Merry Christmas!
I have recently acquired my first double gun and was interested in learning more about it. I believe it to be a cape gun (shotgun on one side, rifle on the other) The bores look to be 16ga and 218 bee or 22wcf. It has Austrian Markings and is marked Franz Neuber and Sohn. I did some at-home tests and believe that the receiver is silver plated. It has a very nice engraving. Basically, I am trying to find out any info I can on this gun. I will add pictures if someone can tell me how haha. Any help is greatly appreciated!
Zach
zachs21,
When you post photos, be sure to include photos of the proofmarks, which are found on the underside of the barrels.Guns like this are often found with the rifle barrel lined to some other caliber.The proof marks will show the original cartridge, and if it is now different, it has been relined.Also include photo of both ends of the barrels and a chamber cast.
Mike
Hope that works! Thanks in advance for any help!
Zachs21,
I'm sorry,I can't make out all the markings on your gun.However, it does seem to show a 5.5mm(5.3?),which does indicate some 22 caliber cartridge.The photo of the muzzle doesn't show that it was relined, so whatever it is, is likely the original cartridge.This photo seems to show the top rib comming loose.If this is true, you should have it repaired by someone experienced with this type work.A loose rib(if true)is a little disturbing because the gun seems to have been refinished.If the barrels were reblued using a hot caustic salts method, that might be the source of the problem. While one of the proofmarks that I can see, seems to be a German "View" proofmark, the form of the barrels, seems Belgian. Do you think you could take clearer photos of the marks under the barrels? you might have to set up additional lighting or reflectors. Maybe Raimey or someone else can do more with the photos than I.
Mike
The rib is not loose? Thanks for your answer!
zachs21,
I can make out a couple more marks. The rifle barrel shows marks for proof for a solid projectile(bullet),a single definitive proof with provisinal charge(chiefly used on imported guns,but others also), and a View proof as mentioned before.Also the shotgun barrel shows a 20 in a circle,which indicates a 20ga 2 1/2" chamber.I couldn't see a crown W, so I believe it is cyl.bore. On the bottom rib, I see what I believe are numbers-3,20 over 840. If this is correct, it means the gun was proofed in Zella-Mehilis in March of 1920. The ledger entry was 840.The form of the gun still seems more Belgian or Austrian than German to me. Maybe Raimey or Axel or someone else better able to bring up the marks will weigh in .
Mike
Thanks for the info sir! Couple of questions for you...you said it should be 20 gauge but it will not chamber that...a 28 gauge fits perfect. Also the big one...does this have any good value?
Yes sir, at the muzzle the rib does look as if it's popped loose!
You see combination guns all over the place and in all kinds of condition. Anywhere from around $1,000.00 + or - to $4,000.00 and up. It's near impossible for me to offer a fair opinion without actually having the firearm in hand.
The receiver has me baffled. Did you give it a good cleaning and shine it up? Old silver should show some tarnish...or lots of tarnish and should be sort of dull instead of really shiny. That and the top rib at the muzzle. It sure looks separated in the picture. If so that would hurt the value some.
zachs21,
What I thought to be a 20 in a circle must have been a 28 in a circle then.There was a glare from the flash that obscured part of it.If it is a 28 in a circle, then it is,indeed, 28 ga.
Mike
Thanks guys...the receiver is the way I got it and I havent done any cleaning to it.
