These rifles were commonly called "Keilerbüchsen" as they were used on the running boar target. they are essentially target rifles, most often in 8.15x46R, but stocked like stalking rifles to conform to the rules of the Allgemeine Deutsche Jagdschutzverband, ADJV, the German hunters association. These rules prohibited several features of the Schuetzen target rifles, like peepsights, crescent butt plates, exaggerated combs and so on for use in hunter's matches. Many Keilerbüchsen, like this one, were set up with both peep- and open sights so that they could be used in Schuetzen matches too.
As the 8.15x46R was commonly reloaded with pre-packed powder charges offered by several powder companies and lead bullets, it was the cheapest centerfire to shoot for training and matches.
The action of this Loesche retailed rifle is a Frohn "Stabil" action, see Tom Rowe's book "Alte Scheibenwaffen Vol.2", pages 22-27.
Adolph Frohn, 1839 - 1914, Stadelstr.20, Suhl, invented several falling block actions and is also credited with the design of the 8.15x46R cartridge, also called the "Frohnpatrone". this became virtually the standard cartridge for both Schuetzen and hunter's match shooting. Frohn's shop was continued after 1914 to about 1930 by his son in law, Adolf Reinhaeckel.
As the Loesches were more retailers than makers, they certainly bought in this rifle from Frohn, Suhl. Only a photo of the proofmarks under the barrel may tell us more about the dating.
An Adolf Loesche opened his shop at Koelner Str.13, Magdeburg, in 1873. Son Gustav Loesche took over in 1905. In 1916 Waffen-Loesche, Magdeburg is listed at Wilhelmstr.13 (street renamed?). In 1916 he bought the remains of the bankrupt Stendebach&Co, Suhl. He closed this Suhl branch in 1926. His branch in Berlin is documented post-WW1 only, 1925-1941.
The Adolf Loesche, Grosse Packhofstr 21, Hannover branch was opened in 1919, together with A.Helmuthauser.
