Franz Kettner

[Gregdownunder]

Hi Gents,

First post here but not my first German gun.
Attached are some pictures of a 16 bore shotgun I have.
I do have some info on Kettner, but have a few specific questions on this gun.
Firstly, the complete absence of proof marks, I know there weren't any prior to 1891,but am I correct in thinking there should be an inspection mark applied to all earlier guns retrospectively?
Would this then suggest this gun left Germany prior to 1891 and as such it was never applied or was it simply voluntary?
It has also been suggested this gun may actually be Belgian made but retailed/finished by Kettner, do you think this likely?
I think it dates from the 1860's,hence the underlever and non rebounding hammers but would be interested if you think differently.
I guess too this would have been a reasonably high grade gun of its day, bit I'm more familiar with British shotgun grades.
The bores are in good order and I'm looking forward to shooting some black powder loads from it.

Thanks for your time,

GDU.

[mike ford]

Gregdownunder,
A gun that was "in stock" or production when the 1891 proof law came into effect in May of 1893, would have been marked with a crownV, which meant it was made "before the law".
Since it doesn't have the mark, It was sold before May 1893; how long before, I don't know. The word " Brevete" is a French or Belgian word for a type of patent; which lends credence to the idea that the gun was made in Belgium. It has a very nice looking pattern in the barrels and rib, by the way. Other members may be able to provide additional information.
Mike

[sharps4590]

Other than it's beautiful I don't have a clue. Exquisite!!!