Dreyse/Rheinmetall 16 Gauge Boxlock, 28.5” Barrels, Mfg in Sommerda, Germany circa 1920
Guns International #: 100494119 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Shotguns - German Double - Shotguns - 16 Gauge
Seller's Information
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Seller: DOUBLEGUN PRESERVATION
Member Since: 3/7/12
State: Virginia
Zip: 22207
Country: United States
Phone: (703) 625-4830
Premium Seller
Number of Active Listings: 1
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Certified Check, Postal Money Order, Personal Check
Description:
This doublegun is an excellent example of German precision and quality during the inter-war years. It most likely came to the US with a returning GI and saw limited use since. Rugged yet also attractive, light weight, and well-balanced, it deserves to be back in the field and would be a great grouse or chukar partridge gun.
Rheinmetall was a well-known defense company that was founded in 1899 and in 1901 acquired the Dreyse factory in Sommerda (Soemmerda), Thuringia, which produced during WWI the Dreyse 1907 pistol among other armaments. Because of post-war regulations, for a few years the company moved to non-military production, which was when this gun was manufactured. However, by the early-1920s the company had returned to military arms production that would prominently include the MG 30 machine gun. A search on the internet for another gun of this manufacturer and model found only one other: a 12-gauge identified as a Sommerda sold at a Charlton Hall in 2007. Combined with the history above, this suggests a small number exist.
The engraving on this gun, as shown in the pictures, is extensive and deep. The receiver and forearm metal have an appropriate and pleasing patina. The 28.5” nitro-proofed Ehrhardt steel barrels are flawless, as refinished using the Belgian blue process. They are choked Improved Cylinder/Modified (.007/.016). The chambers are 2-3/4” with lengthened forcing cones. The diameter of both bores 9” from the breech is.665, the average wall thickness of both barrels 9” from the muzzle is .035, and the outside diameter of both muzzles is .740; a level of precision unusual on vintage shotguns let alone one over ninety years old.
The gun weighs 6 lb 9 oz. The drop at the comb is 1-1/2” and at the heel 2-1/2”. Length of pull is 14-1/2” to the end of a half-inch replacement Pachmayr recoil pad. The finish on the wood is refreshed with a hand-rubbed stock oil finish, and the checkering is re-cut. The wood is very solid and has an attractive golden brown color; although in a few places the color is darkened as an artifact of past dents. Face of action has moderate pitting. The gun locks up tight and on face; the top lever returns to left of center. The serial number matches on all parts. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to call the seller at 703-625-4830.
The seller will ship this gun in a hard case. The inspection period is 7 days from receipt by buyer. Seller has fired this shotgun using standard factory 2-3/4” target and field loads. However, as for any vintage shotgun, it is recommended that the new owner have it inspected by a professional gunsmith before firing. The gun carries a 30-day warrantee, during which the seller will have any mechanical problems documented by a professional gunsmith repaired or accept the return of the gun and refund the price of the gun and the return shipping cost.
SOLD
Curio/Relic: Yes