Those little rifles were made during the 20's and 30's and I think maybe after WWII. Germany was in desperate need for outside currency so several manufacturers were inlisted to make these things. They were usually "Sold" thru comic books and heres the kicker, out West a seed company would send these thru the mail to youg boys if the lad sold a certian number of seed packets for that company. The little girls got a doll or some cheap trinket but the boys got a little .22. A simple action and cheap to manufacture and don't let anyone tell you they are rare!!!
Scott