Thuringen SA Gruppe Niedersachen DSM Rifle

[Reichsleiter]

I am a long time collector of German rifles and recently purchased this SA marked trainer. I was hoping members of the forum can help me date it as the receiver is not marked with a date. The serial number is 440 and the right side of the receiver is marked Deutches Sportmodell. Also, this rifle is missing the safety and I am looking for one if anyone has one for sale. Does anybody know what firm made this rifle as various firms made these Green Heart of Germany rifles?

[mauser99]

Well, its confusing at best. There are two different receiver types used for the Greenheart dsm..This is the second one of this type I have seen. These were made by a co-op of makers in the area. Just like the waffenstadt suhl rifles. I'm guessing walther being the key producer. It;s too bad this one has been stored badly and is a little rusty. But, overall a very nice rifle. This one is from the early period. 34-36 As there is not real way to date them exactly. The s/a gruppe is the cherry on top for this one..

[Reichsleiter]

mauser 99, thanks for your thoughts. Walther certainly could have produced this rifle because the receiver is marked Zella-Mehlis where the Walther factory was located. If this rifle was produced in 1934-1936, why would there not be a RZM marking? I thought after about 1933 all Nazi Party equipment including firearms had to have their approval stamp which was RZM.

[JoeW]

mauser 99, thanks for your thoughts. Walther certainly could have produced this rifle because the receiver is marked Zella-Mehlis where the Walther factory was located. If this rifle was produced in 1934-1936, why would there not be a RZM marking? I thought after about 1933 all Nazi Party equipment including firearms had to have their approval stamp which was RZM.

A theory I advanced some years ago in my article on the Political Leader PPKs was that by using the RZM marking on newly procured PPKs sent to political leaders, the RZM found themselves techincally responsible for repair of the firearms. There was a memo sent out from the RZM through party publications reminding owners that repairs of the PPK were to be handled by the Walther firm, not the RZM. The RZM marking disappeared from PPKs and was not found on any other pistols or rifles procured by party formations. Numerous weapons firms did advertise in the RZM publication.