September 10-12, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/10/2024
Circa 1933 per proofs. Underside of barrels with German proofs for a nitro proofed 16 gauge with 9x57mm rifle barrel, built April 1933; evidence of previous proofs are discernible but heavily softened, indicating a refinish and reproof at some point. Barrels with a solid flat rib, very slightly tapered, and fit with a bead front sight, serrated for anti-glare, and fit with a pop-up rear sight affixed by a dovetailed and screwed base. Claw scope mounts soldered into rib, and currently fit with Zeiss Diavari-D 1.5-6x FFP scope with German #4 reticle. Shotgun barrels have inlaid gold oak leaves and acorns connected with vines over each chamber, and "Franz Kettner / Koln - Suhl" also inlaid in gold. Relieved for sideclips, and engraved with tulip heads and "Krupp Stahl" designation; Scott's crossbolt extension. Splinter forearm with Deely latch release, engraved in a point pattern, exterior engraved with florals, interior marked "2750". Fences with sideclips to fit barrels, discretely import marked on the wing for Simpson, LTD, and additionally marked with German proofs, export mark, and serial number. Action engraved with game scenes on the sideplates, left showing a pair of roe deer, buck and doe, looking at a pair of ducks in a wooded scene, right with a stag and two doe, and a rabbit. Accenting are Germanic florals and scrollwork throughout. Sideplates with gold washed pins and cocking indicator, Greener safety, concealed Scott bolt, and rifle selector with push button release, inlaid "SCHROT" ahead of slide. Gold washed double triggers, front set, bladed for a right handed shooter and protected by a horn trigger guard that extends all the way to the capped pistol grip. Stock of a restrained walnut with pistol grip, checkered in 2 panels about the wrist, German silver pistol grip cap engraved "HR" in script, shadowline cheekpiece, and a bullet trap engraved with a vignette of a turkey and scroll en suite. Serrated horn buttplate. CONDITION: Very good, retaining the vast majority of the blue on barrels with some minor handling marks, likely field wear. Forearm is very good, appearance is somewhat dry, with some cleaned oxidation to iron that has left pinpricking and softened engraving somewhat. Locks are very good with some cleaned oxidation, primarily to right side, most offensive on the neck of a doe on sideplate, but engraving is crisp. Horn trigger guard with a crack at bottom screw.Stock en suite with forearm in appearance, with some handling marks from the field. Mechanically fine, bores are very good, shotgun barrels largely smooth with some evidence of firing ahead of forcing chambers, rifle barrel with some frosting.
Caliber/Bore
(L)(R) 16 Bore (U) 9X57mmR
Choke
(L) Improved Cylinder (R) Cylinder
Manufacturer
Franz Kettner