serial #20276, 16 ga. by 8x57R, 23 1/2” Rochling Elektro and Krupp Laufstahl barrels choked a tight full in both, all showing bright excellent bores, the right tube with a tiny tiny ding nearer the muzzle. The barrels retain about 97-98% original blue, the loss due to even light fading and a bit of wear at the muzzles showing perhaps a tiny oxidation spot or very light handling marks scattered here and there, a few areas of light oxidation scattered along the left tube. The breeches show light rings of scroll and geometric engraving. The sideclipped frame shows full coverage open flowing Germanic foliate scroll with background punch-dot shading. It is a silvery nickel-like tone anodized finish, with wear to the silvery aluminum base metal beneath, along the belly of the frame, with numerous scratches in this area as well; it is marked “Krieghoff-Drilling/Trumpf-Dural”. The horn triggerguard bow rates very fine showing only some very light scratches, the top lever and barrel selector showing excellent original blue. The checkered capped pistolgrip European walnut buttstock and splinter style forend rate very fine showing the expected very light dings and handling marks that come from a field-used arm, with some more prominent dings on the forend ahead of the iron. The buttstock features a scant European hogback style comb with a rounded shadowline cheekpiece and a 14 5/8” length of pull to the grooved horn buttplate. The arm features double triggers (the front a single set), Greener safety, pin style cocking indicators and top-of-tang mounted rifle barrel selector (there is no separate safety for the rifle barrel, its selector acting as its safety). The arm locks up with dual under bites and Greener crossbolt and is tight on face with the lever slightly right of center. Sights are a silver bead front with u-notch rear which is automatic when actuated, and the rib was maker fitted with Sempert & Krieghoff quick detach bases; no rings are present. The quick-detach buttplate removes with a quarter turn and reveals two spaces for rifle cartridges, five spaces for .22 long rifle cartridges and a Sempert & Krieghoff .22 L.R. sub caliber adapter for the left tube, serial numbered 10583, rating excellent overall. Proofed in 1936, this is a solid and quality-made drilling with some wonderful amenities that will likely perform very well again afield. 8x57JR is readily available on the commercial market. (3C9100-843) {C&R} [Richard “Stretch” Kennedy Collection] (2500/4000)
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