Sempert & Krieghoff Drilling from 1940
Take a look at what master gunsmith Theo Velser of Waffen-Velser in the Eifel showed me during my last visit: This Krieghoff drilling was sold in 1940 by Krieghoff in Suhl to a customer in the Eifel Region in the western part of Germany.
It’s a self-cocking Hand Detachable Sidelock Drilling Modell “Neptun-Primus” caliber 16/8 x 57 IR No. 20809, with 60 cm long barrels, in standard design. And I think the engraving of the wild boars is not bad. As Master Engraver Hendrik Frühauf told me, the engraving is probably by Karl Feuchter. He was self-employed as a master engraver in the company of Sempert& Krieghoff.(today one would say subcontractor)
But he also engraved for a few other manufacturers.
What makes the Drilling very special is the original invoice from the year 1940. And the special thing on this invoice is in the last paragraph: In addition, a Doppelbüchsdrilling Wechsellauf was supplied!
Original invoice from 1940
And here comes the english translation, thanks to my friend Raimey Ellenburg!
We will send you on your account and risk by mail in 1 carton
Self-cocking Hand Detachable Sidelock Drilling Modell “Neptun-Primus” caliber 16/8 x 57 IR No. 20809, with 60 cm long barrels, in standard design, with top tang selector for either shotgun or rifle, activating a flip-up sight, rectangular front sight, cartridge chamber adapted for the designed 31.5 mm long Brenneke TIG(Torpedo-Ideal Bullet), with hunting scene engraving, silver-gray finish receiver(with sideclips), HT monogram on Toplever, intercepting scears as well as cocking indicators along with hand detachable rifle lock/triggerplate, separate manual cocking slide on top tang for the rifle lock; stocked according to Krieghoff’s patented stock measurement process, coupled with pistol grip and cheek piece, Buffalo horn triggerguard bow, interchangeable buttplates with cartridge trap, with proprietary bases for Krieghoff scope rings with locking feet for a secure fit, rifle barrel zeroed in at 100 meters utilizing a 3.5 gram Spezial Powder along with a 26mm long semi jacketed bullet, overall weight of 3,050 kg. additional Krieghoff barrel insert chambered in 22 caliber( cal. 22 1.f.B.Nr.13873) fitted to right shotgun barrel and sighted in over the center mounted rectangular sight and through the front sight to a 50 m target, sight provided with sight latch. Both shotgun barrels sighted in with at 50 m with Brenneke slugs.
Plus an extra Double Rifle Drilling barrel set in 8X57IR X 8X57IR X 16 No. 20810, 60 cm in length, both rifles sighted in at 100 m w/ 3.5 grams of Spezial Powder and semi jacketed bullet 26mm long fitted with scope mounts.
Total price RM 846,-.
It is also interesting that the buyer bought only 20 cartridges with it – given three rifle barrels!
It would certainly be interesting to learn how the Drilling, complete with interchangeable barrel and bill, got through the post-war period. Good thing it was in the French occupied zone of Germany – otherwise it might have ended up in the United States of America and I would never have gotten to see it!
Wolfgang, your comments on the Velser drilling is very good. I find it pityy that you not show the detachable triggergroup en pictures of the locks out of the frame.
Cheers, your friend, Marc.
Marc, you’re right, but I didn’t have enough time. On my next visit I will make up for it and add to my post. I also know the engraver in the meantime – to be read here soon!
Many greetings, Wolfgang
Wolfgang, as I know you, you are very accurate and I am sure that I read very soon more and see additional pictures.
Have a easter, cheers, your friend, Marc.