Original Czech Pre WWII Vz.35 Military Trainer Air Pellet Rifle dated 1934 & 1935 – Serial 1257 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. Manufactured at the Czech Government Arsenal of “ČESKA ZBROJOVKA A.S.,” in Prague, this is a Czech Army military training AIR PELLET RIFLE. Introduced in 1935 as the Vz.35 Air Rifle. These were cheap to use, silent and ideal to break in raw recruits to move onto actual firearms which of course this is not. After WWII in 1947 the simplified Vz.47 was introduced, which was cheaper to produce, as it removed extra features like the bayonet lug, and utilized many more stamped steel parts. The machined parts of the Vz.35 were much more labor intensive.

This is a very nice example of the earlier Vz.35 Trainer Pellet Rifle, which is in lovely service used condition. It has the bayonet lug still intact, and features no German WWII markings. The original faux “cleaning rod” has been lost, but there is an unthreaded replacement rod in place to clear any stuck pellets. We do not know if the occupying forces made any attempt to use these trainers, or whether they were simply stored in arsenal. It’s very possible this example made its way home with a USGI following the defeat of Germany during WWII.

This example has a serial number of 1257 stamped on the top of the receiver under the “CZECH NATIONAL RAMPANT LION LOGO” under which is marked:

ČESKÁ ZBROJOVKA
A. S. v PRAZE

Vz.35

1257

There is also a marking on the side of the pellet reservoir: J “Lion” 35, indicating that it was produced in 1935, well before the German invasion in March 1939. One of the barrel bands is actually marked E “Lion” 34, so it probably is from Vz.24 Mauser surplus, as many of the standard components were shared with the Vz.35. We have seen this exact same date on front barrel bands before.

The pellet rifle is in good condition, showing wear from long service. The finish on the metal components shows wear, and there is oxidation in some areas, particularly on the cocking handle, which would be most exposed to sweat and oils. The barrel band is missing the retention screw, but a metal piece has been inserted into the channel to keep it in place. The stock shows overall denting, with some small chunks missing, but no major cracks or other structural damage.

Much information about these can be found on the internet. Ready to research and display!

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1935
Type: Pellet Gun Trainer
Barrel Length: 20 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 43 Inches
Action type: Bolt-Action
Feed System: Pellet reservoir

NOTE: BB Guns / Pellet Guns are restricted in many areas in the United States. Please check local laws prior to ordering.