Are there any books or articles on the Ferlach gun producing area of Austria and related companies. We are planning a trip to Austria and northern Italy (not going to Gardone).

thanks,

Good question. Ferlach proofmarks probably provide fewer clues than those of any other European proofhouses.

The Buchsenmacher u. Jagdmuseum of Ferlach is worth a visit



Ferlach





About 10 years ago Christian Schussmann organized a visit to the museum and some gunmakers for 2 buddies. I do not know if he still does so.
Kirschentheuer 2, 9162 Strau, Austria
+43 4227 2482
+43 664 54 29 293 cell
christianschussmann@hotmail.com

Please let us know if Chris is still there, and post some pics after returning! Raimey is likely green

As far as I know English articles are dated but here is a recent one by an Italian: http://www.bighunter.it/Home/Blog/tabid/58/EntryId/866/IL-MITO-DI-FERLACH.aspx

PS: If you see it in Italian, just press Translate.

Cheers,
Jani

There is a comprehensive/recent book on Ferlach
ISBN 978-3-7084-0612-1 - in German.
Pages 116 - 183 are an overview of TODAYS active gunmakers.
(10 minus J.Just(no longer active) + 5).
These are companies you could pay a visit.
Cheers
Felix

Ferlach is in the Dale of Roses--lovely little town with the classic clock tower, and FULL of custom gunshops. You will lose a day upon arrival there due to time zone, so be prepared for that or lose a day of shopping. You CANNOT see all the shops in one day! Famous gunsmiths like Fanzoy, Hauptmann, Hofer, Hambrusch, and many others are as friendly as you could ask, and surprise--one of the requirements of the school of gun making is that they are required to learn English! You will be overwhelmed and over stimulated by all you see there. The Museum of Gun Making which is illustrated in the photo in an above post is well worth your time as well. (One particular example of stock carving is as intricate as the very finest metal engraving--to bad picture taking was verboten) If you can't arrange to stay in Ferlach, nearby Klagenfurt is available, and trains run there. You will not regret going there I guarantee you. If your partner tires of all the gunshops there is also a lovely waterfall to tour.

hmmm.
I will be I Salzburg in October. may make the trip.

Felix, yes this book (Die geschichte der Ferlacher büchsenmacher) is very good but you need to have knowledge of German.
I.M.H.O. it is even the best book written on Ferlach gunmakers.
Marc.

BTW if you are going to be in Salzburg for sure, be sure to stop in on the Dschulnig gunshop. Very quaint, but beware==they have some great buys on used Austrian guns! Also have a good selection of Loden wear.

I had a ferry pilot that told me the same 'bout the Dschulnig shop. If any members are in Ferlach, stop by Fanzoj & tell them that I said to give you the nickel tour.....

Raimey
rse

Thanks all.

Dschulnig of course is worth a visit. It's an old fashioned style Shop and yes, they have interesting guns. In last September I saw there a nice little Belgian SxS 20 Gauge Sidelock. Ask price Was 450 sich €! Unfortunately I had my wife with me.

Gunwolf

Dschulnig of course is worth a visit. It's an old fashioned style Shop and yes, they have interesting guns. In last September I saw there a nice little Belgian SxS 20 Gauge Sidelock. Ask price Was 450 sich €! Unfortunately I had my wife with me.

Gunwolf