Introduction and why I am here Gentlemen.

[KLNelson]

Gentlemen,
I have been a fan and collector of SxS shotguns for some 40+ years, primarily the American classics, Parkers, Foxes and LC Smiths. Recently an acquaintance presented a beautiful example of the German gun makers art, and asked if I could provide any insight, so I am very impressed and interested in furthering my knowledge.

The gun in question is a 16 Ga. that from my research on proof marks was proofed in Oct. 1912. The manufacturer is NA Gmeiner & Sohn, from Altenburg. Very ornately engraved, and done well with a high level of detail, and lifelike depiction of dogs, hares, fowl, and a fox.
In reviewing the various manufacturers listed in this site, this Gmeiner is not included. I have attached a few photos in hope that this informed group may shed additional information around this manufacturer and their heritage. I would rate the condition of the gun as very good, as the finishes on the barrels, action and stock are in good shape, bores excellent, tight on face and fully functional. Well cared for considering it's age.
More from curiosity, than anything, I would also be interested in what value this might hold. A similarly engraved American double would be very valuable, but I have no appreciation for the market in fine German shotguns like this.

Thank you in advance for any assistance you might provide.
Regards,
Keavin Nelson

[Axel E]

The gun was indeed proofed October 1912 by the Zella – Mehlis proofhouse, ledger number 483 and ZM mark. So it was most likely made by the guntrade there for Gmeiner. The damascus barrel blanks were certainly imported from Belgium. Nearly all such barrels were forged by the smithes in the Liege area.
Anton Melchior Gmeiner & Sohn (= son Heinrich Anton Gmeiner) were country gunmakers at Josephsplatz 2 in Altenburg, Thuringia, then in the petty state Duchy Saxe – Altenburg. The Gmeiners were gunmakers to the court of the Dukes of Saxe – Altenburg, Erich I and Erich II.
The circled 16 denotes the nominal gauge of the cartridges the gun takes, while 17 is the actual gauge of the barrel bores at the proofhouse. The gun was blackpowder proofed only. The crown/W mark stands for a choked barrel, amount of constriction was not marked.
Certainly a very nice and unusual pre-WW1 German gun, as it is a round action sidelock.

[Diz]

Keavin, welcome to the forum. I have nothing to add to Axel's comments but it is a very interesting round body side lock and looks to be in excellent condition especially the Damascus barrels. Value is hard to estimate by photo alone but there are others here that may have more information and might hazard a guess. Your best bet may be to try and find comps on the auction sites and see what they actually sold for. Very nice piece. Diz

[mike ford]

Keavin,
Let me add my welcome to Axel's and Diz's, They have pretty well covered everything. Since you are a longtime collector, you likely know this, but it is worth pointing out for dhose that don't. As Axel pointed out, the circled 16 means it was chambered for the standard 16 ga. shells. At the time, the standard length shells were 65mm( 2 1/2- 2 9/16") long. The current standard shell length is 70mm(2 3/4"). We are often cautioned not to use 2 3/4" shells in short chambered guns. This is an individual decision, as is whether to shoot damascus barrels with smokeless powder. With some research, your friend can find suitable shells "on line".
Mike

[KLNelson]

Axel,
thank you for the reply. I neglected to include photo of the "Nitro" stamp that is on the side of each barrel just above the water table, which I presume means it was proofed with nitro powder and not just black powder?

[KLNelson]

Mike,
yes thanks for the input. They are indeed 2 1/2" chambers by my gauge. There is a nitro proof strike on each barrel on the side just above the water table, soI would think something like the RST 2 1/2" shells would be fine in this.