos.
Condition can be seen in the photos but as usual, the rifle is better than my amateur photos can show.
Information can be hard to obtain so for further information on these visit https://simpsonltd.com/german-22-trainers/ for great examples & history of these desirable rifles.
This would be an excellent addition to any Mauser or Kar98k collection & are rarely seen in Australia. Indeed, we would be surprised if there was another here. We paid the same for this rifle in Germany as we have for matching Kar98k’s in the past & have had to wait for around 8 years to see one for sale here, let alone be able to get our hands on one!
Do your own research & you will know if this is for you. Please view the photos carefully & make your decision based on what you see as they form the main description & override all written information. Ask for more if desired.
We think we have described it accurately & correctly but do not claim to be infallible so if we have got anything wrong, it is unintentional & are happy for feedback from people who may know more than we do.
Whilst we check these out for serviceability, the warranty has expired & this is sold on an ‘as is’ basis. As with all used guns, we recommend you have this checked by a suitably qualified person prior to shooting.
We have a pretty unique refund policy on our collectable guns whereby we will refund your money if it is not as described when you receive it. Just let us know before you send it back.
Call for shipping cost to your dealer.
