Help Evaluating A Suhl Drilling

[BigG-n-Tn]

Thanks for allowing me to join. I sent an inquiry about this gun to the "ask a question" email address. I was able to confirm some of what I had researched on this drilling but just bits and pieces. I was told the members here may be of help in establishing a value. This drilling was brought to my shop for consignment and I really have no idea as to where I should start with an asking price. Also, I have chosen not to clean the patina off of the drilling until seeking advice from folks more knowledgeable. It does have a slight bulge in the end of the left barrel. There is no manufacturer's name anywhere. Thank you for in advance for all help rendered.

[BigG-n-Tn]

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[BigG-n-Tn]

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[mike ford]

BiG-in-Tn,
Without other markings, I can't say for sure, but it the gun has some of the characteristics of some of the plain grades of Meffert drillings. Sometimes, the markings are very difficult to see, as their "brand name"(Huburtus) is often found stamped on the very narrow water table. It may require steel wool and a magnifying glass to read it. On the other hand, my old Meffert is a common underlever action, with the top lever being the barrel selector. On yours, the top lever seems to operate the action, with the selector being the button behind it. The gun was proofed in Suhl, as evidenced by the word "Nitro" being in block letters. There are markings on the chamber of the barrels, but I can't make them out. The 16 in a circle means it has a 65mm 16 ga. chamber. The 16,1, w/o circle, is the diameter of the bore ahead of the chamber. The crown "W" means the barrels are choked( amount not stated), the crown" S", means it was proofed for shot, and the crown "U" means it underwent a "View" proof( a detailed inspection). The 7.7mm stamp is the bore( not groove or bullet) diameter. This diameter would be common for any one of several 8mm cartridges; including 8x57 IR, 8x 48R, 8x58R S&S, 8x57R/360, 8x72R, and others. To determine the chambering of the rifle will require you to make, or have made, a chambercast. The 7.7 mm, w/o case length, dates it to around 1911. As always, I might be wrong. I hope this helps some.
Mike

[BigG-n-Tn]

The 7.7 mm, w/o case length, dates it to around 1911. As always, I might be wrong. I hope this helps some.
Mike

Thanks for the reply Mike. I knew at least the drilling was WW1 and earlier because this was actually brought back by my customer's Grandfather and my customer has to be in his 70's. As I stated in the OP, my final goal -along with more information on the drilling- is to ascertain an asking price for the piece. Would you have any opinion concerning value?

[mike ford]

BigG-n-Tn,

I don't usually estimate the value of someone else's guns, that I don't have "in hand". That is a good way to get into trouble, with either the seller or the buyer. A large part of the value, in the end, will be the cartridge it's chambered for, and the condition.
Mike

[BigG-n-Tn]

BigG-n-Tn,

I don't usually estimate the value of someone else's guns, that I don't have "in hand". That is a good way to get into trouble, with either the seller or the buyer. A large part of the value, in the end, will be the cartridge it's chambered for, and the condition.
Mike

I understand. I'm really just looking for a ballpark. Obviously, there's no way to blue book it without knowing who made it, etc. Very frustrating due to it being consigned.

[mike ford]

BigG-n-Tn,
You can "troll" the internet for actual "sell" prices or prices listed as "firm" or "fixed". Pay little attention to "Buy it Now" or minimum bid prices. You should look for prices of similar drillings. In my opinion, you can't even determine a "ballpark" price until you determine the cartridge it is chambered for. There are some of us that would buy it, without knowing the cartridge( depending on condition), but the price would be much less than if it were known to be chambered for an available cartridge. On the internet, drillings w/o name are often listed as "guild guns", but were made "for the trade"( made to be retailed by some other firm). There are enough of these, that these terms more or less substitute for a makers name.
Mike

[Nathaniel Myers]

As Mike stated, and I will add to, Drillings are an extremely difficult market to gauge. I was at an auction with a absolutely beautiful drilling, ammo, scope with claw mounts and leather case all went for $1800. I was nearly in tears as I did not have near that amount with me. I felt that gun was worth easily double.

As Mike said, caliber can mean a lot. Case availability and dies can really add up quick.

Also, as Mike said, try finding sold guns similar at auction houses, proxibid, GunBroker, and others.

Really, I didn't say anything but echo Mr. Ford.