Inquiries

Many owners of Germanic sporting guns are curious about the history, construction, and the people who were concerned with making them. Answering these questions is one of the services we offer at no charge. Guns made in more modern times often have much of the information already on them and can lead us to who, when, and where they were made.

Please take the time to read the following. Understanding what we are looking for will make the job much easier and complete. We do not do appraisals but will help you find where it can be done. Much depends on the gun’s condition, features, and embellishment. Our expertise is mostly with guns of the centerfire era up to the time of World War II.

First, study your firearm. You will likely need to remove the forearm and barrels of break-action and single shot guns. On bolt guns, sometimes the chances of marring the gun outweigh the value of any knowledge. Be careful.

If at all possible, submit your inquiry by email.
Please state your question clearly and succinctly.
List all the information you can see on the gun.
If you have the ability, take clear, close-up photos of the action from all sides and all of the markings that can be found on the underside of the barrels and the flats of the action. Sometimes, a little chalk rubbed into the marks makes them easier to read. A few good photos are better than many poor ones. It is not necessary or useful to send large photo files. Small but legible.

Use a background that is light and without a pattern and have good light. To avoid glare, either take the pictures outside or use a translucent screen, such as a shower curtain, to diffuse the light.

The above photos show much of what we would like to see. In this particular case, we can tell the maker, when it was made, the bullet that it was proofed with, who made the steel for the barrels (and, sometimes, the quality), and a good idea of the caliber.

Send your inquiries to us at: inquiries@germanguns.com We will answer as soon as possible.