Gewehrfabrik and H.Barella Berlin single shot ?22

[HorsetraderJ]

I am looking for info on a Gewehrfabrik on one side with H.Barella Berlin on other sidesingle shot ?22, , Can any one tell me about it

[mike ford]

HorsetraderJ,
There is very little we can tell you about the rifle, with so little to go on. It would be helpful if you could post photos of the rifle, including photos of all markings ( especially any proofmarks), including any under the barrel. Heinrich Friedrich Wilhelm Barella formed his first gunshop in Magdeburg in 1844. He and his family ran a gunshop until Max Barella declared bankruptcy in 1931. You can find much more information about the firm and the family in the Archives section in www.germanhuntingguns.com. This website was established by our late founder Dietrich Apel and is maintained by one of our respected members, now.
Mike

[HorsetraderJ]

Does these photos help and it has a 28 1/2 octagon barrel, 13/16 barrel diameter and thank you,

[HorsetraderJ]

Here are proof marks under barrel

[mike ford]

HorsetraderJ
My impression of this rifle is that it is a falling block rifle that has been re-finished and may have very well been converted from Schuetzen(?) or Keiler Busche(?) configuration to hunting configuration with American sights added. It may have had the barrel relined to the present caliber. You described it as a ?22, but the mark that would show bore (not groove or bullet) diameter seems to have been over stamped, with the numbers stamped upside down compared to the mm. It seems to show a crown R ( R partly polished off) which is a repair proof, showing a significant repair or modification. Relining a barrel would require this stamp, but since it is partly polished off, it seems to predate the over stamped bore diameter stamp. If this is so, the proof marks wouldn't mean much any more. The mark next to the heart seems to be the mark of the original barrel maker. The heart is familiar to me but I can only recall similar ones on some Mod.98 Mausers converted to shotguns after WW1. I think they were marked "Remo". All in all, I can't be sure of much of this unless I could examine it closely "in hand", the trigger being single would require such an examination to determine if it is original shotgun type or if converted from a double set type, or if it is a single set type missing the adjustment screw. This would give a hint as to whether it was converted or only re finished. It may seem like I am criticizing the rifle, but I am not. A great many WW2 war trophies have been converted to something the owner considered more useful. As a collector I wouldn't do it, but as a hunter/shooter I can understand why. Other members may come in and offer more learned information.
Mike

[HorsetraderJ]

Thank you, when I look at end of Barrel, even with a glass, wouldnt I see a mark or some such if it was relined or not?? just smooth and clean no sign of a obvious reline. but I am not an expert on this stuff. you are correct it is a falling block, just fare enough to insert cartridge and eject. When i took the forearm off to see under barrel I are that someone has rebuilt at least fore end but most likely whole stock as the type of butt plate it currently has. as far as the R I think it is a B as that is what is on the Falling block and receiver in 1st set of photos, it that helps.

On the trigger it does have alot of travel but it does have a screw behind under trigger and there is no place for a double trigger as the plate is only big enough for one, I will attach a photo. I really appreciate your info and hope the answers I am sending back help, not hinder.

[mike ford]

HorsetraderJ,
If I were to check if the rifle has been relined I would do exactly the same thing you did. If you could not see a "joint", even under magnification, it must be original. Also, since you have the rifle "in hand", your opinion that a B rather than an R was partly removed is likely the better one. A crown B is the mark for a single definitive proof using a provisional proof charge. This is often applied to imported guns. From the new photo, the trigger looks like a single set trigger. The adjustment screw in single set screws is usually a headless type. Since the one in yours has a head, it may be a replacement for one lost somehow. When " set", such a trigger should not have a lot of travel, in fact should have hardly any at all. Set triggers of both types are very often found inoperable because the adjustment screw was misunderstood to adjust the "unset" trigger pull, and has been badly misadjusted. You should be able to push the trigger forward until it "clicks" to set it. If it does not "hold", it is either badly out of adjustment or is defective. If the trigger will not "set" after adjusting the screw, the screw is improper or the "sear" may be defective. If you are unable to adjust it so that it "sets", you should have a gunsmith look at it. A hunter would use a rifle like this to control predatory birds and animals during the off season to protect the young of game birds and animals. I hope this helps.
Mike

[HorsetraderJ]

Mike, Thank you for all your help, means a lot. I will look over the trigger idea and see what it does. If I was to decide to purchase this from Him What ranger of $ would you think? knowing the possible changes in stock and Barrel looks great.

[yamoon]

Interesting rifle, all of my German rifles are double set except one. The trigger adjustment screw in that one, adjusts sear engagement, it can be adjusted to the point of “slam” fire when the action is closed, so be aware of the possibility. As for price, reasonable, is how bad do I want it.
Mike

[HorsetraderJ]

Thanks for the info.. asking $300.00

[mike ford]

HorsetraderJ,
I don't usually estimate the value of someone else's gun that I do not have "in hand". However, if I had that offer I would likely take it.
Mike

[HorsetraderJ]

Thanks, I am on same page as you, I just dont have a lot of experience with german weapons, I have always wanted to but limited access in my part of the country, to learn more.

[mike ford]

HorsetraderJ,
Are you a member of the German Gun Collectors Assn. also or only of the Forum? If not, you should join, you will learn a lot from the publications- WAIDMANNSHEIL and Der WAFFENSCHMIED- and will have fun doing it. You can learn how to join from the main GGCA site, if you can't find it, PM me.
Mike.

[yamoon]

I would second that, the publications are worth more than the yearly dues.
Mike

[yamoon]

What part of the country do you live in
Mike