L. Frauenstorfer Over Under Combination Gun 16 Ga 2 1/2″/ 8×57 JR C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,800.00
LSB#: LSB260123DG019
Make: L. Frauenstorfer, Mannheim
Model: Over/Under Combination gun.
Serial Number: 2937
Year of Manufacture: Circa early 20th Century
Caliber: 16 ga 2 1/2″ over 8×57 JR
Action Type: Break action, hammerless, shotgun over rifle combination gun, with double triggers.
Markings: The tops of the barrels are marked “L. Frauenstorfer, Mannheim, Nitro”. The left side of the barrels are marked “Krupp Lauenstahl”. The receiver and barrels are marked with the serial number and various German Proof marks. Someone has electro penciled “4301” on the bottom of the chambers.
Barrel Length: 27″
Chokes: Fixed Full
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade inserted into the front of the solid barrel rib. The rear sight is a folding U notch that is dovetailed into the rib. There is a set of German claw style scope mounts installed.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two piece checkered walnut, semi pistol grip, pancake cheekpiece, horn trigger guard, and basketweave horn buttplate. The LOP is 14″ and 13″ from triggers to buttplate. There are scratches and extensive compression dents throughout. The checkering, particularly on the forend, is worn and flattened. There is raised grain and fabric impressions on the buttstock. There are no cracks. Overall this stock is in Fair to Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The rifle bore is bright and the rifling is well defined. There is minor erosion, particularly near the breech end. There is minor pitting in the grooves. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7/10. The shotgun bore is bright. There is no erosion. There is minor fouling in that bore. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This combination gun retains about 90% of its original finish. There is handling and operational wear. There are scratches and light corrosion freckles throughout. There is thinning bluing near the muzzles. There is heavier scratching under the barrels under the forend. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are legible. Overall this combo gun is in Good condition.
Mechanics: This combination gun appears to be in functional condition. We did not fire this gun. As with all used firearms a thorough cleaning may be required to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Leather hardcase.
Our Assessment: The L. Frauenstorfer over/under combination gun is a classic example of early 20th century German sporting arms, built during a period when regional gunmakers in cities such as Mannheim produced finely crafted, versatile hunting firearms. Combination guns, or “Bockbüchsflinte,” were designed to offer hunters the flexibility of both shotgun and rifle capability in a single platform, making them especially practical for mixed game hunting across Europe. This example, chambered in 16 gauge over 8×57 JR, reflects that tradition, pairing a smoothbore barrel suited for birds and small game with a rimmed rifle cartridge derived from the well-known 8mm Mauser family. The use of Krupp Lauenstahl barrels and German nitro proofs further underscores its origin in a time when quality materials and craftsmanship were central to sporting firearm production.
This example retains approximately 90% of its original blued finish, with light thinning at the muzzles, scattered scratches, and minor corrosion freckling consistent with field use. The 27″ barrels feature a solid rib with a beaded front sight and folding rear sight for the rifle barrel, along with German claw mounts for an optic, maintaining its traditional European hunting configuration. The rifle bore is bright with defined rifling, rating 7/10 with minor erosion and light pitting, while the shotgun bore is bright and rates 9/10 with only minor fouling. The walnut stock, fitted with a pancake cheekpiece, horn furniture, and basketweave buttplate, shows extensive handling wear, flattened checkering, and finish impressions, but remains structurally sound with no cracks. The overall presentation reflects a well-used but intact sporting arm with clear heritage.
The Frauenstorfer combination gun represents a practical and elegant solution to the varied demands of European hunting, where a single outing could call for both shot and rifle capability. Its hammerless action, double triggers, and refined profile speak to a design focused on versatility and reliability in the field. This example, complete with claw mounts and a leather case, stands as a representative piece of that tradition, maintaining its original character while showing the honest wear of a working sporting firearm from the early 20th century. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! MF