oskar weihrauch

[Bob H]

Hello and a question from a new member-
I'm looking for any information anyone can offer about Oskar Weihrauch shotguns. I know the company while still in business has switched over from gunmaking to other making other machine products. I've tried emailing the company and directing my request for information to the grandson of the founder but have gotten no response thus far. Specifically, I'm trying to find out how long they made SxS shotguns, how many they produced, how many grades of guns they produced, whether production records still exist, and similar general information. Any help anyone can supply would be appreciated.
Regards,
Bob H

[Jim Cate]

Sorry, but I cannot help you with your request about Weihrauch shotguns. However I can tell you the firm was located in Zella-Mehlis at least until the end of the war. The company was contracted by the Wehrmacht to make a few different small parts for the K98k Mauser rifle for a short time as well as scope mounts for sniper usage during the war. Regards, Jim Cate

[Steve Whitley]

The given name "Oskar" throws me. There was an Otto Weihrauch in the second generation of the firm in Zella-Mehlis, who continued working as a gunsmith after the communist government put the family business out of operation there in 1948.

[Bob H]

Thanks for the responses. It seems there were two separate Weihrauch entities located in Zella-Mehlis that were involved in gunmaking. Whether they had any blood relationship I haven't discovered yet. I am positive that the specific gun I'm interested in is an OSKAR Weihrauch as it is clearly so marked on top of the left barrel. At least the barrels were produced by Oskar and there are no other gunmaker's names anywhere on the gun. There is a germanic eagle proof mark on the barrel flats and what appears to be an oval with an "O" superimposed on a "W" inside it. The only marking I can find that could be a serial number is a 383 stamped on the water table. I'm not too familiar with German guns so maybe I'm wrong but the fore end iron looks like a replacement to me as it has no markings at all unless they are concealed by the fore end wood. I'd describe the wood as excellent but not spectacular. The deeply chiseled engraving is wonderfully executed with full coverage oak leaves and ducks on one side of the receiver, pheasants on the other side, and a german shorthair pointing on the bottom. Even aside from the engraving the gun has all the features of a high grade continental SxS with a cheekpiece, side clips, articulated double triggers, cocking indicators and sling swivels. The only wrong note it hits is, while the mid rib bead appears to be ivory, the front bead insert seems to be made of a red plastic.

[Axel E]

Steve, there were 6 other Weihrauchs active at one time or another in the Zella - Mehlis guntrade besides the well-known Hermann Weihrauch company. Oskar Weihrauch was not relatet to the H.Weihrauch company.

[mike ford]

If I remember correctly, there was a "Weihrauch" in or near Mellrichstadt(?)that specialized in small caliber target rifles, post war. I'm not sure of the relationship.
Mike

[Axel E]

If I remember correctly, there was a "Weihrauch" in or near Mellrichstadt(?)that specialized in small caliber target rifles, post war. I'm not sure of the relationship.
Mike

This Weihrauch company still exists, http://www.weihrauch-sport.de/seiten...h/default.html . It is the former Zella -Mehlis, Amtsstr.22, H.Weihrauch company mentioned above by Steve. It is not related to Oskar Weihrauch, Kleintiegel 4, Zella-Mehlis.

[mike ford]

Axel,
Thanks
Mike

[Bob H]

While the information about the other Weihrauch companies is interesting I'm still looking for information on OSKAR Weihrauch guns. Anybody?
Regards,
Bob