Drilling

[Robert]

Hello all

I've long enjoyed old rabbit ear sxs's just to hang on the wall, recently I ended up collecting what I consider some new shotguns

With no external hammers they must be new right?

Yesterday I pulled one down to attempt to value and maybe move for something more shootable

Its a Kerner and what I learned about the working of this thing is outstanding,
what I haven't yet learned is intriguing,

I believe its a 1932 from a 732 I found on it, sadly it appears serial numbers don't do as much to tell a story on this like Colts and such

Anyhow, stopped by to look around, maybe learn something


Robert

[Packmule]

welcome , there are lots of folks here that can help and very knowledgeable , working on getting a drilling myself , enjoy the site ~rj

[mike ford]

Robert,
If you can post photos of the Proofmarks and any other marks, it is likely that we can give you additional information.
Packmule,
If you are looking for a drilling, check the WTS/WTB thread here or the Simpson Ltd. website (longguns-then other manufactures).
Mike

[Steve Whitley]

Simpson just received another mixed bag of 3000 out of Europe. Always a few drillings in the pile, but it may be a while before they are all booked in and listed on-line.

Steve

[Robert]

Thanks guys,

Mike I tried to photo the proofs, my camera just doesn't cut it,
I found some proof info online which is how I came to believe it is 1932,
perhaps I can try outdoor pics one of these days, it may work better, I'll bet someone here could read them like a book
I wish production numbers or even more unknown survival numbers where available but apparently not so much....

I did list it on a local site but its out of place amongst the Glocks and AR's and I'll likely pull it down.

Here's a couple of pics I do have

Robert

[mike ford]

Robert,
If you can find a copy of the 1975 issue of "Gun Digest", it has a very good explanation of the marks with an explanation of how and why they came about. I couldn't make out the first name in the photo, if it is Emil, he was very well known.He had sons and a grandson that were also gunsmiths. His grandson Helmut was a friend of mine and he was still living in 1982.He was designing a tip up rifle action,even though he had retired and was not in the best shape.
Mike

[Robert]

Robert,
If you can find a copy of the 1975 issue of "Gun Digest", it has a very good explanation of the marks with an explanation of how and why they came about. I couldn't make out the first name in the photo, if it is Emil, he was very well known.He had sons and a grandson that were also gunsmiths. His grandson Helmut was a friend of mine and he was still living in 1982.He was designing a tip up rifle action,even though he had retired and was not in the best shape.
Mike

WOW what a cool connection to the company, very neat thanks for sharing that

I would probably like an issue of GD from that year as I sure don't like the current issues, nothing but advertisements, I get enough of that already..../rant

This gun is Emil, also, isn't this gun tip up rifle action?

I shoot IDPA which was after work today so no time for photos today, maybe tomorrow or thursday

Is there a good estimation of how many of these Emil Kerner Drilings are around the States to your knowledge?


Thanks for your reply

Robert

[mike ford]

Robert,
I agree about the quality of current Gun Digests (cost also). Since John Amber died, no one else has been able to fill his shoes. This is not meant to be criticism of current editiors, after all they very big shoes to fill. You may find an old 1975 issue in a gunshow or used book store, or gunshop.
I guess I should have been clearer, of course, drillings, doubles,and vierlings are also "tip up" actions.He was working on a single shot tip up, often called a "stalking rifle" by Americans.The sample I examined was milled from Dural (alu.alloy), had a "thumb cocker" instead of normal lockwork (with hammer,etc) or safety (decocking made it safe), was reinforced by steel inserts ar points of stress or wear.It was dimensioned for full sized cartridges (7x65R, etc).I have often wondered what became of his action.
I have no idea how many Emil Kerner drillings are around. The one you have is the only one I have seen marked Emil Kerner Senior, Suhl. Many are marked Emil Kerner,Hof Buschenmacher(sp), and I have an o/u combination gun marked Emil Kerner and Sons.
Mike

[Robert]

Well I finally figured to just try some more pics, my camera just does not cut it, as I was putting it back together I took a couple extra pics free hand, held the gun in one hand and the camera in the other

suprise, the best photo out of 30ish and the stock is on hiding some of the proofs

hopefully someone may be able to identify the swirl above the serial number and maybe a bit lower also?

plus the rainbow color, does anyone know what this type of finish is referred to?




Robert

[ellenbr]

It is some adaptation to the Boys Kelber script L or pounds sterling stamp but slightly different.

Kind Regards,

Raimey
rse

[sharps4590]

The "rainbow swirl" is case hardening. A process whereby the part is packed in ground bone or some other material and heated to a particular temperature and held there for a pre-determined period of time. Different methods of hardening produce different colors and it only goes a few thousandths deep. It does literally wear off.

[Robert]

It is some adaptation to the Boys Kelber script L or pounds sterling stamp but slightly different.

Kind Regards,

Raimey
rse

Thank you

The "rainbow swirl" is case hardening. A process whereby the part is packed in ground bone or some other material and heated to a particular temperature and held there for a pre-determined period of time. Different methods of hardening produce different colors and it only goes a few thousandths deep. It does literally wear off.

That is cool as hell, I hope to learn more about that process,
Thanks for the info

Robert

[Tau]

Same barrel markings as my rifle. I assume Drillings with Krupp barrels are common????

[Axel E]

Krupp in Essen was not a barrelmaker, at least not of small arms barrels, but a steelmaker. Krupp's barrel steels came in several grades and were the most renowned barrel steels in Germany. Other barrel steels were just as good, but Krupp had the "NAME!"

[Robert]

Same barrel markings as my rifle. I assume Drillings with Krupp barrels are common????

Is your rifle posted here?

Krupp in Essen was not a barrelmaker, at least not of small arms barrels, but a steelmaker. Krupp's barrel steels came in several grades and were the most renowned barrel steels in Germany. Other barrel steels were just as good, but Krupp had the "NAME!"

hopefully its not pronounced krapp that gives it a name