Fr. Weingartner in Wetheim. A/M.

[Blackhawk]

Greetings,

I am looking for any additional information/understanding of a German target rifle that is shown in the attached picture. The top flat of the octagon barrel is engraved with what is indicated in the subject line. I assume the maker was Fr. Weingartner and he was located in Wertheim Germany. Unsure about what "A/M." stands for. Could it be an Main, which is the river on which Wertheim is located?

The proof marks on the bottom flat of the barrel are the crowned B, E and G. The numbers 108,49 are stamped, which I understand to be the bore size of the rifled barrel. The barrel is engraved with "Guss Stahl" (i.e. cast steel). The rifle is chambered for the 9.5x47R cartridge.

The tilting block of the Martini style action also has the crowned B & U proof marks. In addition, the letters "G.E.H" are stamped. What would that indicate? There is also what appears to be a serial number in the 2300 series.

I could not find any date codes. I am guessing the rifle was made in the last decade of the 19th century. Any way to get a more accurate year?

Any information on the rifle would be appreciated. My plan is to get the rifle to shoot again. I will start with black powder loads. With the "Guss Stahl" barrel is smokeless powder even a consideration?


9.5x47r extra 002.JPG

[mike ford]

Blackhawk,
The maker of your rifle was likely someone in Suhl or Zella-Mehlis who made it "for the trade" and Fr.Weingartner A/M was likely a local gunsmith who sold it. It is very possible that Weingartner finished it according to the customer's desires. You are correct, A/M Main does mean "On" Main( on the Main River). The crown B indicates a single definitive proof made with the provisional proof charge. The crown G means it was proofed to fire a single projectile (bullet). In one case, you said it showed a crown E, which would indicate an Express Proof, which would be a little unusual on a target rifle. In another case, you described a crown U on the action , but not the barrel. The crown U indicates a 'View" proof( detailed inspection, after proof). Is it possible that you misread a crown U as crown E on the barrel. I'm guessing the rifle is black powder proofed, since you mentioned it and it would be typical for a 9.5x47R. However, it is quite common to shoot such rifles with "Nitro for Black" loads, and if properly done shouldn't cause problems.
Your query brings back fond memories to to me. During my two tours of duty at Wuerzburg A/M, in the Facilities Engineers we had a Sub Facilities Engineers office at Wertheim ( as well as Kitzengen A/M). I often had occasion to visit there and found it a very pretty location. Also, for several years, I was president of the North Bavarian Area of the US Rod and Gun Clubs, Europe. Wertheim had one of the Clubs in the area and offered many opportunities to US Forces.
Mike

[Blackhawk]

Hello Mike,

I was glad to see the response from you. In searching the forum I saw that you helped many others in identifying rifles that they needed help with. I figured if anyone would know it would be you.

You are correct about the proof on the bottom flat of the barrel. It is a crown U, not an E. I noticed I also misspelled Wertheim in the subject line.

I am so glad my post brought back fond memories of your stationing at Wuerzburg. Sounds great. I will let my son know of your deployment as he is currently stationed at Illesheim, which is not too far away. I was hoping my son could get off the base to visit Wertheim and other places, but COVID restrictions has stopped all such excursions. Anyway, it's better than s FOB in Afghanistan, which is where he was prior.

Thanks again

[mike ford]

Blackhawk,
Great. Tell your son we appreciate his service. Also, tell him to go out of his way, if he has to, and take the class to get his hunting license( unless he already has). It is a lot harder now to to find one, since they closed so many bases down. Hunting in Germany was great.
Mike