Original German Pre WWII Mars 100 4.4mm Air Pellet K98 Youth Trainer Rifle by Venuswaffenwerk Zella-Mehlis – Serial 56707 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a great example of one of many Pellet Air Rifles used for training during the Pre-WWII Era in Germany, designed by the Oscar Will von Mars Repetier-Luftgewehr (Repeating Air Rifle) Company. These were available in two sizes, a 100cm “MARS 100” and 115cm “MARS 115”. The Mars pellet rifles closely resemble a scaled-down Mauser Model 98k, which would become Germany’s standard-issue Bolt-Action rifle in 1935. It would then be the standard German infantry service rifle throughout WWII. The Mars company went out of business after World War II, as with many other companies.

Like the .22 rimfire training rifles that were made in the 1930s, these rifles were sold to rifle clubs for training use. There is some information that indicates that Mars pellet rifles were used by the Hi**er Youth for small arms training, with the 100 being used for young boys in the DJ, while the larger model 115 was used by the HJ. It features a smoothbore barrel, as with most air pellet guns, and was designed to shoot 4.4 mm steel round balls (BB shot), with a “magazine” loaded through a small door on the upper front of the handguard. The Mars 100 is both a good shooter and a collectible of special value to those interested in German training rifles. The rear sight is is a simple notch on the 100 model.

This is a very nice example of a rare MARS 100 pellet gun, which still has much of the original finish present, though it does show wear from use and cleaning. It is correctly marked MARS 100 on the top of the receiver to the rear of the sight, and the rear left is marked by the company that produced it under contract for Mars: VENUS-WAFFENWERK ZELLA-MEHLIS (GERMANY). On the underside of the stock just to the rear of the trigger guard it is stamped with serial number 56707.

Condition of the air rifle is very good, with much of the original heavy blue finish now faded to a plum patina on the barrel, receiver, and fittings, and it does not look to have been refinished at any time. The “bolt” assembly was originally in the white, and now is stained to a somewhat brown color. The stock shows some denting and gouges from service and storage, and there are repaired cracks on both sides of the stock near the end of the receiver. We have tested the action, and it cycles correctly and has a working safety, though we have no way of testing to see if it is still functional. 

In very nice condition, this was recently purchased at auction, and it looks to have been carefully stored for years. This is only the second example we have had of a Mars air rifle, and the first in the 100cm size. Much information about these can be found on the internet. Ready to display!

Specifications:-

Years of Manufacture: 1930s
Caliber: 4.4mm
Type: Pellet Gun Trainer
Barrel Length: N/A
Overall Length: 39 1/4 Inches (100cm)
Action type: Bolt-Action
Feed System: Pellet Magazine

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