doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion German & Austrian Sporting Guns @ doublegunshop.com Firma Franz Kettner 16ga

I have a side by side 16ga that I inherited from my grandfather and I was hoping to get more information on it. The top of the barrel is marked "Firma Franz Kettner" on one barrel and "Koln-Suhl" on the other. There is also the word "Nitro" engraved under each barrel. Under the forestock it is marked "KRUPP" along with what appears to be a makers mark and "SS" stamped in each barrel with a "W" on one barrel and the number 2439. I can also see a mark with a crest with a crown under it and a U under that. There is also a "W" with a crown above it, the number 16 inside a circle and 16/1 next to it. I will attempt to get some pictures posted in the near future. Any and all help is greatly appreciated. Facebook Photo Album

Can't view the images.

Eduard Kettner retailed out of Cologne(Koln) and claimed a shop in Suhl, which I think to believe just an office to source the craftsmen of Suhl. Some sources give that businessman Franz Otto Julius Kettner founded Eduard Kettner with the business man Eduard Kettner being Franz Otto Julius Kettner's father. Any way it was founded in 1884 I think with Franz Kettner, a 1st cousing, being the master gunsmith. There was some friction, maybe Eduard the business many wanted to field test and peddle the examples while master gunsmith Franz did all the work, so master gunsmith Franz Kettner left to fun his own business. Eduard Kettner was a vendor that offered about anything needed by a hunter. In 1925 the Dornheim Company absorbed Eduard Kettner.

http://www.doublegunshop.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=210425&page=1

Kind Regards,

Raimey
rse

There is a very nice little 16 boxlock in the shop where I do a little part-time work that is completely unmarked. Using information I've found on this webpage, I've dated it to March of 1924. From looking at the shape and features of the action, the engraving, and comparing it to photography of other Frans Kettner shotguns I've seen online, I'm convinced that it's a Kettner gun as well. Light (5lbs14) and unusually scalloped action (s-shaped), Suhl proof marks, 29" Krupp steel tubes, side clips, Greener cross-bolt, and very fine snail's ear cocking indicators tucked in next to the top lever. My question is this: why no name on the rib?

Probably just a tradegun or the original retailer who placed the order may have changed his mind? Can you confirm that NITRO in block letters on the sides of the tubes or flats and what exactly is stamped above and below what you think to be the datecode?

Kind Regards,

Raimey
rse

I just finished a fairly lengthty posting and this webpage hung up on me. Frustrating. The date stamps are 3/24 and are near the lumps on the barrel flats. I believe the NITRO stamp is near there as well. The circular Krupps Prima Stahl stamps are on the sides of the tubes (both sides). The serial number is four digits and is repeated on the barrel flats, the water table, the forend, and the trigger guard. Checkering and engraving is very fine, even the very thin, horn butt plate is finely checkered. English grip and splinter w/a Deeley&Edge release. Wood to metal fit is stunning everywhere, an absolute "sucking" fit. My initial research indicated that a Model 8 Sauer would be comparably equipped, but this is far nicer.

If you have the opportunity, snap an image of the flats, sides of the frame and let's have a gander. Sounds like a fine example & I wonder if it was sourced from Zella-Mehlis?

Kind Regards,

Raimey
rse

Lloyd:

Is that gun you mentioned for sale or in for service. If the former, I'd be interested in acquiring it if it is fairly priced.

Thanks.

Rem

REM: Look for my PM.

Loyd3,
The reason Raimey asked if NITRO was in block letters, is, if so it is Suhl; if script, then Zella Mehlis.
Mike

Definitly block letters. I've not heard of Zella Mehlis, is that a person or a place?