Pin pointing the exact year is probably not going to occur. year. The proofs on the gun were not required until 1891 and since there is no crown over N or Nitro it was probably proofed prior to 1912. So it was proofed with the alternate proof method the law provided hence the Schultz powder markings. These load markings disappeared around 1912. After 1912 nitro proofing stamps came along. It also lacks any number code for date of proof or production so that sort of reinforces my estimate of production between 1891 and 1912. Tread lightly on your loads as this gun wasn't meant for US standard ammo pressures - the wood is a hundred years old and doesn't need the pounding either. The pictures of the inside of the Nimrod action that Ramey pulled up are quite interesting. I have the feeling the Nimrod was sort of a field grade gun, not a high value item when new. I have no experience with this type action so can't help you with it's foibles. I note the crown over W stamps which tells you the barrels are choke bored (probably tight full)and the 13/1 indicates the bores are between 12 and 13ga which is also common on German guns. The 12 in the circle is the shell size which in this case would be 12ga 65mm. The 65 is a default length unless stated otherwise. This is an old gun and lots of bad things could have happened to it over the years so have a qualified doublegun smith check it out before use.
Last edited by Jerry V Lape; 09/11/12 01:13 AM.
