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All that I can find on this firm tells me that Karl Bauer operated from ? at least 1918 to ? 1937 or even some later. Purchased guns from various manufacturers across Europe for resale, and SOME were marked with the Kaba firm's name and/or logo. Most widely known is Menz's Liliput pistol, later also made (with slight variation) in Spain by two Arizmendi firms, also marked "Kaba." I have seen some drillings evidently made by Krieghof with Kaba logo markings, and I think ? I recall Mauser converted 98 actions done by some Thüringen firm(s) as single-shot bolt action shotguns with a Kaba mark? Bauer definitely sold a variety of Floberts and large caliber rifles built on Mauser actions, but I don't know if any were produced with their name exhibited. They also offered small caliber rifles such as the "Kaba Spezial" model, in both short-stocked sporter configuration as well as "Wehrsport" military configuration, and most of these seen or reported seem to have BUG proofs on the bolts. The assumption is generally that these were made by August Menz, albeit the ones in military configuration have a stock similar to the 1933 trainer contenders made by Langenhan in Zella-Mehlis.
Does anyone know of a Kaba catalog, either original or reprint? Any documented info on the firm? Any info on German arms makers who may have sold Bauer guns for resale with the Kaba trademark/name on them? Any help appreciated!
Steve Whitley
Does anyone know of a Kaba catalog, either original or reprint? Any documented info on the firm? Any info on German arms makers who may have sold Bauer guns for resale with the Kaba trademark/name on them? Any help appreciated!
Steve Whitley
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