Who are/were the top rated drilling makers from Suhl?

[Doug Kellermann]

I have focused in acquiring Drilling and combos from Suhl. Who are post commie period, who were during the commie period and who were pre WWII the top upper end drilling/combo makers in Suhl?

thanks

Doug

[Jim Cate]

Doug, I can't help you with postwar German Drillings as my focus has never been beyond 1945. However, that being said, I can honestly tell you there were numerous Drillings made in Suhl which were beautifully engineered and made guns. I can assure you that I. Merfert, Sempert & Krieghoff, Merkel, and J.P.Sauer made some superior Drillings. Naturally I believe Sauer did make the best, but it's kind of like women and bird-dogs.....it's whatever you like best!

[Doug Kellermann]

Hey Jim

I really enjoy your book the J.P. Sauer Suhl Waffenstadt!

To answer my own question. For pre WWII from a large production house perspective I do believe Sauer is one of if not the best. From a much smaller boutique perspective I have to go with Funk and from a middle size I would go with Meffert.

Post WWII the Fortuna are very nice but Wolf is much better with Merkel being close but not as fancy.

I am drawing this conclusion from guns that I own.

In my opinion all the drillings and combo guns from Suhl that I have ever touched or purchased have been first rate.


Regards,

Doug

[chapmen]

Dont forget the wellknown makers like:

Schmidt&Habermann

Miller&Val.Greiss/München

Grundig/Dresden

Merkel/Suhl

Here is an example of Miller&Greiss craftmansship:

Schmidt&Habermann:

Merkel:


Mike