Mun. & Waffenfabr 16 gauge
 

I was given this shotgun and haven't found much on the web about it.
The frame seems small and the gun very light. I haven't found an accurate scale to weigh it. Any input would be appreciated.

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IMG_6453 by Bonadurers, on Flickr

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IMG_6456 by Bonadurers, on Flickr

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IMG_6468 by Bonadurers, on Flickr

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IMG_6462 by Bonadurers, on Flickr

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IMG_6483 by Bonadurers, on Flickr

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IMG_6479 by Bonadurers, on Flickr

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IMG_6470 by Bonadurers, on Flickr

Best regards

Jeff

Jeff, Could you post better closeup's of the barrel flats so we can determine the chamber length and caliber? Looks to be in pretty good shape for a old timer.

I have no idea what it is but I would love to have it!!!

Thats a pretty nice gift someone gave you.

Lovely!

It's chambered for 16 gauge (65 mm case length) shells, with a nominal 16 gauge bore. Both bores are choked (the Crown "W" signified that...) Proofed in Germany, but I see no date code. (May mean proof in Suhl, prior to 1912)

The lever cocks the hammers. I believe the patent was held by a man named Schrauder.

Have you posted images on the German gun collector's forum ?

Yes, it looks more dangerous than those dastardly Damascus barreled guns I see here, so if you want to be perfectly safe, I can take it off your hands. : )

Nice gun !

John

Very interesting gun. Never seen one like it before. I take it the under lever opens the gun as well as cocking the hammers?
I have seen similar european designs with an opening/cocking under lever, but not in that particular arrangement.

That pin in each side of the cheek is to help hold the head together. It may be cracked, or may have been done as a precautionary measure. Many of these European guns have split heads. There is not a lot of wood in them at all and the action ends up acting like a wedge once things are loose and start moving.

Typical stipple type matting on the top of the frame. The engraving is relatively sparse and simply done, but the duck and dog on the sides look to be very nice.

The engraving and trigger guard release reminds me of the spooky Wanschmeid drilling I saw years ago at a firehouse gun show in Concord NH - 28 ga. SxS over 9.7 x 64 mm under. The thing weighed a hair under 7 pounds. Apparently custom built for Auerhahn hunting in moose country or the reverse.

I checked my references last night. It was made by Dreyse, using Robert Schrader's patented action. (The top tang - where we would usually see a safety - will probably show the DRP, or patent number.) The patent was granted in 1898.

The cocking/safety lever is shown in the neutral, or safe position. You push it forward to open the gun, and pull it back to tension the mainsprings. No typical safety is needed.

Cool as hell !!!!

Thanks for all the great input. I did post the same pictures on the German Gun Collectors forum.
The mechanism is built on the Deutsches Reichs Patent 100914 associated
with the name Robert Schrader of Gottingen. He also has other firearm patents.
Everyone is correct, pushing the lever forward, opens the action and pulling it rearward, cocks the hammers.
I still need to put it across an accurate scale. It feels extremely light.
I will try and get a macro shot of the barrel flats and post it.
I do have some RST 16 gauge shells and I plan on patterning this little
gun with.

Best regards,

Jeff