H. Scherping Questions

[otto nebel]

I have a Scherping double rifle that I'd like to shoot and could use some help interpreting the markings.
Top of Barrel 1. H Scherping Hof Buchsenmacher 2. Hannover
Both Barrels 3. Krupp Stahl 4. EH 5. Crown over G
Under Rib 6. SS (Just behind forend hanger) 7. 6.05 8. crown over N 9. 1401 10. 30
Breach Flats 11. 67,49 12. Crown over U & G
I interpret the markings as the Scherping was nitro proofed in June 1905 and that the barrels are made from Krupp steel.
Questions:
1. SS marking. Do you think that this is the Sauer marking and that Scherping sourced the parts from Sauer?
2. EH ?
3. 1401. Is this the log book number for the proof in 1905?
4. Not sure what the 30 signifies. Any ideas?
5. I think that the 67,49 is the bore expressed in gauge but have forgotten how to calculate inches from bore gauge.
I measured the bore and groove diameters at .409” / .424” and a chamber cast is consistent with the 10.75 X 65 R Collath or Grundig. Probably the Grundig.
If H. Scherping died 8 years after this rifle was proofed, would he have likely made it or were the Eckebrecht brothers already active in the company?
Thanks,
Otto
Scherping barrel1.jpg
Scherping barrel2.jpg

[mike ford]

Otto,
We are not overlooking you, if Axel or someone hasn't answered by the time I get back from Dr. appt. I will try to address your question.

Mike

[otto nebel]

Thanks Mike. I've had the Scherping a long time but just now decided that I'd like to shoot it.
I've ordered some of the 10.75 X 65 R cartridges from Huntingon and wonder if anyone on the forum is shooting this cartridge?
Otto

[Axel E]

The gun was proofed by the Zella (-Mehlis) proofhouse June 1905. So it was most likely made for Scherping by the Zella – Mehlis guntrade. SS is certainly not Sauer & Sohn, Suhl, but an unidentified Z-M barrelmaker. EH is most likely Ernst or Emil Hengelhaupt, gunmakers to the trade in Zella- Mehlis.
67.49 is a gauge number, in use in Z-M until 1911. It indicates a bore/land (NOT groove/ bullet) diamete of .410 - .419" at the time of proof.
The Eckebrechts, born in the 1850s, were certainly active in their "H.Scherping" family business at the time your gun was made. They were stepsons of Heinrich Scherping. The business was founded by Louis Eckebrecht in 1849. After Louis' early death, Heinrich Scherping married the widow. So the Eckebrechts and Hans Scherping were half-brothers.

[otto nebel]

Thanks Axel. I especially appreciate the information on the Scherping family.
It's interesting that the bore still will accept a .409" pin gauge but a .410" is tight enough that I didn't;t force it all the way into the muzzle.
I suspect that the #1401 is the log book number of the proof house and that the crown over N, means that it was nitro proofed. I don't have a clue as to what the 30 signifies.
I've decided to fit a set of claw mounts to the rifles bases. The front base takes a claw that I've seen before but the rear base is one that I've never encountered and I don't see how it retains / locks the rear mount. Does anyone recognize the base pictured or know how the mount is locked in place?
Ottorear claw1.jpg

[otto nebel]

rear claw3.jpgAdditional pictures of the claw mount base.
rear claw2.jpg

[Axel E]

Never seen a mount base like this! But I suspect it worked like the "Bohemian" mount somehow: Two hooks going into the recesses on the underside sideways.

[mike ford]

Otto,
I agree with Axel, Give me a little time to look through my "junk pile" and maybe I can help. If so, I may email or PM you.
Mike

[otto nebel]

Axel
Thank you for the picture of the mount above.
I've never seen a similar mount but suspected that the Scherping used a mount with outside hooks, as there isn't enough room in the base for an internal locking devise.
Otto