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LOT 1430
Factory Engraved Edward Kettner 16 Gauge Sidelock Double
Barrel Shotgun Attributed to Reichsmarschall Herman Goring’s
Hunting Lodge - Serial no. 24201, 16 gauge, 29 9/16 inch solid rib bbl., blue/
casehardened finish, walnut stock. Manufactured c.1930s, this shotgun is attributed as part
of the personal collection of Reichsmarschall Hermann Goring. Goring was known as a devoted
hunter and to have maintained two separate hunting lodges, Emmyhall in Eastern Prussia named for
his second wife Emmy Sonnemann, the “First Lady of the Third Reich”, as well Carinhall north-east of Berlin
named for his first wife Carin. As one of the leaders of the National Socialist party, Goring plundered countless
valuable from across Europe and stored them at Carinhall as part of his personal collection, which included many fine arms.
Goring’s love of sporting arms carried over into his role as head of the Luftwaffe, where he was directly involved in the
issuing of the M30 Survival Drillings to aircraft crews, unarguably the finest survival arm ever to see military service, as well
as presenting arms as gifts to distinguished soldiers and friends, as is likely the case of the J. P. Sauer Over/Under Shotgun
Lot 426 in this auction. Included with the gun is a signed and notarized letter from Peter Stepanek, one of the original
“Ritchie Boys” and Head of Eastern European Intelligence for the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) by the end of World War
II. The explains how he obtained this gun from the Goring’s collection after forming a relationship during his interrogation
for the Nuremberg trials post WWII. The gun was given to Stepanek due to his great love of hunting arms. The gun came
from the hunting lodge of Baron von Schutzel where it was being stored for Goring’s use
at the time, as it was, according to Stepanek, Goring’s favorite 16 gauge. Also
included is a copy of Stepanek’s eulogy and a number of photos from
his time in the service.
The gun was built with blued Krupp steel barrels featuring a
single bead sight on the matted concave solid rid, Kettner
markings on either barrel, light engraving at the
breech, front sling swivel, period proof marks, choke
constrictions of .034/.030 inches, and chambers with a single extractor. The barrels
are fitted to the casehardened sidelock action with clipped fence and Greener crossbolt,
which displays floral and scroll engraving and featuring cocking indicators, double
triggers, and a tang mounted manual safety. The gun is fitted with a lightly figured
and multi-point checkered forend with engraved forend iron and a pistol grip stock
with raised cheekpiece, engraved steel grip cap, absent rear sling stud hole, and horn
buttplate. Stock measurements: 1 5/16 inch drop at comb; 2 11/16 inch drop at heel; 14
3/8 inch length of pull; weight 6 lbs. 10 oz.
CONDITION: Fine, retaining 90% original blue finish, smooth grey patina on the action
with some protective varnish, and mostly brown patina toward the breech. The refinished
wood is good with dings and scratches, some edge chipping, some smoothed checkering,
and a layer of varnish. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 4,000 - 7,000
LOT 1429
Rare and Exceptional Pre-World
War II German Mauser “S/42G” Code K98k Bolt Action Rifle - Serial no. 5600b, 7.92 mm Mauser
cal., 23 3/4 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Manufactured by Mauser in 1935 as part of Germany’s “discreet” early re-armament programs prior to the
outbreak of World War II. Features fixed blade front and adjustable tangent rear (graduated from 100 to 2,000 meters) sights, “S/42G” code marked on top of the chamber,
and drooped wing “eagle” and “K|155” proofed receiver ring and barrel. Matching visible serial numbers on the receiver ring, barrel, bolt assembly, trigger housing, both barrel bands, and
buttplate, along with matching “00” partial serial numbers on the magazine floor plate, magazine follower, bolt stop, and rear sight. Fitted with a walnut handguard and walnut stock with matching serial
number stamped on the underside, along with “DRP/Kln” codes stamped in the right side sling recess and drooped wing “eagle”, “H” (Heer),
and drooped wing “eagle/WaA103” stamps on the right of the butt.
CONDITION: Excellent condition retaining 97% original blue finish with some minor edge wear, some minor cycling wear, a few small
areas of visible thinning with some brown patina, some minor freckling on the buttplate, some light handling marks, and clear markings.
The stock is exceptionally fine with some scattered light compression marks and scuffs, crisp stamps, and attractive original raised grain.
Mechanically excellent. It would be nearly impossible to find a matching pre-World War II Mauser “S/42G” code K98k rifle with as high a
level of condition!
Estimate: 7,000 - 10,000