Original German Pre WWII Haenel Sport Modell 33 Trainer Air Pellet K98 Trainer Rifle with Magazine – Serial 3633 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, with the “Junior” model, which was about 5 inches shorter.

This example has a serial number of 3655 stamped on the front of the trigger guard, with shortened number 655 on the barrel band and on some internal components visible when the bolt is cocked. The top of the receiver still has clear makers markings in front of the bolt channel:

HAENEL SPORT MODELL 33
SCHMEISSER’S PATENT a.

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.

Condition of the air rifle is excellent, with much of the original heavy blue finish still present on the barrel, receiver, and fittings. It does not look to have been refinished at any time. 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 blued areas of the pellet gun.

In truly wonderful condition, this was recently purchased at auction, and it looks to have been carefully stored for years. This is the first example we have had, and it really is a prime example. It comes complete with some print outs of an old Haenel catalog. 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: 20 inches
Overall Length: 43 1/2 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.