Need Help Identifying a Drilling

[starbox189]

Hello:

I am new to this forum. I inherited a drilling from my father's collection. See attached pictures. I apologize if my gun terminology may not be correct. It is marked BSW-SUHL along the rib and on the underside of the case. It is a 16x16. The rifle has two proof markings; near the hinge pin it is marked 7.8mm 57 and near the ejectors it is marked 8/57 JR. Any information you can offer regarding the history of this gun and /or manufacturer would be greatly appreciated. I am also interested in what it may be worth, not that i am interested in selling it.

Regards,
Starbox189

[Steve Whitley]

By the trademark on the underside, it was produced by Berlin-Suhler Waffen- und Fahrzeugwerke in Suhl, which was the name of the firm formally known as Simson & Co. The company was taken over by the Nazis ("Aryanization" of a Jewish-owned business) and operated under the BSW name from 1934 through 1938, and that will help date your firearm. After that year, it was renamed Gustloff Werke in honor of an Austrian party member.

Best regards,
Steve

[mike ford]

starbox189,
The markings 7.8mm 57 are the bore diameter and case length as found by the proof house. These marks could fit two different cartridges, but since it is also marked 8/57JR, that is the cartridge for which it is chambered.This was a very good and popular cartridge, and is still avaliable, even though not that easy to find. Where the shot barrels are marked 16 in a circle, if they are also marked with a 70 , they are chambered for the current standard 2 3/4" 16 ga shells. If they are not marked with a 70, then they are chambered for the old standard 2 1/2-2 9/16"(65mm) shells. These short shells are also avaliable from speciality sources.
Mike