German Guild Schuetzen Single Shot Target Rifle Engraved Set Triggers C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,225.00
LSB#: LSB260224HE164
Make: German Guild Gun, no visible maker marks.
Model: Schuetzen Target Rifle
Serial Number: 1868, marked on the underside of the barrel. No separate receiver serial number is visible.
Year of Manufacture: 1891–1912, C&R
Caliber: Probable 8.15x46R. The visible “172,28” marking denotes a .300″ bore-gauge measurement commonly encountered on German 8mm rifles, and German Schuetzen rifles with this marking are often chambered for 8.15x46R. This should be confirmed by chamber cast before firing.
Action Type: Lever-operated single-shot Schuetzen target rifle with double set triggers.
Markings: The underside of the barrel is marked with German crown proof marks, “172,28”, additional small inspection/proof marks, and “449”. No maker’s name or trade marking is visible, indicating this rifle is best described as a German Guild gun. The receiver is extensively engraved with foliate scrollwork over stippled backgrounds. One side features an engraved male figure with a hunting horn in an oval panel, and the opposite side features an engraved female figure in period dress. The top flats and tang areas show additional floral engraving, star borders, and matted/checkered decorative panels.
Barrel Length: 32″. The rifle has a long, heavy, full-octagon target barrel.
Sights: The rifle is fitted with a Schuetzen-style tang/diopter rear sight with a large eyecup, an additional adjustable barrel-mounted rear sight, and a front target sight at the muzzle. The sights show age-related patina, oxidation, and handling wear. The front sight ears are slightly bent.
Stock: The rifle is stocked in walnut with a classic Schuetzen/Tyrolean target configuration. Features include a high comb, pronounced raised cheekpiece, checkered wrist, long forend, and metal hooked target buttplate. The wood has attractive figure and an old glossy finish. There are scattered handling marks, compressions, scratches, finish wear, and darkening in the checkering. No major cracks are visible. The stocks rate in Very Good condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blued barrel with case-hardened engraved receiver and aged blue/gray patina on the lever, sights, buttplate, and small parts.
Finish Originality: The metal finish appears age-consistent. The wood has a glossy finish and may have been cleaned, oiled, or refinished at some point.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is well defined. There is light erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: The rifle retains about 70% of its finish. The barrel shows thinning blue, edge wear, scratches, scattered oxidation, and age patina. The engraved receiver retains strong decorative coverage with visible foliate scroll, figural panels, and darkened stippled backgrounds. The receiver metal shows scattered scratches, small marks, oxidation, and handling wear. The sights, lever, and buttplate show gray/brown patina and surface oxidation. The case color is generally muted with some stronger figure in the protected areas. Screw heads show use and some slot wear. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lever, breech mechanism, double set triggers, tang sight, barrel sight, and front sight are present. The set trigger is extremely light and crisp. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet all your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This is a finely embellished German Guild Schuetzen target rifle dating from the 1891–1912 German proof period. The rifle has no visible maker marks, which is typical of many guild-built German sporting and target arms, but it shows a high level of period workmanship. The heavy octagon barrel, double set triggers, target sights, hooked buttplate, Tyrolean-style stock, and elaborate receiver engraving are all classic Schuetzen features. The “172,28” bore-gauge marking identifies it as approximately .30 caliber, though the exact chambering should be confirmed by chamber cast before use. This is an attractive and highly collectible German Schuetzen rifle for the collector of European single shots, guild guns, engraved target rifles, and late 19th to early 20th century precision shooting arms. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.