German Drilling Info

[Baldeagle6]

I have a German drilling, 16 ga. SxS, with 7.8 x 57 rifle barrel underneath. Would appreciate any information that you can provide as to background and value.
Condition: NRA excellent. 98%+ finish. Dark, almost black blue on barrels. Casehardened engraved lock plates, trigger guard, levers, etc. Ornate engraving. Claw scope mounts. Cocked indicators. Checkering sharp. Stock has professional repair on bottom of butt, which resulted in the rear sling swivel being missing. Also, someone put a Pachmahyr recoil pad on it. Has ivory front sight, Rear sight raises when rifle is selected. Bores excellent. Can't find makers name. Barrels are Krupp Fluss Stahl Essen. SN 29557.

Proof marks on the rifle barrel are: a crown, St.m.G, N 13 g all on the left under the Krupp markings; on the center of the rifle barrel are a crown and G; in a vertical column to the left are an eagle (I think), another eagle, a crown, an U, 7.8 mm, 57, and 3/27. Both barrels, forward of the breech, have a crown, a S, what looks like an asterik, and an eagle Nitro. The right side of the water table has an eagle, a crown, and an U. The left side has the SN 29557. (SN also on rifle barrel) The barrels both have the following markings; eagle, crown, eagle, S, star, W, star, U, and 16/1.

Bores are in excellent shape, shiny bright. I thought that the chambers would probably be 2 1/2 or 2 9/16, but they accept a 2 3/4" shell and close with no binding. The action is perfect.Wood is walnut.

Pictures are attached and I would appreciate any information that you can give me as to the meaning of the various proof marks, the possible background, and a "ball park" estimate of its value. Thanks for reading this.

[Contenderizer]

I'll do my best on some of the markings, but unfortunately I can't read any of them on the rifled barrel because of glare.

The 3/27 is likely the date stamp; meaning that this gun was proved in March, 1927. I can't make it out in you photos, but if it only appears once it is almost certainly the date. Often the Germans just run the numbers together; i.e. 1037 would indicate October 1937, but a dot or slash between the month and year is quite common.

Crown over B or U indicates that the barrel is "proof approved."
Crown over G indicates a rifled barrel
Crown over S is smooth-bore (not rifled)
Crown over W is a choked barrel (though no indication of how much choke is given)

The 16 withing a circle indicates 16 gauge as does the 16/1. Though I don't know what the "1" signifies it is likely a reference to chamber length, which could be 2-1/2 or 2-3/4 inch. Guessing here: I believe you have 2-3/4 inch chambers as all of the German guns I have (marked as yours is) are 2-3/4.

Take another look at he 7.8x57 marking as I am unfamiliar with that cal. There is a 7.9x57 (which we know as the 8mm Mauser). There is also a 7x57 Mauser.

The St m G indicates that the rifled barrel was proved with Stahlmantel Geschoss (steel jacketed bullet). The N 13 is the nitro (smokeless powder) charge that was used.

While most gun values have risen post-Obama, values on drilling's (in my opinion) have only held there own. Perhaps because they were too high to start with. Also, I have heard from several auction houses that hammered drilling's (which yours is not) have actually fallen in value. Without a makers name, I suggest a range from $2,500 to $3,500 for yours.

[Baldeagle6]

I really appreciate the information. You are very thorough. As for the markings on the rifle barrel, the only ones are those that I indicated in my post.

I am at a loss as to the caliber 7.8 x 57 also. My guess would be 8 x 57, and just measured in the lands, like a .357 for a .38. However, I am not sure and reluctant to fire it until I know more.

After a couple of military tours in Germany, plus a lot of time spent there in NATO/Northag conferences while I was in III (US) Corps, I have been very interested in drillings and fine European shotguns. I also have a "Hebsacker", aka,"Hege", 12 ga over under that I got in '68. It was made by Antonio Zoli for a gun dealer in Schwabish Hall, (named Hebsacker) and sold through the US Forces Rod and Gun Clubs. It has the European type oiled walnut stock, double triggers, and engraving on the bare steel lock plates, etc.

I notice that you are a Contender fan. So am I. I use a 7mm Waters here in Texas for whitetail, hogs, rams, etc. Killed a couple of turkeys with it too. Have several other barrels, but don't seem to use them much anymore.

Thanks again for the information.

[Contenderizer]

Thank you for your service to our country.

[Baldeagle6]

Thanks for the recognition!

"Freedom is not free!, It was bought and paid for with the blood, sweat, and tears of our military since 1776. Pray for our service personnel as we celebrate our Country's birthday.

God bless America!