A walk through Ferlach, Austria. - The DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com

If there exists a Holy Grail for gun collectors, then I would suggest that the location is Ferlach, Austria. Whenever an author takes on the subject of this quaint village, the superlatives begin to flow, perhaps because some of the very best work being done today in the arena of fine firearms manufacturing is yet taking place there. I confess that I am still way overstimulated by my brief visit there. While no single article can do the subject justice, and indeed each of the master gunsmiths deserves individual treatment, let's jump in with both feet!
The road into town deposits you in front of the shop of Joseph Just. He and his charming wife run a well-stocked emporium for hunters. While they will take orders for bespoke weapons, they have on hand a healthy selection of exquisitely engraved firearms in a variety of configurations ready for immediate delivery. An Austrian maker worth his salt will have the odd Bergstutsen, Kipplauf, and drilling. From there, things get interesting in a hurry. One of Herr Justs' specialties is the shotgun drilling, which gives the hunter three quick shots. Need a double rifle, or three barrelled rifle--no problem.
One thing becomes immediately apparent...if you are looking over the wares of ANY of the major names in Ferlach, you are looking at the very best. The five-year gunsmithing school does not prepare one to go to work for the premier makers. Only the best and most experienced need apply to their stables, and you won't likely be disappointed with any of them. I can tell you that there were several at the Joseph Just establishment which I could have claimed as my "ultimate gun."
Just up the street a couple of doors is the firm of one Herr Glanznig. He was out, to a show in Dubai I believe, and unavailable for contact. Much of his business is in bespoke orders.
Across the street and starting up the hill, one sees the sign for the Buchsenmacher Museum. Here is a well laid out history of the gunmaking industry of Ferlach, well illustrated with the completed guns of makers which you will personally meet if you stay in town for any time at all. I recommend a visit, if for no other reason than to see one stellar example of the art of woodcarving. Set amongst the works of Koschat, and Borovnik is one rifle whose butt stock made me realize that I only 'thought' I knew something about woodcarving. Words cannot do justice to the composition, detail, depth and overall excellence of that stock! It was as intricate as a fine painting and as well-executed as the finest engraving. Such work raises the bar on what is considered possible in the world of custom gunmaking.
The whole idea of visiting Ferlach some day was set in motion by the photograph of one of Ludwig Borovnik Sr. over under double rifle elegantly embellished with a deep relief engraving of Diana the Huntress in full stride with raised spear. One look at the burl wood, the fit and finish, and I was an instant fan of his work. The senior Borovnik retired in 2004 from actively working in the shop, but not before his son, Ludwig Borovnik Jr. came into his own at the trade. His work is as stellar as his well-earned reputation. No one will have to tell you when you arrive at his somewhat opulent business situated next to his downright opulent home. Likewise, no one will have to point out a Borovnik gun to you once you have seen his work.

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By the by---the first photos you saw above were of the Dschulnig shop in Salzburg, included because a Borovnik shotgun and an Outschar combo were on sale used at actually very reasonable prices. Steve

Excellent effort in bringing the talent pool of the Austrian craftsmen to the forefront. Recently I've spent some time with an Austrian weapons enthusiast who was telling me about Waffen Dschulnig and how the daughter or grand-daughter had taken the reins and pretty much resurrected then firm after her brother had driven the company into the ground after being smitten by alcohol. I'm working on the full story. Apparently there is a max to the total size of images in a post so if you keep the max number of images to say 8 or 9, they usually will all display. I'll move a few for you.

Kind Regards,

Raimey
rse

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Lone last image.

Kind Regards,

Raimey
rse

Thank you ever so much, Raimey. I should point out one of the pictures in Herr Fanzoj's shop illustrating the triumph of engraving and setting silver images in a titanium rifle. Apparently the hardness and peculiar characteristics of the metal stymied many first attempts. One can see that they just about have a handle on it.

The photos from top to bottom are: The Dschulnig shop, the shop foreman for Peter Hofer, Ludwig Borovnik, Jacob Koschat, Gerd Hauptmann, Johann and Daniela Fanzoj, and Josef Just. Enjoy!

Steve,

Thanks so much for posting. I really love the Ferlach guns, just can't afford them. When I was in Belgium, I had the pleasure of visiting with a collector who had many Ferlach guns. They are works of art.

Pete