Original German Pre WWII Mars 100 4.4mm Air Pellet K98 Youth Trainer Rifle by August Bebel Werk Zella-Mehlis 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 most of the original finish present, showing only light wear from age 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: Aug.-Bebel-Werk (Logo) Zella-Mehlis. August Bebel Werk is one of several companies in the area that produced these air rifles, and this is the first example we have had by this maker.

Condition of the air rifle is very good, with much of the original heavy blue finish still present on the barrel and receiver, showing just a bit of wear and oxidation in areas. The trigger, trigger guard, and butt plate are in similar condition, while the barrel bands are painted steel. The “bolt” assembly was originally in the white, and now is stained to a somewhat brown color. The stock shows only light denting and scratches from service and storage, though there is a cracks on the bottom running from both trigger guard securing screws. We have tested the action, and it cycles correctly and dry fires, though we have no way of testing to see if it is still functional, and the trigger sometimes does not hold the rifle cocked. The safety does not appear to function correctly, and attempting to move it will discharge the air rifle.

In very nice condition, this was recently purchased at auction, and it looks to have been carefully stored for years. It still has the faux cleaning rod in the front of the rifle, and it looks like it may have had a sling screwed onto the butt stock, but this is no longer present. This is only the second example we have had of a Mars air rifle in the smaller 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.