Ernst Steigleder Berlin-Suhl German Drilling 12 GA/9.3x74mmR, 1905-1939 C&R

SOLD FOR: $2725

LSB#: 210613GY14

Make: Ernst Steigleder

Model: Drilling

Serial Number: 114225

Year of Manufacture: 1905-1939

Caliber/Gauge: 12 Gauge over 9.3x74R

Action Type: Boxlock Drilling With Extractors, Front Single-Set Trigger, Cocking Indicators, Tang Mounted Selector and Side Mounted Safety

Markings: The top of the right barrel is marked “ERNST STEIGLEDER”, the top of the left “BERLIN – SUHL”. The bottoms of the barrels and the barrel flats have a series of German proof marks. The bottom of the rifle barrel, the inside of the forend iron and the left shoulder of the receiver are each marked “114225”. The right shoulder of the receiver has German proof marks. The receiver has decorative engraving.

Barrel Length: 27”

Choke: Left: Full, Right: Full, Both Fixed

Weight: 7 lb., 13.8 oz.

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade in-line dovetailed to the front of the rib. There is a pop-up “U”-notch rear sight which is flipped up and down when the rifle-selector lever is activated/deactivated. There are bases for quick-detach claw mounts in the top of the rib with rings holding a Leupold 1.5-5x Vari-X III scope with duplex reticle. The scope has minor handling wear on the body with fairly clear glass, though the lenses could use a good cleaning, in Very Good condition. The top of the rib has wavy serrations for glare reduction.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with splinter forend, pistol grip, straight comb with cheekpiece, serrated horn buttplate, a trapdoor compartment in the belly for four cartridges and a sling swivel mounted in the belly (there is another swivel mounted to the bottom of the rifle barrel in front of the forend). There are scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches. The forend has some scraping on the left toward the front and a small chip-loss at the top-rear on the left. There are short, thin cracks at the right-front edge of the wrist and at the rear of the top tang. The checkering is well defined. The LOP measures 13 3/4″ and 12 3/4″ from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered wear, some residue built up over the top mounting screw, and well defined serrations. Drop at comb is approximately 1 1/2″, drop at heel 2 3/4″. The cast is about neutral. Overall, the stocks are in Good-Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The shotgun bores are bright with no erosion. The rifle bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There are two minor bulges just behind the muzzle in the rifle bore.

Overall Condition: This drilling retains about 80% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The barrels have some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches with light handling wear on the sides over the forend. The receiver has some areas which have muted with others still showing good color. The strongest case color is in protected areas such as the water table and under the lever. The horn guard has a few scattered light marks. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this drilling is in Good condition and would rate Very Good but for the bulges in the rifle bore.

Mechanics: The rifle barrel has two shallow bulges near the muzzle. The action functions correctly. There is a switch in the top of the wrist which activates the rifle barrel and flips up the rear rifle sight. The lever on the top tang selects between the rifle and shotgun barrel with the front trigger. The rear trigger will fire the left shotgun barrel whether the selector is set for rifle or shotgun. The safety is on the left of the wrist. The front trigger can be set by pushing it forward until it clicks. The barrels lock up with no play to the receiver. We have not fired this drilling. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This drilling comes with the installed scope as described.

Our Assessment: Combination guns have been a popular “do-all” gun for generations, with some still being produced today. The combination of a shotgun for fowl and a rifle for terrestrial game allows the hunter to become familiar with one gun for all their trips to the field. This example was produced by Ernst Steigleder, a German gunmaker based in Berlin and Suhl. His father worked for Haenel and, as a young man, Ernst worked for both J.P. Sauer and for Geco. He eventually started his own business which made sporting guns, acted as a retail store and as an outfitter for sportsmen, located close to the Reichstag and ensuring high-end clientele. The firm was able to survive WWII, but did not survive Soviet occupation. This example of his work is a drilling chambered for 12 gauge shotgun shells and the 9.3x74mmR rifle cartridge. There are a couple of minor bulges in the rifle bore near the muzzle, but otherwise, the gun is in quite good shape for its age and will make a great addition to a collection of fine European sporting arms, especially one focused on combination guns. Please see our photos and good luck!

Ernst Steigleder Berlin-Suhl German Drilling 12 GA/9.3x74mmR, 1905-1939 C&R
Ernst Steigleder Berlin-Suhl German Drilling 12 GA/9.3x74mmR, 1905-1939 C&R