German Guild Gun? Drilling 16 GA 6.5x52mmR Rifle/Shotgun Combination, C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,802.00
LSB#: LSB260412PC007
Make: German, no maker’s markings are present.
Model: Drilling
Serial Number: None.
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1910s
Caliber: 16 Gauge over 6.5x52mmR
Action Type: Back-Action Exposed Hammer Drilling With Extractor, Dual Triggers, Front Set-Trigger, Tang Mounted Selector, Bottom-Lever
Barrel Length: 26 3/4″
Choke: Left: Fixed Full, Right: Fixed Full
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade in-line dovetailed into the top of the barrel rib. The rear sight is a folding leaf sight whose base is dovetailed into the barrel rib. The leaf presents a “U”-notch when folded up. The rib is finely serrated for glare reduction. Two-piece claw-mounts have been installed on the rib to mount an optic (none present).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a splinter forend with horn inlay in the nose, capped pistol grip, straight comb with shadow-line cheekpiece, serrated horn buttplate, cartridge trap and a sling swivel in the belly. There is another swivel mounted to the bottom of the rifle barrel in front of the forend. There is a crack at the bottom-rear of the forend and another on the right edge of the cartridge trap just in front of the door. There are a few other tiny cracks and losses at edges. The stocks have scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The checkering shows handling wear, but is generally well defined. The LOP measures 14 1/8” and 13 1/8″ from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered wear and worm-holes with generally well defined serrations. The stocks rate in about Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are semi-bright, the rifling is well defined. The shotgun bores are mostly bright with some light erosion, most notable in the choked portion near the muzzle. The rifle bore has scattered light erosion and some minor pitting. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate about 7/10.
Overall Condition: This drilling retains about 75% of its metal finish. The left shotgun firing pin has notable wear on its front face. The finish is thinning at most edges. The barrels have generally strong finish. The receiver has mostly good color with some muting and a few areas gone to a light patina. There is infrequent faint surface oxidation. There are some small nicks and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are generally clear, some proof/inspection marks are poorly struck. Overall, this drilling is in Fair-Good condition (see Mechanics).
Mechanics: The left shotgun firing pin is stuck forward and cannot be pressed back into the standing breech. Otherwise, the action functions correctly. The barrel selector is on the top tang. The front trigger is set by pushing it forward. The barrels lock up with no play to the receiver. We did not fire this drilling. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The European hunting culture brought out a gun that like no other reflects the ingenuity and the art of gun making at its best: the drilling. Named for its three barrels, the typical drilling has two shotgun barrels mounted over a single rifle barrel, allowing the user to take fowl and terrestrial game. This example was produced in Germany, but bears no maker’s markings or serial number. This would be typical of a “guild gun”, produced with parts from various makers in the same gunmaker’s guild with revenue from the sale split among the participating makers. The European craftsmanship is on full display with beautiful game scenes on the receiver, provision for claw-mount quick-detach scope, cartridge trap, and a solid lockup after more than 110 years, though the left shotgun firing pin will need some work. It will make a wonderful addition to a collection of drillings or European sporting arms. Please see our photos and good luck!
-Bud