Philipp Reeb Hofbuchsenmacher 16 GA / 9mm SXS Drilling Combo Gun C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,850.00
LSB#: WY250310TW037
Make: Made in Germany, Philipp Reeb
Model: Drilling
Serial Number: 5631
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1843-1924
Gauge: 16 Gauge (Shotgun Barrels), 8.8mmx72R (9mm Mauser variant 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 barrel rib is marked “PHILLIP REEB IN BONN HOFBUCHSENMACHER” (note the misspelling of Philipp Reeb). The top tang is marked “SCHROT” and “KUGEL”. The bottom of the barrels are marked with several proofs including the rifled barrel caliber marking.
Barrel Length: 26 3/4?
Choke: Left-FULL, Right-Modified, Both Fixed.
Sights / Optics: There is a blade at the front of the rib. The rear sight is a v-notch leaf that lays flush into the barrel rib. There is a sliding button on the tang that that actuates the rear sight. Forward lifts the rear sight up for “KUGEL” (Bullet) and back lowers the sight for “SCHROT” (Shot). The top of the barrels have scope bases mounted with a Visar 4 ½ D.R.G.M. scope. The sight picture is foggy. There is modest handling and oxidation wear on the scope. The scope rate in Fair – Good condition.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two piece checkered walnut with foliate carving motif, splinter forend with horn inlaid tip, capped pistol grip, straight comb with cheek piece and serrated horn buttplate. The stocks have light handling wear. There are a few small nicks and scratches. The checkering is well defined. The LOP measures 14 1/8? and 13 1/8? from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttplate. The plate is in the white, showing minor wear and some scattered faint oxidation. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Coin
Finish Originality: Original, The barrels have been refinished and restamped on the makers mark hence the misspelling of “PHILIPP”.
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion in the bores. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate 10 out of 10. The rifle barrel has some corrosion in the muzzle dropping it to 9/10, but the rifling is sharp and the bore is bright throughout.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 70% of its metal finish. The barrel’s bluing is strong throughout. There are some scabs, erosion, fine pitting, and a few scratches under the new finish. There are some scattered minor nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is infrequent minor oxidation. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are sharp and properly timed. The markings are clear. The engraving on the receiver is still crisp and elegant. Overall, this shotgun rates in Very Good-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly including the extractor. The action locks up with no play. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This Drilling Rifle comes with a leather takedown case in Very Good condition. (Please see photos).
Our Assessment: ?The Philipp Reeb Hofbüchsenmacher Drilling is a finely crafted German combination gun, exemplifying the versatility and craftsmanship characteristic of early 20th-century European firearms. Manufactured in Bonn by Philipp Reeb, a distinguished gunsmith bearing the title “Hofbüchsenmacher” (court gunsmith), this drilling integrates two 16-gauge shotgun barrels with a rifle barrel chambered in 8.8x72R, a variant of the 9mm Mauser cartridge. The firearm features a 26 3/4-inch barrel assembly with fixed chokes—Modified in the right barrel and Full in the left—catering to diverse shooting applications. Its break-action design includes cocking indicators for each barrel and a manual selector on the top tang, allowing the shooter to switch seamlessly between rifle and shotgun modes. Additionally, the front trigger is equipped with a single set mechanism, providing a crisp break for precise rifle shots.?
This drilling’s aesthetic and functional details reflect meticulous attention to detail. The walnut stocks are adorned with checkering and a foliate carving motif, complemented by a horn-inlaid tip on the splinter forend and a capped pistol grip. A straight comb with a cheek piece and a serrated horn buttplate enhance both comfort and control. The firearm is fitted with a blade front sight and a V-notch rear sight that can be raised or lowered via a sliding button on the tang, marked “SCHROT” (shot) and “KUGEL” (bullet) to indicate the selected mode. Scope bases accommodate a Visar 4 ½ D.R.G.M. scope, though the optics are noted to be foggy. Despite signs of refinishing—evident from the misspelling of “Philipp” as “PHILLIP” on the barrel rib—the drilling retains about 70% of its metal finish, with bright bores and sharp rifling, underscoring its enduring quality and the esteemed reputation of Philipp Reeb’s craftsmanship. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
