Emil R Martin & Sohn Drilling 16 GA/8x57R Shotgun/Rifle Combination Gun C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,575.00
LSB#: WY250422DM001
Make: Emil R. Martin & Sohn
Model: Drilling
Serial Number: 5509
Year of Manufacture: Ca. Pre-War
Gauge: The shotgun barrels are 16 Gauge, 2 ¾ Chambers. The rifle barrel is 8×57 JR
Action Type: Top Lever Break Opening Boxlock Drilling with Side Safety, Top Barrel Selector, Cocking Indicators, Front Single Set-Trigger
Markings: The top of the barrel rib is marked “EMIL R. MARTIN & SOHN, BONN A/RH”. The left lip of the receiver is marked “5509”. The right lip of the receiver has a series of Belgian proofs. The bottom of the receiver is marked “MARTINS / STANGENSICHERUNG”. The bottom of the barrels are each marked “KRUPP – LAUFSTAHL”.
Barrel Length: 23 5/8? (60cm)
Choke: Both barrels are choked Extra Full, Fixed
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed fore-to-aft in the front of the rib. There is a “U”-notch rear sight which flips up when the rifle barrel is selected using the switch on the top tang. The top-rear of the right shotgun barrel has a base for an optic mount fitted with a K2 5-1 Rifle scope with Duplex Crosshair Reticle. The sight picture is clear. The scope rates in Excellent condition.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece checkered walnut with a splinter forend, round bottom pistol grip, straight comb with European-style cheekpiece, horn trigger guard, and Basket Weave horn buttplate. There is a sling swivel in the belly and another mounted to the bottom of the barrel rib forward of the forend. The stocks have some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The checkering is well defined. The LOP measures 14 1/4? and 13 1/4? from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttplate. There is a small loss in the toe of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition as repaired.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are mostly bright. The rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bores, the rifle bore has a little stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This drilling retains about 70% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is scattered finish wear on the barrels. The exposed portions of the receiver have mostly muted or worn to white, there is some weak color on the water table. There are some light nicks and scratches. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are generally clear, some of the proofs are worn. Overall, this gun is in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The safety is on the left of the wrist. When the rifle barrel is selected, the front sight pops-up. The front trigger can be pressed forward until it clicks to set. With the rifle barrel selected, the front trigger is used to fire the rifle barrel, but the left shotgun barrel can still be fired using the rear trigger. The barrels lock up with no play. 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: None.
Our Assessment: The Emil R. Martin & Sohn Drilling chambered in 16 Gauge over 8x57R is a fine example of German craftsmanship tailored for versatility in the field. “Drilling,” meaning “triplet” in German, denotes a three-barreled combination gun, usually configured with two shotgun barrels over a centerfire rifle barrel. This setup allows the shooter to seamlessly transition between bird and big game hunting with a single firearm. The 16 gauge barrels offer moderate recoil and reliable shot patterns, while the 8x57R rifle barrel provides effective range and power suitable for medium to large game. These guns are often built with precision-fitted actions, Greener crossbolt locks, and selectable barrel control systems operated through a tang-mounted selector or a trigger mechanism.
The example from Emil R. Martin & Sohn is likely to feature elegant scroll engraving, a richly grained walnut stock, and a crisp set trigger for precise rifle shots. A flip-up rear sight paired with a bead front sight allows for quick target acquisition whether using slugs or bullets. Most drillings from this maker date to the early-to-mid 20th century, reflecting a time when hunters demanded both practicality and refined aesthetics in their arms. With solid German engineering and a tailored blend of function and form, this drilling remains a prized and highly collectible firearm among sportsmen, especially those fond of traditional European hunting gear. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
