I have found a Schultzen-style single shot target rifle with a removable front sight and a large rear peep sight, a butt plate with a large hook, caliber unknown, and in 88-90% condition. The only lettering on the rifle is: (1) "E. Hoppe, Lehe" on the barrel rib; (2) three proof marks on the right side of the action = a crown/N, a crown/B, & a crown/U; and (3) two proof marks on the falling block = a crown/B, & a crown/U. Can anyone help me identify this rifle ? Thanks.

Frank:

The rifle is almost certainly German in origin, as the proof marks are German. Crown over N would indicate that the barrel was nitro prooved. There should be a corresponding stamp showing a number followed by g G.B.P. which would indicate the smokeless powder load. Crown over U indicates a second proofing with nitro powder (if there is an eagle stamped above it) or inspection or view after proof (if no eagle). Crown over B indicates a single definitive proof made with the provisional proof charge, but was chiefly used for imported arms, which suggests that the gun may have been sold in Germany but originally produced somewhere else. E. Hoppe could be either the maker or, more likely, the retailer. Lehe is a German city near or part of the German city of Bremerhaven. My German isn't good enough to tell. If you've got photos you can post of the markings, maybe we could be of more help.

by the sounds of it i would guess your caliber is 8.15x46