Simson Suhl 16 gauge - The Firearms Forum

RB Racing · 10-24-2009, 07:10 PM

Just inherited this gun not sure what it's worth. I don't think it's seen much use and needs a good cleaning haven't checked what year it is yet.
Would like to get a handle of what it might be worth though.
Thanks.

Contenderizer · 10-31-2009, 02:22 PM

I am having trouble seeing much detail in the photos; I don't know if its my monitor our your photos. In any case, you have a post-war Simson which was manufactured after the East German government took control of Simson & Company following WW-II. I can tell you more if you remove the barrels and take a good close-up photo of the markings located on the barrel flats. Value? $600 to $800 ... washer and dryer excluded.

williamd · 10-31-2009, 09:16 PM

Second one I ahve seeen today! On another forum is a pre-war high grade. Cocking indicators, ejectors, fine engraving, nice wood, etc. These are neat!

RB Racing · 11-11-2009, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Contenderizer

I am having trouble seeing much detail in the photos; I don't know if its my monitor our your photos. In any case, you have a post-war Simson which was manufactured after the East German government took control of Simson & Company following WW-II. I can tell you more if you remove the barrels and take a good close-up photo of the markings located on the barrel flats. Value? $600 to $800 ... washer and dryer excluded.

Pics seem fine on my end. Once I figure out how to remove the barrels I'll take a couple more pics and post them see we can see what year it is.
Thanks for your input.

Alpo · 11-11-2009, 01:31 PM

Just at the top of the second picture, there appears to be a brass plate inletted into the forearm. There should be a mechanism in that plate (usually a piece you lift) that will unlatch the forearm and allow you to remove it. Once the forearm is off, just open the gun and the barrels lift right off the receiver.

RB Racing · 11-11-2009, 03:14 PM

Here it is apart. Is it a 1970 version? Appears to be in great condition apart from needing a good detailing looks hardly used.

Contenderizer · 11-14-2009, 08:51 AM

Hi RB,

For some reason your photos appear considerably clearer and sharper today. Perhaps I have a better Internet connection, or perhaps my glasses are cleaner. I can't say for sure.

I can say that your gun is a little nicer than I first thought. Being a 16 gauge with side clips and cocking indicators - and given its excellent condition - I suspect it is worth $1,200-1,500 retail. You can expect about $800-1,000 as a trade-in, and if it was mine, I would insure it for about $1,800.

Unfortunately, I still can't read the date code on the barrel flats for some reason. It looks like your code is three digits; you will find it just below the word NITRO. The first digit is the month and the last two are the year. It appears to me the last digit of the year is a 2. NOTE: Date codes are sometimes 4 digits - Nov 1985 would be marked 1185.

The serial number (of no value dating the gun) is 226519, and it is located on the barrel hook, water table and the underside of the forearm ... exactly as it should be.

The proof mark W (under a crown) indicate the barrels are choked rather than cylinder bore. German gun makers of that era did not indicate how much choke, however. That is something you will only determine through pattern testing. German shotguns are often very tightly choked (by US standards), and it is not unusual to find both barrels to be the same (such as full and full). It is perfectly safe to use modern shot shells, BUT NOT STEEL SHOT.

You have a very nice gun and it should be easy to sell if that is your intention. I would be interested, but I already have one.

10-24-2009, 07:10 PM	#1
RB Racing Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 3	Simson Suhl 16 gauge Just inherited this gun not sure what it's worth. I don't think it's seen much use and needs a good cleaning haven't checked what year it is yet. Would like to get a handle of what it might be worth though. Thanks. -->

10-31-2009, 02:22 PM	#2
Contenderizer Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: North-Central Florida, USA Posts: 599	Re: Simson Suhl 16 gauge I am having trouble seeing much detail in the photos; I don't know if its my monitor our your photos. In any case, you have a post-war Simson which was manufactured after the East German government took control of Simson & Company following WW-II. I can tell you more if you remove the barrels and take a good close-up photo of the markings located on the barrel flats. Value? $600 to $800 ... washer and dryer excluded. __________________ NOTE: The information herein is provided free of charge. In some instances, you may actually be getting your money's worth. Author of: The History and Guns of Simson & Co., Suhl www.cornellpubs.com

10-31-2009, 09:16 PM	#3
williamd Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: SoCal Posts: 772	Re: Simson Suhl 16 gauge Second one I ahve seeen today! On another forum is a pre-war high grade. Cocking indicators, ejectors, fine engraving, nice wood, etc. These are neat! __________________ "Outlaw guns and only outlaws will have guns!" But, we are moving that direction. NRA Benefactor, Vet VN '64-'65 Never sell a gun or a car and you can retire right!! Last edited by williamd; 10-31-2009 at 09:18 PM.. Reason: spopeeling

11-11-2009, 01:31 PM	#5
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,662	Re: Simson Suhl 16 gauge Just at the top of the second picture, there appears to be a brass plate inletted into the forearm. There should be a mechanism in that plate (usually a piece you lift) that will unlatch the forearm and allow you to remove it. Once the forearm is off, just open the gun and the barrels lift right off the receiver. __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies.

11-11-2009, 03:14 PM	#6
RB Racing Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 3	Re: Simson Suhl 16 gauge Here it is apart. Is it a 1970 version? Appears to be in great condition apart from needing a good detailing looks hardly used. Last edited by RB Racing; 11-11-2009 at 03:18 PM..

11-14-2009, 08:51 AM	#7
Contenderizer Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: North-Central Florida, USA Posts: 599	Re: Simson Suhl 16 gauge Hi RB, For some reason your photos appear considerably clearer and sharper today. Perhaps I have a better Internet connection, or perhaps my glasses are cleaner. I can't say for sure. I can say that your gun is a little nicer than I first thought. Being a 16 gauge with side clips and cocking indicators - and given its excellent condition - I suspect it is worth $1,200-1,500 retail. You can expect about $800-1,000 as a trade-in, and if it was mine, I would insure it for about $1,800. Unfortunately, I still can't read the date code on the barrel flats for some reason. It looks like your code is three digits; you will find it just below the word NITRO. The first digit is the month and the last two are the year. It appears to me the last digit of the year is a 2. NOTE: Date codes are sometimes 4 digits - Nov 1985 would be marked 1185. The serial number (of no value dating the gun) is 226519, and it is located on the barrel hook, water table and the underside of the forearm ... exactly as it should be. The proof mark W (under a crown) indicate the barrels are choked rather than cylinder bore. German gun makers of that era did not indicate how much choke, however. That is something you will only determine through pattern testing. German shotguns are often very tightly choked (by US standards), and it is not unusual to find both barrels to be the same (such as full and full). It is perfectly safe to use modern shot shells, BUT NOT STEEL SHOT. You have a very nice gun and it should be easy to sell if that is your intention. I would be interested, but I already have one. __________________ NOTE: The information herein is provided free of charge. In some instances, you may actually be getting your money's worth. Author of: The History and Guns of Simson & Co., Suhl www.cornellpubs.com