German Shotgun/Rifle Combo
Can someone help me figure out what exactly it is that I have in my possession? It's very finely engraved on both sides. There are manufacturer markings on the barrel. On the shotgun barrel it says Hof = Buchsenmacher and on the Rifle barrel is says J. J. Reeb, Bonn.
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Normally called a CAPE Gun most were used in hunting in Germany ETC or if the bore of the rifle is big enough hunting in Africa like the cartridge 9.3X74R Nice quality but may be Black Powder Proofed you need better pictures the fore-end wood may just pull down to snap off. Then open action and the barrels may unlatch wee need all markings with in focus close up pictures. Looks like condition could use some TLC . If in a caliber of rifle that is smokeless and ammo available the Value is much more then one that is weak odd size black powder cartridge.
EDIT The 4 digit number is most likely the serial the other funny little marks are Proof Marks but NORMALLY the Caliber of the rifle is also stamped in the underside of chamber area. it of course just be metric numbers not scrip of caliber like guns made in the states. Without these numbers a GOOD gunsmith will have to do a chamber cast to find out the chambering Most likely the shotgun barrel is 16 Ga. and there again it may be shorter chamber the our U.S. standard 2&3/4 inch . I you are in driving distance of any BIG /HIGH END gun shows look for a dealer that deals in drillings and Cape Guns or search here on Gunbroker for combination guns. or drillings.0 -
That is a interesting gun. There were variants of these combo shotgun rifle guns in Europe. It gave the hunter the option of both worlds of shooting so to speak. 0 -
You might want to contact these folks. They specialize in Austrian/German firearms: jaeger(the symbol for "at")valley.net 0 -
Perry, what types of pictures would make it easier to narrow down what this is? I took the wood piece off the bottom of the barrels and found more markings. I took the best pics I could of those.
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jcbrown23602,
Now you need to open the action and separate the barrels from the action. There will be markings (stamps) under the barrels and on top of the water table which is the area where the barrels rest when closed.
Again, these need to be sharp and illuminated so we can read the marks and compare them to our notes.
Best.0 -
Ok here are the markings when I remove the barrel from the stock/grip portion of the gun. The first post I made are the markings visible on the outside of the gun. The 2nd post I made are of the markings on the bottom of the barrel and now this, my 3rd post of pictures, is of the markings on the stock/grip portion after I removed the barrel. Any clue? I don't see any other markings. Let me know if there's anything else I can do help anyone figure out what this is. Thanks
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Need to see the markings on the bottom of the barrels where they are jointed together the flat area. Just a guess it looks like a 8mm, perhaps a 8x57jr, just guessing now till we see the marks,
Any sights on the rib? How long the barrels? Set trigger?0 -
I just found some more markings. I can't get a good picture with my camera though so I'm going to get a good picture tomorrow. I will delete all my posts and post 1 with all the pictures in it tomorrow. Stay tuned! 0 -
From the pics it looks like you have cocking indicators on the sides of the action. Greener cross bolt. Someone at one time with little experience worked on the gun this is evident by the damaged screw head visible.
Cape gun combination makes a great hunting firearm. With the rifle barrel beside the shotgun the triggers allow for natural quick selection, no selector like a drilling. More intuitive than a o/u. Makes for excellent quick off hand shooting. Right trigger right barrel (most likely the rifle with small set screw adjustment) left trigger shotgun. No selector, quick and positive like operating and sxs with two triggers. In a over/under combo there is always the question which trigger fires which barrel not so in a cape gun. Also your barrels are joined with a special rib to allow for weight balance, and barrels are on the same plane on their lower surface. It should feel and balance like a fine german 16x16 sxs.
Rare to see one with a scope because of the rib design, hope it has folding leaf sights.
Send more pics and we will get you shooting. Check bob jones site there is a similar gun with an extra set of 16x16 barrels.0 -
The "Crown V" Proof in your last photo is a very interesting and little seen German proof. It denotes a firearm that was either in stock or being manufactured when the German proof law of 1891 went into effect.
Years ago I owned a U.S. made Peabody, single shot, Black Powder rifle marked with this same proof. It was speculated at the time that it had been in German surplus arms dealers stock since being captured from the French in the Franco Prussian war of 1870.
If nothing else the "Crown V" proof dates your Cape Gun to the early 1890's time frame.0
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