H. Scherping Hannover Drilling 16 GA 9.3x72R Rifle/Shotgun Combination, C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,300.00
LSB#: LSB260412PC006
Make: H. Scherping
Model: Drilling
Serial Number: 2664
Year of Manufacture: 1911
Caliber: 16 Gauge over 9.3x72mmR
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 Modified
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a 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, semi-pistol grip, straight comb, thick serrated hard rubber buttplate and a sling swivel in the belly. There is another swivel mounted to the bottom of the rifle barrel in front of the forend. The stocks have been refinished and the checkering re-cut. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches, some finished over. There are a few tiny cracks and losses around edges. The checkering is well defined. The LOP measures 14 3/4” and 13 3/4″ from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttplate, 13 1/2″ and 12 1/2″ to the back of the wood. The plate has some scattered nicks and scratches with well defined serrations. The stocks rate in about Very Good overall condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are semi-bright, the rifling is well defined. There is scattered light erosion and minor pitting in the bores. The shotgun bores have scattered minor dents, barely visible in the bores. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate about 6/10.
Overall Condition: This drilling retains about 65% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The barrels have scattered light wear, mostly on the sides of the shotgun barrels over the forend. The receiver and locks have mostly muted, with a little color in well protected areas. There is infrequent minor surface oxidation. There are scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches, mostly on the barrels. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are generally sharp or tool marked with strong slots. One of the forend latch mounting screws is disfigured and could not be turned. The markings are generally clear, some proof/inspection marks are poorly struck. Overall, this drilling is in about Good condition.
Mechanics: 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 by the firm of H. Scherping of Hannover. Heinrich Scherping began making guns in the 1850s and soon became Gun Maker to the Royal Court. He was succeeded by his son Hans, who was likely running the firm when this drilling was produced. The European craftsmanship is on full display with elegant lines, provision for claw-mount quick-detach scope, light scroll engraving, and a solid lockup after more than 110 years. It will make a wonderful addition to a collection of drillings or European sporting arms. Please see our photos and good luck!
-Bud