Page 218 - Demo

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LOT 297
J.J. Reeb of Bonn Exhibition Quality Panel Scene
Engraved and Gold Inlaid Double Barrel Hammer
Shotgun - Serial no. 622, 16 gauge, 29 5/8 inch solid rib bbl., brown/
casehardened/gold/blue finish, walnut stock. Johan Jakob Reeb (1843-1924) of
Bonn, was a gunsmith, gunmaker, and retailer in the city of Bonn in western Germany from
1870 to 1909. His sons continued the business under his name. August Pachmayr of Pachmayr Gun
Works fame trained as an apprentice at Reeb’s gunsmithing school. The rib and both locks have “J.J. REEB IN BONN” in gold inlay. The barrels, locks, frame, and furniture have gold wire borders and scroll engraving.
OT 296
Finely Engraved and Gold Inlaid M.A. Saam Left-Handed
Rotary Underlever Stalking Rifle - NSN, 10 mm cal., 25 3/4 inch
octagon bbl., blue/gold/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Michael Adam
Joseph Saam was a gunmaker active in Frankfurt am Main in the 1870s. This rifle is
signed “M.A. SAAM. FRANKFURT. A/M.” on the top flat of the barrel which has a diamond and dot pattern “matting” and is fitted with dovetailed blade and notch sights. The barrel also has a pair of gold bands at both the muzzle and breech and a latter engraved border at the
latter. It has no caliber markings but measures around .40 caliber (slightly over 10 mm) at the muzzle and has a “78/41” marking along with the German proofs and a “CS” marking on the bottom of the barrel. It may
be in 10.5x47R given other rifles by Saam noted in that caliber. The back action lock
is mounted on the left side and is signed “M.A. SAAM” and “FRANKFURT A/M” in a pair of banners. The lock, the action, and the fittings have gold inlaid borders, scroll engraving,
and floral accents. The trigger guard features a gold inlaid monogram that appears to be “CL” and has a horn grip extension with carved scrolls at the rear. The upper tang is fitted with a folding peep sight, and the action is equipped with adjustable double set triggers. The wood has excellent figure. The forearm
and wrist of the buttstock are finely checkered, and cheek rest is on the right side for use by a left handed shooter. Sling
swivels are mounted on the bottom of the barrel and bottom of the butt. The buttplate has a checkering pattern that coordinates with the barrel “matting” and has an empty compartment.
CONDITION: Fine with 85% of the period refurbished blue finish remaining on the barrel and thinning to a smooth plum brown tone, 25% of the period refurbished case colors, essentially all of the original gold inlays, 70% plus original blue finish on the trigger guard, and crisp markings and engraving. There is some minor wear including faint oxidation/pitting. The wood is also very fine and has distinct checkering, attractive figure, minor dings, and minor age and handling related wear. Mechanically excellent. This is a classic German sporting rifle in fine condition. It is especially rare given its left-handed configuration. Estimate: 7,500 - 14,000
The right lock has a scene with a dog on the rear and a fox at center. The left lock has a hound at the rear and a wading bird at the center. The trigger guard has a “KC” monogram in gold and a portrait of a hunter smoking a pipe is just ahead of the bow. The barrels have “12598” on the bottom. The bottom barrel flats and water table are
marked “IIR” and “622.” The flats also have “crown/BP” proofs. The stock and forearm are checkered, and a cheek rest is on the left.
CONDITION: Good with bright original gold inlays, generally crisp engraving, mostly gray patina, partially smoothed moderate to heavy pitting on the barrels, a welded up
spot just ahead of the forearm on the right, and oxidation concentrated on the buttplate. The wood is fair and has heavily worn checkering, attractive grain and figure, some small chips, and general light
scrapes and dents. Mechanically fine. 216 Estimate: 3,000 - 4,500