Not great shots, as the folks really didn't want me handling the piece, but I sneaked the forearm cap off and snapped a couple.

So, what can you sleuths tell me about it now, please?

TIA for any help.

Doing a search on the Yahoo Germany, I've come up with a reference to a gunmaker by the name of Josef Michalek 1866-1945. Evidently a paper was written abot gunmaking and Josef Michalek was included in the paper. The name Michalek also comes up in reference to the gunmaker Kuchenreuter, which is today in Cham very close to the Austrian border.

It would seem that J. Michalek was from Oberoesterreich (western Austria) and was a fairly well known gunmaker. If this is true, actions and barrels may have come out of Ferlach which started as a gun making center in 1524 (I think).

If you're successful, you can send pics of the various markings to Austria and they will probably be able to help you. If the gun is Austrian, then the 364 would not be a proof date, unless maybe it was reproofed in Germany.

Best I can guess...we need a Ferlach specialist.

Thank you very much. Does that info change your previous guess on value? If so, please indicate plus or minus.

I'm in a little over my head in that I don't know this gunmaker. I see from the pics that there is some gold detailing, engraving is decent, no real figure to the wood. This "type" of gun in this condition (as much as I can see) goes at auction in Germany pretty regularly for $1500...but then you would have to spend $500 to get it here. This is a well made gun of its type but not a deluxe or custom example, IMO.

Your probably going to outbid the pro who knows what its worth...its the emotional amateur you're going to be bidding against....good luck.

Thank you for all your assistance, Jon. Long live AR and its good people!

The proof marks are all German, with what appears to be the number "634" beneath the 8,8mm/72 mark on the rifle barrel indicating a June, 1934 proof date.

Sold at auction for $2700. Following Jon's info, I passed. Thanks for the help, all. They also had one I didn't know was being sold, that I almost bid on, but thought it wasn't worth much over the $1200 it went for. It was a double gun, in like new looking condition, in case, with a name like Rolland & Rolland or something, out of London, I believe.



Kidding.

I agree with Jon. I think you made the correct decision. $2700 is a lot to pay for a 9.3x72 hammer gun. What would bother me more is the fact that they didn't want you to inspect the gun closely.

quote:

Originally posted by DLN:
I agree with Jon. I think you made the correct decision. $2700 is a lot to pay for a 9.3x72 hammer gun. What would bother me more is the fact that they didn't want you to inspect the gun closely.

Remember, this guy handed me a box of loaded rifle rounds and told me they were 'shotgun bullets'. Not too swift all around, that fellah...