Just acquired a Mauser rifle in 8x57 and wanted to see if anyone could help on the maker. It has a spoon bolt, very light engraving on the top of the action, military action with thumb cut, barrel with full length matted rib, 1 standing and 1 folding rear sight. A real nice piece of wood, checkered on the pistol grip but not on the schnable fore end.

Makers mark on the top of the rib looks like "Ernst Hunger - Bin - Wilmersdorf". Stamped in small letters on the side of the action "2.75 9BBR". I'll take it apart tonight to see if there are any other markings.
Thanks for any help,

[ 05-19-2003, 21:46: Message edited by: browningguy ]

Browningguy, is this 8x57 or 8x57S?? Beware of the difference in bore diameter! Only 8x57S uses .323 cal bullets - I think the 8x57 is .318 cal (could be wrong, but in any event smaller than "regular" 8mm bullets - i.e. .323 cal). Markings for an 8x57S could also be 8x57IS or 8x57JS.
- mike

[ 05-19-2003, 23:21: Message edited by: mho ]

Or it may not be marked at all. If there is a manufacture date on the gun and it is post WW I, you're probably safe, but I would slug the bore just to be sure. - Dan

I think I have to slug it. While it appears to be from the 20's or 30's it's only marked "7.9 /mm . There are a few unreadable stamps under the action that are probably proof marks but no indication of bore size.

While I could not find this gunsmith / gun dealer in my references, Wilmersdorf is a part of Berlin; "Bin" seems to be short for Berlin, meaning Berlin-Wilmersdorf. I have contacted Wilmersdorf local authorities about Ernst Hunger and if I get any answer from them I will post it. You have a very nice rifle.
Regards, montenegrin

Thanks Montenegrin, I really appreciate it. I couldn't find anything in my reference books here but I don't have much on German gunmakers.