Contemporary Double-Hammer Dopplebüchsdrilling 24 Ga/.22/6.5mm 26 1/8″
SOLD FOR: $1,675.00
LSB#: LSB251109RC023
Make: Unknown Contemporary, Germany
Model: Hammer Dopplebüchsdrilling
Serial Number: NSNV
Year of Manufacture: Circa, 1900s / C&R
Gauge: 24 Gauge / .22 Cal. Rimfire (Possibly W.C.F.) / 6.5mm. Please cast both rifle barrels to confirm chambering.
Action Type: Break Action, Hammer Fired, Triple-Barrel Combination Gun.
Markings: The barrels are marked with loadings proofs. The bottom barrel has Nitro and Gauge proofs. There are floral engravings throughout.
Barrel Length: 26 1/8”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to the barre rib. The rear sight is a U-notch dovetailed to the barrel rib.
Stock Configuration & Condition: This firearm has a two piece checkered walnut stock set with a capped semi-pistol grip, straight comb w/ cheek piece, and steel buttplate. There are compression marks and scratches throughout. The checkering is sharp. There are no cracks, but there are some very small chips. Overall this stock set rates in about Good + condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The smoothbore is light gray. There is no noticeable erosion. The rifle barrels are both gray and the rifling is pronounced. There is moderate erosion in the bore with light spots of pitting. In this writer’s opinion the rifled bores rate 6/10 and the smooth bore rates at about 8.5/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 75% of its metal finish. The case color on the frame has heavy patina, thinning, and faded colors. The barrels have a moderate patina with spots of cleaned out pitting and rust spots along with scratches and nicks. The barrel ribs are separated and the keel is split. The screw heads are tooled and the pins are mostly undamaged. The markings are faded and worn in spots. Overall, this Drilling rates in about Fair condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards. We suggest having a competent gunsmith check over this firearm before use.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This contemporary German hammer dopplebüchsdrilling reflects the highly specialized hunting arms culture of Central Europe at the turn of the 20th century, when combination guns were prized for their versatility and craftsmanship. Built around 1900, this triple barrel configuration was intended to give the hunter a single firearm capable of addressing varied game and terrain, particularly in forested and alpine environments. The exposed hammers, floral engraving, and classic break action layout are characteristic of German sporting arms from this period, emphasizing deliberate handling, mechanical transparency, and traditional aesthetics. The presence of multiple proof marks and nitro indications on the barrels further situates this piece within the transitional era between black powder and smokeless sporting ammunition. Configured with a 24 gauge smoothbore barrel alongside two rifle barrels in .22 caliber rimfire and 6.5mm, this drilling embodies the practical logic behind combination guns. Such arrangements allowed hunters to move seamlessly between small game, vermin, and larger quarry without changing arms. The simple beaded front sight and U notch rear sight mounted to the barrel rib reflect a straightforward and durable sighting system intended for quick target acquisition rather than precision target shooting. While chamber confirmation is recommended for the rifle barrels, the overall configuration remains representative of classic European hunting utility rather than standardized military or sporting formats.
Conditionally, this example presents as a well used but evocative sporting arm with clear evidence of age and field use. Approximately 75 percent of the metal finish remains, with heavy patina to the case colors, thinning, and scattered corrosion visible across the barrels and frame. The rifled bores show moderate erosion and light pitting, rating 6 out of 10, while the smoothbore rates more favorably at approximately 8.5 out of 10. Notable structural issues include separated barrel ribs and a split keel, placing this piece firmly in Fair overall condition. Despite these factors, the action functions correctly and the rifle retains its historical character as a multi purpose hunting arm from a bygone era of European gunmaking. -R.E.
