F.W. KESSLER GERMANY DELUXE SIDELOCK DRILLING - JULY 1942 - 16 X 16 X 8X57 - WAR TIME PRODUCTION - EAGLE N PROOFED
Description:
F.W. KESSLER DELUXE SIDELOCK DRILLING - JULY 1942 - 16 X 16 X 8X57
WAR TIME PRODUCTION - EAGLE N PROOFED
MANUFACTURER - F.W. KESSLER - SUHL, GERMANY
MODEL - DELUXE SIDELOCK DRILLING
ACTION - SIDELOCK DRILLING WITH GREENER SIDE SAFETY(SHOTGUN BARRELS), LOCKING TANG SAFETY(RIFLE BARREL)(TANG SAFETY ACTUATES FLIP-UP REAR SIGHT), DOUBLE TRIGGERS(FRONT TRIGGER PUSHED FORWARD TURNS TO SET TRIGGER) AND EXTRACTOR
SN - 35791
CALIBER/GAUGE - 16 GA 2.5" BY 16 GA 2.5" OVER 8X57 JR
BARREL LENGTH - 24.375"
CHOKED - MODIFIED .020" OF RESTRICTION / IMPROVED MODIFIED .025" OF RESTRICTION
CAPACITY – 2
DAC - 1.625"
DAH - 2.625"
LOP - 13.875"
WEIGHT - 8 LB WITH SCOPE - 7 LB 3.8 OZ WITHOUT SCOPE
SIGHTS - SOLID MATTED RIB WITH FLIP UP REAR SIGHT ACTUATED BY RIFLE SAFETY WITH STANDING FRONT BEAD SIGHT
SCOPE - LEUPOLD VARI-X III 1.5X5
PRODUCED - JULY 1942 - WARTIME PRODUCTION
The F.W. Kessler Deluxe Sidelock Drilling, produced in July 1942, is a remarkable example of wartime German craftsmanship. Manufactured in Suhl, Germany, by Friedrich Wilhelm Kessler, this drilling combines the versatility of a 16-gauge side-by-side shotgun with an 8x57 JR rifle barrel. It was proofed under the Waffen-era "Eagle N" standard, indicating its official German military or government inspection during World War II.
This drilling features a sidelock action with a Greener side safety for the shotgun barrels and a locking tang safety for the rifle barrel, which also actuates the flip-up rear sight. The double triggers include a set trigger function by pushing the front trigger forward. The 24.375" blued Krupp steel barrels retain 95% of their original finish, with faint wear spots, while the bores remain excellent. The shotgun barrels are choked Modified and Improved Modified, and they have 2.5" chambers. A solid matted rib houses the rifle sight, which flips up when the rifle safety is engaged, and a standing front bead provides quick target acquisition.
This firearm is adorned with a stunning full sidelock engraving in classic German style. The left sidelock features a roaring stag with two hinds and a fawn in a forest setting, surrounded by intricate oak leaf engraving. The bottom of the action is similarly decorated with oak leaf engravings, with "F.W. Kessler Suhl" engraved at the center. The right sidelock presents a roe deer buck and doe in a detailed woodland scene, also framed by oak leaf engravings. The action has a French gray patina, with engraving still sharp and well-defined.
The stock and forend are made from finely checkered walnut with a pistol grip, a right-hand cheekpiece, and a horn butt plate. The splinter forearm has a latch release and a semi-Schnabel tip. The gun is equipped with a claw-mounted Leupold Vari-X III 1.5-5x scope, offering clear optics that enhance the rifle barrel’s accuracy. The firearm also features a bolster action, sideclips, cocking indicators, a top tang rifle selector, a horn trigger guard, and bow-type sling swivels.
Due to its wartime production, this drilling would have only been available to a high-ranking German official, as nearly all resources were allocated to the German war effort. The level of craftsmanship and embellishment on this piece reflects the prestige associated with such an order. Finding a wartime drilling in this condition is incredibly rare, making this a highly desirable collector's piece with both historical and functional significance.
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Curio/Relic: Yes
Rifle Caliber: 8x57mmR
Shotgun Gauge: 16 Gauge
Manufacturer:
F.W. KESSLER
Model:
DELUXE SIDELOCK DRILLING
Barrel Length:
24.375
Chambers:
2.5
Condition:
EXC
Metal Condition:
EXC
Wood Condition:
EXC
Bore Condition:
EXC
Barrel Type:
KRUPP
Manufacture Date:
JULUY 1942
Price:
$9,450.00