How Nazi Guns Saved Israel

In 1948, Israel was on the brink of achieving independence from Britain, but needed weapons as surrounding nations sought to destroy the new country. Incredibly, Israel resorted to secretly purchasing ex-Nazi Mauser rifles in large numbers, part of a bigger operation to import ex-German aircraft and other weapons to defend Israel. Many of these Israeli Mauser K98ks still exist, having travelled the world from the battlefields of WWII, to the battlefields of the Middle East, thence to Central America and on to the US and elsewhere.
Dr. Mark Felton FRHistS, FRSA, is a well-known British historian, the author of 22 non-fiction books, including bestsellers 'Zero Night' and 'Castle of the Eagles', both currently being developed into movies in Hollywood. In addition to writing, Mark also appears regularly in television documentaries around the world, including on The History Channel, Netflix, National Geographic, Quest, American Heroes Channel and RMC Decouverte. His books have formed the background to several TV and radio documentaries. More information about Mark can be found at: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Fe...
Visit my audio book channel 'War Stories with Mark Felton': • One Thousand Miles to ...
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Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Mark Felton Productions. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Mark Felton Productions does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.
Sources:
- 'German 98k Rifle in Israeli Service' by JWH1975, December 14, 2015, wwiiafterwwii
- 'FN Mausers & the Fight For Israel' by Anthony Vanderlinden, October 19, 2018, American Rifleman
Credits: US National Archives; Library of Congress; K21edge; Virgirm; K98k Forum; Sporting Shooter; Israeli Defense Force
Thumbnail: Athlon Outdoors

[@user-iv1bv6kv6x]

This will be a calm comment section

[@JN-ek1df]

This comment section needs to be moderated by a UN peacekeeping force.

[@elvenkind6072]

I am... CAAAAAALM!!!! Am I NOT?!!!

[@flamerdasher6001]

No

[@liampetersen4853]

Noooooooo never calm

[@aspirant1012]

​@@Mackenzie002says a neonazi

[@borisvos1971]

During a raid in one of the southern provinces of Iraq I came across a scoped K98, all numbers matching, built in Oberndorff in 1943. All eagle swastikas were stamped out (the eagle still visible, but the small swastika punched out) and it had added Hebrew markings. Somehow it made its way to Southern Iraq into the hands of a grizzled local arms dealer. Beautiful rifle with an interesting history. Love your content Mark!

[@jb400years4]

Israeli arms dealers who’s number one customer was apartheid South Africa

[@SuperDiablo101]

This could be a market Felton story all on its own

[@NaturallyAspirated250]

Don't forget, in 1967 and 1973 the Iraqi army sent columns of tanks, mechanised commandos and infantry all the way to East and northern Israel, although some of these forces were destroyed, some went back to Iraq intact so maybe had some trophy with them?

[@Free-Bodge79]

Did you buy it? 👊💛

[@apr8189]

Please tell us you kept it....

[@joshjosh6526]

I had a 1943 Czech built K98k that saw service with Germany, Israel, Egypt and Iraq. That thing had so many runes on the receiver. Mine was still 7.92mm.

[@bogdankielkowski5580]

Nazi Guns?.... such Nazi Guns are probably as rare a curiosum as Atlantis Guns and Lemurian Guns. I wonder if the idea of the existence of some mythological Nazis came only from the German genocidaires themselves and fencing other people's artworks,or maybe some other lying and greedy nation agreed with them ????

[@bjs301]

I sold sporting goods while in high school in the early 1970s, and we had 2 wooden barrels full of old surplus rifles out in front of the counter. The "barrel guns" were Mauser 98s and Garand M1s, and they were priced at $20. The 98s might have been a bit cheaper. Many still had lube packed in the barrels, and I could never figure out what would possess someone to waste their money on one. I could kick myself when I think I could have owned one of each.

[@shawnr771]

At this point I kick myself for not buying a couple of crates of them in the 1980s.

[@sticksbass]

who cant kick themselves over something or another?

[@Willy_Tepes]

@@shawnr771 I'd rather kick those who banned us from owning guns. Should have bought and buried some while I could but I never imagined that we'd be living in a totally corrupt police state.

[@rogersmith7396]

I would like to have a Garand for $20.00. Bought an M1 Carbine for $110.00 in the 70s.

[@shawnr771]

@@sticksbass That and when my much younger cousin was walking around a flea market talking about Pokemon cards.

[@Amoore-vv9wx]

The Israeli air force also began its existence with a lot of old leftover BF109 airframes, but no DB fighter engines, and a load of bomber engines with no bomber airframes. The combined result was an absolutely horrible Frankensteined fighter plane called the Avia Mule. I’d love to see a video about it

[@ralfklonowski3740]

That frankensteining was done by the Czechs who tried to rebuild their airforce in 1945 and had the materials in stock because they had been forced subcontractors for the Luftwaffe. They quickly learned that the combination of a light fighter with a high torque bomber engine did not work well and therefore were pleased to find a customer desperate enough to buy them - Israel. They shot down some Arab spitfires but were quite problematic in many respects. I am sure that there is a video about those planes on YT because that's why I know about them. I can't remember where I found this, but suppose it would be one of the following channels, listed in no particular order: Mark Felton Ed Nash's Military matters Rex's Hangar Military Aviation History Especially Ed and Rex are my goto channels regarding rare, strange and/or forgotten aircraft.

[@walker1812]

There’s a great documentary out there about the founding of the Israeli Air Force. It covers them training in Nazi fighters. Also, randomly, Pee Wee Herman’s father plays a prominent role.

[@andrewstubson]

I remember an interview with a pilot who flew those frankenstein planes... they called them "messersh!ts" haha

[@chriscarbaugh3936]

S-199, even made a two seater! I have seen one at the IDF museum. I couldn’t get close as it was behind a barrier that I snuck through. Needless to say I was “told” to leave!!

[@kiwifruit27]

@@ralfklonowski3740Ed Nash Military Matters. A really interesting video

[@arnbo88]

Many of the 98K's that I've seen were converted to 7.62mm NATO by Israeli gunsmiths. Normally a punch was used to stamp out the swastika but the eagle wings were still visible. Surplus small arms being sent to smaller nations after a major conflict happened over a century ago. My grandfather served in the Polish Army in 1922 and was issued a Lebel rifle.

[@petershen6924]

My 1942 IDF Mauser got the Czech lion marking but not the waffenamt, but I also see a section was removed.

[@stevestoll3124]

I had a Mauser 98 rifle with a US 1942 30 cal barrel.

[@JAG8691]

I have a Musgrave 30-06 K98 action rifle( South African hunting rifle) The K98 bolt action was manufactured in 1939 and still has the reichsadler with the swastika visible.

[@tonybarnes3858]

@@JAG8691 God what a ghastly reminder!

[@chris.3711]

My 98K has the swastika punched out and the eagle stil visible. But that was done by the Russians, not Israel.

[@pwd4User]

I own an ex Israeli “czchechi” 98k. I’m American but lived in Israel for several years off and on. In 1974, you could still see them occasionally with secondary units or home defense units. Even as late as the early 1980s, you could see them again in-service at some kibbutzim. Wonderful piece of ironic history. By the way, it’s still shoots like a dream.

[@oddshot60]

The very rifle that pushed so many into the gas chambers ended up helping the Jews become Israelis. A wonderful piece of Ironic history indeed.

[@davidatrakchi2707]

This rifle was used by us when we started the service in IDF in the beginning 70’s, we called it “Chechi” (Czech native) because no one wanted to admit that we were in fact using Nazi rifles, the attempt to wipe the Nazi signs were made but were not consistent, so a swastika would show up here and there. The FN from Belgium was far from being reliable, it’s automatic operation was halted during training because it’s barrel was overheating if you fired it for too long

[@hardlylivin6602]

⁠@@davidatrakchi2707I have a Czech DOU 43 Kar98k. Still has the eagle and swastika intact. I ended up re barreling it with a Lothar Walther barrel since the old barrel was completely worn. I stuck with 7.92mm on the new barrel though. Shoots great now.

[@RedXlV]

I own one of the FN-made Israeli 98ks. Never been to Israel, just bought it because it was interesting.

[@duckbuck1830]

Do you have a photo of this gun you could send me …thank you and could i interview you upon this ??

[@tiernanwearen6624]

War and nessacity make strange bedfellows. In this era of cowardice and conformity Doctor Mark Felton is an increasingly rare exception

[@alexf9228]

Very interesting video, Mr. Felton. BUT I missed the role of the post-war federal republic of germany. As Federal Minister of Defence, the CSU politician Franz Josef Strauß (himself a former lieutenant in the Wehrmacht) secretly supported the build-up of the Israeli armed forces for years. The supplies were of decisive importance during the Six-Day War. Strauß wrote: "We secretly took the equipment and weapons promised to Israel from the Bundeswehr depots and then filed theft reports with the police in some cases as a diversionary tactic. Helicopters and aircraft were flown to France without nationality marks and shipped to Israel from Marseille. I was particularly helped by the then officer in the Defence Economics Department, Colonel Herbert Becker, an East Prussian whose resolute "Mr. Minister, let's do it!" I can still hear in my ears. All in all, we sent Israel supplies worth 300 million marks at that time (value in 2021 is 3.2 billion USD) - without demanding payment for them. What would be unimaginable today: the action remained secret, and this for almost seven years. It was not until 1964, under Erhard, that the story came up, when it was about tank deliveries to Israel."

[@sputnikone6281]

Happy Thursday Mark, thanks for this video. I am an ex-IDF infantry soldier & served as a conscript for 3 years from April 1970 till April 1973. During basic training we were required to pass the basic rifleman skills test on 4 weapons:- the Mauser 98K chambered in 7.62mm Nato, the FN FAL 7.62mm Nato, the Uzi 9mm & the MAG 7.62mm machine gun, the later 3 were all made in Israel by IMI (Israel Military Industries) & the Mauser 98K was of Czech origin which IMI had rechambered to the 7.62mm Nato cartridge & had Czech & Hebrew markings but no hint of any German markings . I recall its recoil kick was like that of a mule and when we were required to fire rapidly 40 rounds as accurately and as fast as possible at a series of targets (10 in prone position, 10 kneeling, 10 standing & 10 whilst running forward, reloading 5 round clips at each stage whilst our instructors were screaming out orders and smoke grenades were thrown to add to the pressure) as part of our basic rifleman's skills test on the M98K, my shoulder was bruised black & blue for a week. It was a relief when for the rest of our training we were issued the FN FAL as our individual weapons. Although I had never fired a rifle before my basic training, I was reasonably accurate when shooting the Mauser 98K but it was a heavy brute & thank goodness for most of my conscript service I was issued with an Uzi rather than an FN FAL.

[@whitemoose8667]

Pretty crazy you would just openly admit to being a baby killer. Just like a Nazi.

[@shazzthedon]

Shoot any children lately?

[@sergecashman4822]

I'm March 2 (1992) Givati. By that time there are no Fals, no Uzis, no Mausers. My MAGs were Belgian and Colombian (I went through three of them). My M4 was probably Vietnam surplus, made by Colt, would be worth a fortune now. Our snipers had M14s. During the first 4 months of our basic training we had Galils and I believe everybody really hated them - it weighs 4 times more than an M4 and is less accurate, with the same barrel length and same ammo. Thank you for your service.

[@christopherwang4392]

@@sergecashman4822 An M4 from the the Vietnam War? The M4 carbine did not exist until during the 1980s thru 1990s. Did you actually mean the CAR-15 / XM177 / Commando with the 11.5-inch barrel? Or possibly the M16A1 carbine models with the 14.5-inch barrel?

[@MrYaniv99]

My dad was in the IDF from 1976-79 and was in Lebanon in 1982 while in the reserves. While training, he said his unit trained with a bolt action rifle that he referred to as “czechy” - with the kh sound like all Hebrew speakers can say. That’s the pronunciation anyway - he never wrote it down for me. Do you think that’s the same rifle you’re referring to? He said it had a lot of recoil

[@jubjub7101]

My grandfather gave me a German Gewehr 98 in pristine condition, all parts are original serial number and was made in Spandau dated 1918.

[@ralfklonowski3740]

Never, ever let go of it.

[@jubjub7101]

@@ralfklonowski3740 I plan not to, or at least until I'm very old and/or the value skyrockets for some reason. I won't even fire it as it was handed to me in such a great quality. Opening the bolt and looking down the barrel, the rifling is very pronounced and sharp. Its been fired before, but my grandfather cleaned every inch of it and I know I could never do as great of a job. Second plan would be to use it as a sniper rifle if WWIII ever broke out and we were fighting enemies on US soil.

[@ralfklonowski3740]

@@jubjub7101 Good to hear. And I hope that last scenario will never become real for any of our countries. Greetings from Germany!

[@454FatJack]

Imperial German. Wich state made Mauser for? Bavaria, Hesse, ? Or HHamburg

[@jubjub7101]

@@454FatJack Good question, but not sure.

[@TheAir2142]

The logistics must have been an absolute nightmare. .303 for the Enfield and Bren, 8mm Mauser on stripper clips, belted 8mm for the mg34, 7.62 NATO on stripper clips for said NATO chambered mausers, 5.56 for the Galil, 9 mm for the various sub machine guns and service pistols, .45 for other machine guns and service pistols, and not to mention all of the related web gear for each system and replacement parts. This alone would have been a massive headache but to add on top at the time Israel was also using any armored vehicles it could get it’s hands on and it goes from a mess to an absolute nightmare. Some required gas while others diesel, many different types of main gun ammunition from 37 to 45 to 75 to 85 and spare parts for all vehicles. How they kept everyone supplied at the front is absolutely mind boggling.

[@jimbobsmith827]

The Haganah had a massive covert bullet factory located under a Kibbutz in Ayalot. They spent years manufacturing and stockpiling ammunition prior to 1947 under the nose of the British. This stockpile and production capacity would prove essential in the 1948 war due to the embargo mentioned in the video. If I recall, the factory now gives tours.

[@dougearnest7590]

Amateurs study tactics, professionals study logistics.

[@assafperetz7470]

​​@@jimbobsmith827Ayalon institute only made 9mm ammo. unless you're in CQB, its quite useless.

[@assafperetz7470]

you are confusing periods here. in 1948 there isa big mess, logistic wise, that was solved by this weapon supply. in the 50's the IDF bought the FN-FAL and converted to 7.62. so you had FN-FAL, MAG and converted K98 with 9mm Uzi. no problems here. since 1973 the main armament is 5.56. regarding 1948 arm deals the next book by Amitur Ilan is a very good read. The Origin of the Arab-Israeli Arms Race: Arms, Embargo, Military Power and Decision in the 1948 Palestine War.

[@easterworshipper730]

No in 1948 and 1949. 7.92 Mauser, 9mm, .303, .30 cal for garand carabine, .45 acp for thompsons were used. For big operations they used exclusively 7.92 Mauser and 9mm. They start using 7.62 nato till 1955 in small numbers. 30.06 for the Shermans machineguns. By 1967 It was the standard. And the galil was after 1972 they start using It for small numbers. By 1982 was standard.

[@jochannon]

My father had one of those: it had German, Czech, and Israeli markings. It was used in the war of independence, 67, and also 73, when it was actually issued to some American archaeology students on a dig in the Golan heights, for self defense in case the Syrians broke through. After that it went on the open market and to America, where my father got it.

[@QuantumMechanic_88]

I have a 7mm Mauser rifle made in Germany which has the Star of David on the receiver. Thanks Dr. Felton for another excellent documentary.

[@ShaunMeaney99]

I hope 1988 was the year you were born sir xD

[@elvenkind6072]

@@ShaunMeaney99 Amen to that... 😕

[@QuantumMechanic_88]

@@ShaunMeaney99 What is the significance of 1988 ?

[@davidsummer8631]

@@QuantumMechanic_88 Might be the number 88 which used by Neo Nazis due to the 8th letter in the alphabet being H so 88 is HH Hail Hitler

[@elvenkind6072]

@@QuantumMechanic_88 He meant "88", as in the eight letter of the alphabet - H. Two H's = Heil Hitler. Many Neo-Nazi's use "88" as some kind of "hidden symbol" that they are "part of the gang"... Good thing if you didn't know

[@craigw.scribner6490]

Thanks,, Dr. Felton.

[@johnstevens9673]

Mark always manages to post the best content. Im a historian myself and enjoy his content. This channel and its massive success and money it makes him, has made it possible for him to travel the world researching and doing what he loves. I have that same passion for history but no way near even close to his massive resources.

[@stevenhershman2660]

Mark is a great promoter of learning from History. If I were a Educator in History I would have my videos like Mark's. Very interesting and not slow moving like some other channels.

[@diegoferreiro9478]

Intresting parallel with many Mosin Nagants that were sent from the USSR to Spanish Republic. After the Naionalists victory at the Civil War these rifles like many non-standard material, they were stored and exported later in the fifties, many to the American civil market.

[@grantwiseman1839]

I remember seeing a Mauser with the IDF symbol in a gun shop in the states and was dumbfounded. Thanks for the video, it provides way more context than I had previously!

[@snakey934Snakeybakey]

Also, during WWI, most of the Jews living in what is now Israel fought for the Ottomans, and used Mausers, and some of the units made up of Israeli nationalists would customize their guns with Jewish or Israeli symbols.

[@jensenwilliam5434]

Thank you Mark! For your videos!!

[@richardmason6263]

Your content is unparalleled. Amazing

[@lunsmann]

Some of those Mausers also found their way into the Australian civilian market. I owned one of the 7.62 caliber variants in the mid 1980's for a few years. It was a fun shooter, quite accurate with the original iron sights. Ammunition was very expensive though (over AU$1.00 per round in 1988) so I sold it. I still today wish I had kept it.

[@martinreinhold211]

I dont think 7.62 ammo would have been over AU$1.00 a round in 1988.

[@lunsmann]

@@martinreinhold211 - was. Because that is what they were charging. My mates all had .22's - paying $20 per 100. I had to ration my shots when we went out scrub. Bare in mind I was living in Alice Springs, and bought my ammo from K-Mart. Yep, they sold guns and ammo back then.

[@martinreinhold211]

@@lunsmann Well K-Mart was always a good cheap place to buy ammo from back in the day. A quick grab of a 1994 "Sporting Shooter" magazine, 6 years later than 1988 tells me ex mil 7.62 ammo could be had for $20 for 100 rounds, while soft point .308 was $50 for 100. So between 20 cents and 50 cents a shot 8 years later than 1988. I can grab a 1988 "Sporting Shooter" if you want me too.

[@hellishcyberdemon7112]

@@lunsmann This is why you never sell your guns,

[@alexbowman7582]

It’s frequently said that the most common rifle ever produced is the AK-47 but it’s actually the 98K’s rifle and it’s numerous copies.

[@alexbowman7582]

@@howardj602 + the numerous copies

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

An amazing history! Thank you for the video!

[@fordfairlane662dr]

The irony behind this video..but this is forgotten history brought back into the light!..great job Mark Felton keeping us informed on the Israeli state of affairs back in 1948!

[@tomstokoe5660]

Yeah the guns went from one belligerent ethnostate to another, that is pretty ironic.

[@ThePurple1968]

@@tomstokoe5660 belligerent - is that the new word for Jews defending themself ?

[@bengaisford3304]

​@@ThePurple1968Jenin is illegaly occupied by Israel.

[@FaizanKhan-iq3yd]

Nazis software updated to Zionazis

[@jet0802]

@@bengaisford3304I don’t know why you people defend people who fly planes into buildings and have killed a lot more people than Israel did, I’m so happy we Americans are allied with the gulf states and Israel and not Palestine.

[@SuperMauserMan]

I own a Czech built Israeli Mauser. In ‘73 it (and many more) was rebarreled with a Colt produced barrel chambered in 7.62 NATO. It’s a fine shooter and has harvested 16 Pennsylvania Whitetails and over 2.000 woodchucks.

[@oleopathic]

Would love to accompany you for a hunt in PA, to see this arm in action. I'm in NJ.

[@johncostello2948]

A real "chuckster!"

[@tonybarnes3858]

What do you do with the "Woodchuck" harvest.

[@matt.willoughby]

You are a disgusting person

[@SuperMauserMan]

@@tonybarnes3858feed the dogs barbecue chuck.

[@hoosierdaddy2308]

I'm 61, and when I was younger I worked in the firearms business. Here in the US there must have been a million brought back as trophies and imported as surplus from all over the world. Many were sporterized as they say which involved a new stock and rechambering them in an American caliber to make them good for hunting. They were always great rifles. The mauser action is the best bolt action of all to me! Always will be! Those Germans are smart engineers! 😛

[@MrPeterPan]

Russian Mosin rifles are a lot better. They’re from the 19th century and are still held to modern day standafds

[@stevenunyabidness]

​@@MrPeterPanif nuggets were better, unoccupied countries woulda adopted it. the best one can say about a 91/30 is that it's adequate, mausers and enfields outshine in every aspect beside cost of manufacture(aside from p14/17s).

[@NYG5]

@@MrPeterPan you've never even shot one have you

[@-.Steven]

Gotta have a Mauser action! (If you wanna dance with me 😄) The Claw!

[@-.Steven]

I appreciate Mausers and Nagants, but IMO, Mausers win! 🏆 The only thing the Nagant can claim is that they were on the "winning side" of the Big One. Then again, I once read someone's post on the Nagant or Mauser forum who had a different opinion than me, he said something close to: Nagant - war winner. Mauser - war whore. I'd still take a Mauser any day, anyway, any how, any where!

[@MyDogmatix]

Your content is amazing and I look forward to it every week.

[@armsjournal]

Very informative as always. Well done!

[@johndeboyace7943]

First rifle I ever fired 8mm Mauser 98, father brought it back from WW2. 8mm round is still as deadly today as it was in WW1 and WW2.

[@paulhindenberg6364]

Actually, one of the best ballistic rounds made for the militaries of a great number of nations. Even the British used 8 mm in the Bersa Machine Gun. I have had probably 50 98k over a 50 year collection and in htat time I have has only one Israeli 98l it was originally a DOU 42 manufacture with German and Israeli markings a a replacement stock made from Beech wood, Still shot well, What maybe interesting is htat the Syrian army had German WW2 tanks until the 1970's.

[@IAmAFamel]

At a World War Two reenactment, my dad bet one of the German actors that his MG42 would have a star David located somewhere on it. Sure enough, the MG42 did have a star David on it, something the owner didn’t even realize.

[@stupidhat1779]

I bought one of these in the 90''s very interesting collectable. Your video is the most informative I have run across on this topic.

[@scootergoat98]

Thankyou for the hard work you put into every video, the opening credits soundtrack is my absolute jam

[@swingingbunny3550]

Israel also used Avia S. 199 (the Czech version of BF109), MP40 sub machine guns and MG34 (which called Maglad). With these, there were Italian midget submarines for Shayetet 13 (my dad was a mechanic and remember the swastika marks) and the famous explosive attack boats which sank the Al Amir Farouq, the Egyptian flagship.

[@charlotteantiquepowerengin6277]

How nazi ideology shaped Israel into a nazi nation.

[@nerd2195]

You make no sense

[@charlotteantiquepowerengin6277]

@@nerd2195 the Nazi guns are merely symbolic of the passing of the torch. unfortunately, fascism appears to be contagious. The fascist nation must claim to have an enemy persecuting it in order to justify its existence. Think of Germany with Jews and Roma. Think Italy with Libyans and other North Africans. The fascist nation victimizes the cultural group it has selected as its persecutor. The victimized group is so tortured it identifies with its role as victim. This allows fascists to arise among the previously victimized cultural group, as did the Freedom Party (now Likud) in Israel, and Muammar Gaddafi in Libya. Einstein and many other leading Zionist intellectuals tried to warn us about Likud Party fascism all the way back in 1948. Sadly, the Likud Party has been in power so long I don't think Israel can become a normal, peaceful and fully trusted nation again anytime soon. It may take a century, as it has with Germany.

[@paulbervid1610]

Very historical. Great video

[@josemoreno3334]

Great story Mark.

[@gern7535]

Israel has always been pragmatic. Not surprised at any of this. I saw several in Israeli homes in the 80s when I visited. They were still quite usable. They had them sitting next to their Uzis and Galils.

[@bobtaylor170]

There's no finer military tradition than capturing the weapons of your enemies and turning the weapons against their former owners.

[@waleed8530]

"Israeli homes" you mean evicted Palestinian homes?

[@jhonsany2306]

Life is extreme: IRONIC

[@deniseroe5891]

I have a Mauser 98k that was my dad’s. Not sure where he got it. He got it stateside after the war. He was in the Army Air Corps in the Aleutian Islands, so he never got to Europe. Great video as always.

[@Articulate99]

Always interesting, thank you.

[@garylawson5381]

Thanks again Mark Felton Productions for another and never disappointing piece of history.

[@sergeantmarcusstackerM1903]

I am currently restoring an old sportized K98. I was pretty surprised the new stock I ordered for it came out of Isralie surplus. It has “7.62” carved into the bottom of the buttstock, but other than that, rifle is looking reasonably original Fantastic to know the origins of that stock

[@johanvanbeek7138]

Nice bit of small arms history, thanks Mark.

[@sealove79able]

A great interesting video Mr.Mark as always.Have a good one.

[@jamesvandemark2086]

The 98K was a fine rifle & a great hunter's tool as well. My first deer rifle was a "sporterized" 7.92 Mauser!

[@ralfklonowski3740]

I am German and two of my uncles were passionate huntrers, sometimes giving me last year's weopan catalugues for my entertainment. Many hunting rifles I could see there were explicitly based on wartime Mauser actions and chambered either in 8 or 7 mm Mauser.

[@minetrooper9614]

I always enjoy these videos, thanks for being so informative mark 🙂

[@gavinsherrill2710]

Once more, another lovely vid from Mark.

[@stevenhershman2660]

Thanks for this interesting video. Entertaining too!

[@MrXdmp]

Thanks Dr. Felton!

[@Jreb1865]

Israel also made a pile of Sten guns in underground factories concealed from the British. Occasionally, you will find them cut up into parts kits here in the US, with a lucky few having been built on registered receivers. The Hebrew characters on the mag housing are quite striking appearance on a Sten... The barrels have a step cut on the muzzle as well...

[@kenstrumpf909]

I visited one of those factories. A fascinating part of history. People risked their lives to produce these weapons.

[@Firedog-ny3cq]

I was at my FFL dealer today to pick up a shotgun when a man came into the shop with one of these Mauser 98Ks that he was transferring to a friend. The wood furniture on it was fairly beat up but the bolt action was still smooth as silk. After watching this video, I wish I had been able to more closely inspect the rifle for marking stamps. Nice coincidence to see an actual one of these rifles earlier today and then get a deeper education on it from Mark this evening.

[@BruceK10032]

Thank you! Once again, very interesting stuff that I did not know!

[@chriswerkes8313]

I have an Israeli 98k in 7.62mm built on a Danzig 1918 receiver that was one of the imports out of Guatemala. It retains the original German receiver stamp and not the Guatemalan crest. These rifles saw heavy use in the jungle and most of them show it. The outside of mine was well cared for, but the bore is dark. I hesitate to re-barrel it because I like the original look.

[@aktimes2]

My 98K is built on a 1938 receiver, re-barrelled in 7.62 NATO. It has the Czech stamped winter guard trigger. It fits the description of an Israel Mouser. I have no Idea if this one went to Guatemala as there are no other markings on the receiver other than German. (and the obligatory stamp of 7.62) when it was re-barrelled. Funny thing about the stock is as long as I've had it, it oozes oil. I even have gone as far as having it in an industrial bake out oven to try and relieve it from it's oily existence with no luck. Although it shoots high and to the right at 100 yards I still love shooting it, while continually whipping away the seeping oil.

[@ralfklonowski3740]

Is it enough oil to base a buisness on?

[@chriswerkes8313]

Many of the Israeli 98k rifles that went to Guatemala had no distinguishing marks other than the Israeli and German markings. They just show heavy use in the humid tropical jungle and forest. From what I've read, many of the real pristine surplus Israeli Mausers went to the Australian market (before their big gun control push)

[@MH5XXXX]

This story is unusual. I have never heard it before. Thank you.

[@mrains100]

Thank you.

[@mark18c]

I‘ve personaly seen some of the Kar98 been used by the Guatemalan Honor Guards during the September the 15th (Guatemala’s indenpendence day). I used to March on Independence day with my School martial Band. In Guatemala many old schools retain the military Tradition of marching in military like Uniforms with the army on that date. I remember some news in Guatemala about 8 years ago in whicht it was informed of old WW2-Era Weapons (Thompsons, Kar98, M1-Carbine) been confiscated from organized Crime Gangs by the Police.

[@banditlord8210]

Interestingly, the first Aircraft used by the Israeli airforce, was a Czech built variant of the BF-109 called the S-199 it was what ya get when you try to stick a bomber engine into a fighter it..wasn’t exactly the best nor most successful. The interrupting gear didn’t work properly so a number managed to shoot their own propeller off.

[@rogersmith7396]

Was'nt that a diesel? The worst 109.

[@johnnycumlately4295]

I thought they had Spitfires in the Israeli War of Independence

[@banditlord8210]

@@johnnycumlately4295 The Egyptians had Spitfires as far as I know. Because the S199 shot down several of them along with several transport aircraft turned into bombers. If they had Spitfires though I’ll be more then glad to admit I was wrong if I find any information to the contrary

[@jakubkopecky9878]

@@johnnycumlately4295 Czechoslovakia also send it´s Spitfires to Israel ass well as trained its pilots.

[@jakubkopecky9878]

@@rogersmith7396 No it was Jumo 211 engine from He-111.

[@serenus369]

Thank you doctor for your hard work.

[@josiel152]

I'm amazed at how you find all this history out. I had a German Mauser 98k here in the states and shot it many times, may have been one of these your talking about. I sold it at an auction about 10 yrs ago and it's probably still being used.

[@wz2001]

You should do a video on the Avia S-199 fighter aircraft.

[@desertfoxyloxy]

I’ve owned about a dozen ex Israeli K98s chambered in 7.92x57mm and in 7.62x51mm. One of my favourites is my Israeli .22LR k98k training rifle. Brno 1945 receiver and Remington 22 barrel. Many a gopher have fallen to its fire. Shot an ex Israeli MG34 once as well, the fire rate was slower than the standard WW2 MG34.

[@brokenwrench404]

I had a chance to buy a Springfield 1903 training rifle chambered in .22 years ago. Like a dummy I passed because I didn’t want a .22🤦🏻‍♂️

[@jameslongstreet9259]

Remember watching a documentary about 1948. You could see a jewish Haganah soldier firing a MG34 while wearing a British tommie helmet. The jews got weapons and equipment from many sources...

[@howards8535]

Excellent video!

[@Project_Warfare]

The definition of "the enemy of my enemy is my friend"

[@joanofarc1338]

Dr. Felton…your narrative alone is outstanding, but to back it up with what are undoubtedly extremely rare photographs is…..mind blowing. Yet another incredibly fascinating story. Much obliged!

[@k_enn]

The Mauser 98K was a very fine weapon, even though it was still a bolt action. Accurate, reliable, and deadly.

[@NoTaboos]

All military rifles are deadly.

[@k_enn]

@@NoTaboos - but not all are accurate or reliable.

[@penultimateh766]

Much like my charm...

[@ANIMALOVER2165]

Great. Research you have done sir it is remarkable

[@billlombard9911]

Russian capture K98 flooded the civilian market in the USA also pristine matching P38s . The soviets had German POW which they held onto for years disassemble their own rifles and clean and hot dip blue all parts. They removed the front sight hood and the cleaning rod ( all metal recycled ) they were inspected and reassembled by the same POWs to be used as a last ditch weapons in the USSR. When the Soviet union collapse, they were sold into the civilian market, and thousands ended up in the United States. It’s not uncommon to find a K98 non matching numbers in gun stores in the US

[@austinjames7160]

I’ve got one, 1939 production receiver, luckily without the awful shellac on the stock. It’s a well preserved rifle gotten for much under k98k market price

[@barftrooper102]

Amazing work again Dr! I actually own a German Mauser 98k that was used in the Israel war for independence.

[@BagusWidyanto1978HappyIn1997]

The illustration at 06:37 correctly illustrates the gun problem in America. Florida is one of the states with worst gun violence

[@RIP_Dislike_Button]

No Florida is not one of the worst states for gun violence, quit spreading misinformation.

[@scottanddebranelson8419]

the phrase, oh the irony comes to mind. great piece as usual my man. you are an incredible human being.

[@MrCharon1965]

A Russian capture 98K was one of my first military surplus rifles and as @sputnikone6281 says it does kick like a mule---especially if you were used to M-16s or AR-15s. First shot was literally a slap to the face but it gave me a smile in return. An extremely strong action with a very reliable extractor, it was a top tier battle rifle in x2 world wars (a bit different models in each) and is an extremely popular type of action for hunting rifles including those used for dangerous game. Same basic action was also used in the Japanese Arisaka and US Springfield and M1917 Enfield (not to be confused with the Lee Enfield). Having said that I do prefer the Lee Enfields I own (3, 4 and 5). Better sights for me, quicker action with the charge on close bolt and 10 round magazine. Though not quite as powerful a cartridge or strong an action, those were objectively more technical issues than practical issues in military service. And then there is the M1 Garand, which is simply an extraordinary revolution in the battle rifle of the period. Softish shooting, easy loading enblock clips, semi-automatic, high capacity wonderful sights, high reliability but an extra pound or two in exchange.

[@IuliTr85]

To put this into context, is not only nazi weapons that helped israelis. There where also.....ex/nazi officers that trained them. Not to mention that the initial plan for creation of Israel was one of the solutions on Hitler's table, before final solution. Let's be reasonable, the history is more intricate than fast food videos. The good side of things is that younger generation can find some interest in this and start studying on their own.

[@MrPontMeyer]

Zionists and nazi's collaborated in transferring european jews to Palestine in the 1930s. The genocide and ethnic cleansing of indigenous Palestinians was possible because of the nazi mindset of zionist colonizers.

[@Holdtheline07]

I love videos like this because it highlights how complicated and ironic history can be. Reminds me of times before the information we receive weren’t so black and white One of my teachers who was very much pro Israel, often talked of the pro-Israeli movements and zionists with disgust Could he hold those views so publicly today?

[@Disco-Mike]

Hi. The scale of operation paperclip was enormous... Can you make a video specifically for that topic?

[@elvenkind6072]

Thank you Dr. Felton. You saved me from a soul-destroying surf into the dark side of KZbin, when I noticed your notification about a new documentary. Finally some sanity!

[@Taco0718]

Another German weapon (or vehicle) was the Czech version of the Messerschmidt Bf 109, the Avia S-199. Although notoriously difficult to fly, these planes were the first ever fighter aircraft of the Israeli Air Force.

[@user-uf1qh4im4z]

Their sale to Isreal was facilitated by Robert Maxwell (the father of Ghislaine Maxwell)

[@charlesangell_bulmtl]

Because the engines had bomber props I heard...

[@user-uf1qh4im4z]

@@charlesangell_bulmtl They had the engine that was used on a bomber and the prop that was used on another bomber. Way too much torque .

[@stefanschutz5166]

Messerschmitt.

[@bogdankielkowski5580]

Nazi Guns?.... such Nazi Guns are probably as rare a curiosum as Atlantis Guns and Lemurian Guns. I wonder if the idea of the existence of some mythological Nazis came only from the German genocidaires themselves and fencing other people's artworks,or maybe some other lying and greedy nation agreed with them ????

[@Donaldopato]

Brilliant as usual

[@eze8970]

TY🙏🙏

[@greyone40]

About 40 years ago I bought a bayonet (in Canada) that was marked as Swedish, and fitting a 98k. Now I know something about it. Thanks Mark. Will have to remember to look at the markings on it and see what more I can learn.

[@selfdo]

Not only the Israelis used ex-German equipment in the Arab-Israeli conflicts. In the 1967 war, an intact Panzer IV was taken from the Syrians and it's on display at the Israeli's tank museum.

[@ralfklonowski3740]

Someone here on YT, maybe Mark Felton himself, made a video about this conflict titled "The Last German Panzer Battle" (quoted from memory). Apparently Syria had bought every Panzer IV and StuG it could lay its hands on.

[@MrTibbs12]

@@ralfklonowski3740 syria didn’t buy anything,it was captured german stuff gifted to them by the soviets..interestingly enough i had a good conversation with an old syrian guy in london,he remembers british aircraft in syrian service,even spitfires..because of the war i imagine they are lost forever

[@michaelstein8366]

In 1948, the Syrians, had a few former Nazi commanders helping them out.

[@adamcel6]

@@michaelstein8366 wonderful that they lost again

[@bernardhayes4459]

Facinating and educational

[@nicholasmaugeri759]

This was a cool episode it made me think back to the episode of weapons of Israel from the tales of the gun series on history channel

[@LilFevre]

No such thing as “non political history,” as this video fully displays

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

I owned one of those ex-German ex-Israeli 98k's back in the 1980s, an import to the US at the time. Rechambered in 7.62 NATO it was a VERY accurate rifle but the action was a bit rough, feeding of the shorter 7.62 NATO round in a action made for the longer 8mm Mauser round was a bit problematic. Maybe it was just the one I had? Anyway I sold it a year or two later. I certainly was struck by the fact the WW2 Wehrmacht "Waffenamt" stamps were completely intact with the swastikas not obliterated. Obviously the Isrealis being very practical people didn't care what was on the rifle as long as it worked! It's one of the reasons I shake my head in disbelief when people who never lived through the WW2 and Holocaust era have meltdowns over the sight of s swastika when the Israelis who's memories of the same were VERY fresh didn't have a problem with it. Tough people! Certainly a lot tougher than todays spoiled, sheltered, and coddled "snowflake" crowd.

[@vonp588]

Working at Tel Megiddo in the early 2000s I catalogued and identified hundreds of Mauser 8mm and .308 cartridge’s all found in a relatively small space at the top of the tell. Certainly looked like a MG position given the sheer volume of spent brass

[@tzviki1234]

As a teenager in the early 2000s I remember the carbine was used by security guards on school trips. So did the Civil Guard, they still used them right up until a few years ago.

[@TankerBricks]

Mark. Thanks for providing my Thursday night entertainment!

[@rupertmcnaughtdavis3649]

Thousands of 7.62 K 98s were also exported to South Africa in the late 1970s and were snapped up for use as fine hunting rifles.

[@JAG8691]

Musgrave?

[@richardmanderscheid6836]

I've always enjoyed stories of repurposing of armaments and military accoutrements. My favorites are the use of the US M1 carbine by the FFL in Viet Nam. Also in fiction Frederick Forsythe's novel, the "Dogs of War", on the use of procuring, the Nazi 9mm machine pistols by the case, for African mercenary troops. Great video Dr.

[@mohammedsaysrashid3587]

A wonderful historical coverage video about earlier years of I D F weaponry... 7:05

[@AvrahamAvigail]

amazing,crazy interesting thanks so much. God bless

[@matthysjuys6884]

Thank you for this. We had them in SA with the Nazi markings blanked out & Hebrew stamps,. Being 7 62 Nato we fired them with .308Win easily without issues. Some of us did several modifications such as a Sporting stock, Timney Trigger and decent recoil pad. The rifles were reliable and extremely accurate.

[@RedXlV]

The Nazi markings being blanked was not a standardized practice, it was something that individual IDF armorers might choose to to. A lot did, for obvious reasons.

[@hellishcyberdemon7112]

@@RedXlV yea to destroy the resale value and destroy the history

[@yonatanmonneler1744]

​@@hellishcyberdemon7112that's the very last thing they cared about when they were fighting for survival and those rifles were only a few years old in abundence.

[@hellishcyberdemon7112]

@@yonatanmonneler1744 i bet they would change their tune now, well maybe not seeing as liking firearms and liking gun culture is seen as "white surpremisist"

[@yonatanmonneler1744]

@@hellishcyberdemon7112 if they got one today they wouldnt stamp out anything on it, back then it didnt matter

[@emanuelpracic4021]

A friend of mine once told me “When you get shot, you don’t give a shred of care to the origin of the gun”

[@Steve-O_27]

Wow, imagine coming across a piece of history like that!

[@michaelbcohen]

they took wharever they could get their hands on, K98's, ME 109's, Spitfires, Sherman Tanks, etc. They took whatever they could get from wherever they could get it. When you are a new country with almost no money, no industry, and surrounded by enemies using British weapons, with many British officers, and more, you take what you can get to survive.

[@lottenetzel8751]

A gun is a gun.

[@garryrice1954]

Fascinating.

[@landrum3893]

Excellent

[@RobertJuzstone]

This is the saddest story ever told on this channel.