Original German Pre WWII Haenel Sport Modell 33 Junior Trainer Air Pellet K98 Trainer Rifle with Magazine – Serial 6604 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. Manufactured by the legendary C.G. Haenel of Suhl Germany, this is an extremely well made “Sport Modell 33” Luftgewehr air training rifle, modeled after the Mauser Model 1924 and 1933 Rifles. These were the predecessors of the Karabiner 98 Kurz adopted in 1935, and were quite similar, so these 4.45mm air pellet rifles were very useful as tools to familiarize prospective soldiers with handling a service rifle. It features the same type of safety as the Mauser, and the sling is roughly in the same configuration. They were produced during the 1930s under a number of patents held by Hugo Schmeisser.

Training rifles such as these were very popular among the German Youth movements, which included the DJ and HJ. The Haenel Sport Modell 33 was, according to page 549 of Robert Simpson’s Training Rifles of Third Reich Germany, viewed by leaders of youth organizations as ”superior to all other air rifles then in use.” It came in two sizes, the regular and “Junior” models, with the latter being about 5 inches shorter.

This is a very nice example of the shorter “Junior” model, and this is only the second example of one of these rare air rifles that we have had, with the first example being the larger size. This example has a serial number of 6604 stamped on the front of the trigger guard, and looks to have seen a good amount of service over the years. There is a faint cartouche on the left butt stock that shows a target emblem over some illegible lines, with STUTTGART at the bottom. There is also a zinc disk on the other side with the number 9 on it, so we assume these are markings from the youth group it was in service with.

The top of the receiver still has clear makers markings in front of the bolt channel:

HAENEL SPORT MODELL 33 JUNIOR
SCHMEISSER’S PATENT

There is also a clear HAENEL “Arrow” logo on the end of the receiver. It comes complete with the small “magazine” that holds the pellets, without which it is impossible to use. It is marked on the side with a logo containing the word ANSCHÜTZ. These magazines are far harder to find than the rifles themselves.

Condition of the air rifle very good, showing wear to the original heavy blued finish on the metalwork. It is still well retained on the barrel, but the top of the receiver and other components show wear and some past oxidation. The bolt handle, safety, and butt plate look to have been “in the white”, or bright steel, and have suffered oxidation over the years. There is also some woodline rust on the sides of the receiver body.

In very nice condition, this was recently purchased at auction, and it looks to have been carefully stored for years after seeing a good amount of service. This is only the second example we have ever had, and the first “Junior” model. Much information about these can be found on the internet. Ready to display!

Specifications:-

Years of Manufacture: 1930s
Caliber: 4.45mm
Type: Pellet Gun Trainer
Barrel Length: 14 inches
Overall Length: 38 1/8 Inches
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.