proof mark help - Christoph Funk rifle in 5.6x61 Von Hofe cal.

[buckstix]

Hello All,

I recently acquired a Christoph Funk rifle in 5.6x61 Von Hofe cal. I'd be interested to know what all the proof marks mean. Any info would be appreciated..


5.6x61helm-97-b.jpg

[mike ford]

Buckstix,
The 5.6 is the bore( not groove or bullet) diameter in mm. The 61 is the nominal case length in mm. The crown N next to another crown is for nitro proof of a rifle. Of the two numbers under 61, I can only clearly make out 157, which likely would be the ledger number from Zella- Mehlis Proof house. The other number, then, would be the date ( month, year), but I can't read it. The action a "small ring" action, which means it is likely a WW1 surplus action. Whether this is the first rifle built on this action, I can't tell. The KMG on the receiver ring means the duty bullet is a copper jacketed bullet. I can't make out the number under this mark. If it is much over about 5.06 grams( say from 10 to 14) that means the mark was for an earlier barrel. If for this barrel, then it would be a little over 5 grams. Most other marks I see are maker's rather than proof marks. If you can post clearer photos, maybe we can give additional info. Also, I didn't see a marking I recognized as being from Christoph Funk's, I asked because proof marks indicate Zella-Mehlis proof, but Christoph Funk was from Suhl and I would expect Suhl proof'.
Mike

[buckstix]

Buckstix,
The 5.6 is the bore( not groove or bullet) diameter in mm. The 61 is the nominal case length in mm. The crown N next to another crown is for nitro proof of a rifle. Of the two numbers under 61, I can only clearly make out 157, which likely would be the ledger number from Zella- Mehlis Proof house. The other number, then, would be the date ( month, year), but I can't read it. The action a "small ring" action, which means it is likely a WW1 surplus action. Whether this is the first rifle built on this action, I can't tell. The KMG on the receiver ring means the duty bullet is a copper jacketed bullet. I can't make out the number under this mark. If it is much over about 5.06 grams( say from 10 to 14) that means the mark was for an earlier barrel. If for this barrel, then it would be a little over 5 grams. Most other marks I see are maker's rather than proof marks. If you can post clearer photos, maybe we can give additional info. Also, I didn't see a marking I recognized as being from Christoph Funk's, I asked because proof marks indicate Zella-Mehlis proof, but Christoph Funk was from Suhl and I would expect Suhl proof'.
Mike

Hello mike ford,
Thanks for the reply.

the date mark is 140 -
the number under the KMG is 5.1gr -

[mike ford]

Buckstix,
The proof date, then, is Jan.1940. Also a 5.1 gram bullet fits for the 5.6 x61 v H SE.
Mike

[CJSL]

37962 is the Funk serial number, 962 might be stamped in the thumb grip, is there any other number close to the recoil lug? with four or more digits?

[Axel E]

As the script Z like mark, rather an L, shows, the barrel was rifled by the Suhl barrelmaker Louis Kelber.