German Guild Drilling Break Action 16 Gauge / 8X57JR Combo Gun MFD 1933 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,125.00
LSB#: WY241023DN009
Make: German Guild
Model: Drilling
Serial Number: No Serial Number
Year of Manufacture: 1933
Caliber: 16 Gauge (Shotgun Barrels), 8x57JR (Rifle Barrel)
Action Type: Break Action, Triple Barrel, The receiver has cocking indicators for both shotgun barrels and the rifle barrel. There is a manual selector on the top tang to switch from rifle to shotgun. When the rifle bore is selected, the left shotgun chamber can still be fired. The right shotgun chamber remains cocked after the rifle bore has been fired, and can be fired after the rifle. The rifle chamber remains cocked after both of the shotgun bores have been fired. Manual thumb safety on the left side of the grip. The front trigger is a single set trigger for a crisp break when using the rifle chamber.
Markings: The bottom of bot shotgun barrels are marked “KRUPP-LAUFSTAHL,” indicating high-quality steel. The barrel flats feature German proof marks, including a crowned “U” and “Suhl” markings, denoting manufacture in Suhl, Germany. The rifle caliber is marked “8x57JR,” indicating the rimmed variant of the 8mm Mauser cartridge. Other proof marks include “St.m.G.” for steel jacketed bullets, along with “Nitro” signifying smokeless powder proofing.
Barrel Length: 25.5”
Choke: Both bores are Fixed, Improved Modified.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the serrated rib. Dual flip up rear sight leafs, 1 sight leaf flips up when you select the rifle chamber, the other is manual. The top of the rib is mounted with a Gnom 4x claw quick detach scope. The reticle is a German #1 reticle. The sight picture is clear.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is in a 2 piece wood configuration featuring s fluted straight comb, checkered wood buttplate, raised cheek swell, checkered and capped semi pistol grip, checkered forend. There is a sling mount in the belly of the buttstock and a sling mount in the bottom of the rifle barrel. The LOP is 14” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There are light scratches and compression marks present. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is well defined. There is no play in the stock or the forend. The wood appears to be refinished. The stock rates in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. The rifling is sharp. There is stubborn fouling in the rifled grooves and fouling streaks in the shotgun bores. There is no erosion in the bores. In this writers opinion the bores rate 9/10
Overall Condition: This drilling retains about 85% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light operational wear, with some thinning on high edges and minor handling marks. The receiver has some light oxidation and patina. The screw heads are sharp, and the markings are crisp and clear. Overall, this firearm rates in about Very Good to Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrel selector and pop-up rear sight work as intended. The cocking indicators all function. The rear sight flips up when the rifle chamber is selected. The action breaks smoothly. The extractors operate correctly. The safety functions properly. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Gnom 4X Scope.
Our Assessment: This German Guild drilling is a prime example of fine German craftsmanship, built in Suhl, a city with a centuries-old legacy in firearm production. Known as the “Gunmaker’s Town,” Suhl has been home to some of the finest European firearm manufacturers, with German guild guns representing a tradition of custom-built firearms crafted by highly skilled artisans. This drilling exemplifies the meticulous engineering and attention to detail that made German sporting arms highly sought after by hunters and collectors worldwide.
The triple-barrel design, featuring two 16-gauge shotgun barrels over an 8x57JR rifle barrel, was conceived for maximum versatility in the field. This configuration allowed a hunter to seamlessly transition between bird, small game, and large game hunting without changing weapons. Whether flushing out game birds, dispatching a fox, or engaging a stag at a distance, the drilling provided the ideal balance of flexibility and firepower. The inclusion of a pop-up rear sight, which automatically engages when the rifle barrel is selected, ensures precision when taking rifle shots, a hallmark of quality German drillings.
The firearm’s markings indicate superior construction, with KRUPP steel barrels—renowned for their durability and accuracy—paired with nitro proofing for smokeless powder use. The robust action is finely fitted, ensuring smooth operation, while the case-hardened receiver showcases a level of craftsmanship rarely seen in modern firearms. The stock is finely checkered walnut, shaped for ergonomic handling, with a European-style cheekpiece that enhances cheek weld and comfort when firing the rifle barrel.
For collectors and enthusiasts, this drilling is more than just a firearm—it is a piece of history, a reflection of a bygone era where master gunsmiths hand-fitted each component with precision. Its well-preserved condition, versatile chamberings, and high-quality materials make it an exceptional find. Whether displayed in a collection or taken afield for its intended purpose, this German Guild drilling is sure to be appreciated for generations to come. Please see our high-quality photos and good luck on your bid! -M.C.
