Jani, if you get a chance please school us on the finer points of the Czech proof laws but yes the Simson connection is most perplexing. By the time of the production of this sporting weapon, with the aide of the Treat of Versailles, Simson was deep in production of Lugers along with the repair/conversion of military weapons. Simson was also churning out autos and bicycles along with baby carriages. At some point the name migrated to Simson Waffen & Fahrzeug GmbH, possibly in 1933 when the alternate name Waffa was used. It was at this same time that the Zella-Mehlis Association of Weapons makers, with Brother Walther with the ink quill, became pen pals with Adolf Hitler complaining that Simson & Company had a monopoly and was the reason the weapons industry had tanked in the early 1930s. At any rate the name Simson & Company on the top rib would seem to have originated prior to 1933. By 1946 SAG Awtowelo and by the time of the re-proof of the sporting weapon of question the name had transformed to VEB Fahrzeug-und Gertewerk Simson Suhl. So I would say the name atop the tubes was applied circa 1925 and it is possible the tubeset was renovated but still without any German proofs it is most interesting. But cross-sourcing by the Germans to other gunmaking centers is apparent.
Kind Regards,
Raimey
rse
