German Drilling

[Vic Farmer]

Good Morning from central PA.
I recently inherited the German Drilling pictured here. Unfortunately I don't have any of the story of how and when it came into my family; it resided undisturbed in my Uncle's gun cabinet for decades (and decades). And while venison IS a distinct food group in these parts, I believe this rifle would be better appreciated by a collector. So, my quest is to collect info regarding maker/origin/age/value/etc. and then work with a reputable auction house. I would appreciate any 'code breaking' offered by this membership, and/or German Drilling Expertise and/or Auction House referrals.
Thank you!
Kevin

 

[Red Leg]

I can not clearly see the proof marks, but this is a pre-WWI era under lever drilling design. The workmanship is of high quality as is the deep relief engraving. Walter Paul was both a gunsmith and retailer of guns. As was typical at the time, the retailer's name and location (in this case Hameln, German Saxony - also location of the Pied Piper tale ). I believe that I can make out a Crown over G which would indicate that the gun was actually made in Suhl. I do not see a nitro proof mark, though it could be elsewhere on the gun. These under lever guns were made through the transition to smokeless powder and can be either.

 

[Moosemind]

Rifle barrel is 9.3x72R and gun proofed March of 1921.

Sent from my SM-A037U1 using AfricaHunting mobile app

 

[375er]

There is a group called the German Gun Collectors Assiciation. Google them and I am sure they can help you out.

 

[Vic Farmer]

Good morning Gentlemen, thank you for the intel!

For anyone who may be interested, the web address below is a google translated German website article about Walter Paul. I thought about visiting Hameln on a fact finding mission but I've heard that Piper can sneak up on a feller : )

Walter Paul – Hamelner Bote

hamelnerbote-de.translate.goog

From here I'll sign up for some schoolin' by the GGCA.
However, any additional comments from AH members would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you again from central PA!
Kevin

 

[AlanBigStick]

There is a group called the German Gun Collectors Assiciation. Google them and I am sure they can help you out.

They may take some time to get back to you. Good pictures with diffused light and even chalk in the markings make it easier.

Edit - beautiful drilling btw.

 

[Denvir Tire]

Magnificent

 

[reineke]

Close to the end of the right upper barrel der seems to be a Nitro Proof

 

[reineke]

And the lettering on the top left barrel on your pic show the letters " KRU" and opposite "STA".
I assume the complete words are "Krupp Stahl", which means the Barrels are made from
Krupp Steel, which was Top Quality.
Then there is a little crack in the wood over the trigger guard.
The engraving is rather eleborate for the time. It might be interesting to disassemble the Rifle
and see how the inside of the barrels look like. Especially the soldering in these Drillings tend to
age, and it is the tricky part, as in any old Double as well.
The caliber 9,3x72 R still exists, is rather obsolete, does not have much power and is nicknamed the Forester's cartridge. It shoots bullets between 160 and 300 grs and should be used for nothing heavier than deer. MV is about 1700 feet/sec. In "Cartridges of the World" by Frank Barnes it is compared to the 38-55, the latter being still slghtly better.

 

[Vic Farmer]

Gentlemen! Thank you again.

I have engaged the services of one gunsmith since taking possession of this drilling. He made it very clear to me (politely and professionally) that he would perform just two actions; clean inside the barrel and test/prove full mechanical operation (no additional cleaning and no disassembly other than breaking down to 3 pieces). Hence my reluctance to do any cleaning, even under the handguard.

Next question please - based on my intent to eventually sell/auction my drilling, do I jeopardize its value by cleaning in/around the marks under the handguard? I think not but want to be certain.

Thank you.

 

[Boone66]

Gentlemen! Thank you again.

I have engaged the services of one gunsmith since taking possession of this drilling. He made it very clear to me (politely and professionally) that he would perform just two actions; clean inside the barrel and test/prove full mechanical operation (no additional cleaning and no disassembly other than breaking down to 3 pieces). Hence my reluctance to do any cleaning, even under the handguard.

Next question please - based on my intent to eventually sell/auction my drilling, do I jeopardize its value by cleaning in/around the marks under the handguard? I think not but want to be certain.

Thank you.

I don't personally think cleaning a gun lowers it's value, just don't get carried away with it. Also, some of these old guns actually have hidden rust, so it's a.good idea to have someone who knows about these guns to take them apart and do a general clean and inspect. I found rust around the forend iron on mine, hidden where it meets the wood and a little bit under the lower tang and lots of carbon in the action. I do know how to fit a screw driver to a screw head, and worked on a lot of double barrel shotguns. As for taking it to bits the rest of the way, I'm still working out the best way to do that, as I haven't ever taken a.drilling to bits before. You have a very nice drilling by the way.

 

[Vic Farmer]

Hello Mr. Boone66. Thanks for the info.
I knew nada about drillings when I inherited this gun, now I know one iota above nada : )
Not a surprise I'm sure to the members here, once I started digging in to the name on the barrel and the marks under the hand guard this gun became much more than parts and pieces. If I had plenty of money and time I'd visit Hameln - turns out there's a museum there just a few blocks away from where Walter Paul had his shop.
Regards, Kevin

 

[Boone66]

Your welcome, I'm no expert by any means on drillings.

 

[Boone66]

This is mine, with the stock off, you can see that they are.made to be disassembled and cleaned.

 

[Boone66]

 

[Boone66]