Grandpa's Guns
Grandpa’s Guns
Hi everyone – I’m hoping to leverage the group knowledge here.
I recently inherited two older rifles from my grandfather’s estate and am trying to learn more about what I have, where they came from, and what the next steps might be for further research.
Background:
My grandfather was a very well-connected man in terms of his work and personal life, and these rifles were preserved but not documented. I am trying to approach this with some care and ensure that the history is preserved accurately rather than speculating.
Rifle #1 – Stevens
• Obviously a Stevens
• Barrel is marked “Patented August 12, 1913”
• Appears to be a single-shot sporting rifle
• Has a factory-made buttplate with a decorative scroll/wave design
• There is a bright green paint patch on the stock that appears to be an old inventory/rack/institutional marking (not factory)
My primary questions about this one:
• Model identification?
• Intended use market (sporting, training, youth, club, etc.)?
• Any information about the paint marking and its possible meaning?
Rifle #2 – Older / Unmarked (Possibly German)
This is more of a mystery and probably older.
The markings I’ve discovered so far are:
• “SUHL S & C”
• An eagle/bird emblem
• A small anchor mark, found on the metal parts and also stamped into the wood
• A faint German inscription that reads “Gewehrlauf Stahl” (steel rifle barrel)
As far as I can determine, this suggests a late 19th-century sporting rifle from the Suhl region of Germany, perhaps produced under the guild system, but I’d be delighted to hear any further information or corrections from those who know more about these rifles.
Questions about this rifle:
• Does the anchor mark appear to be a workshop or inspector’s mark?
• Is there any further information that might help to narrow down the date range?
• Is there a preferred forum, archive, or expert who focuses on Suhl trade guns?
I have included close-up photos of the markings, stocks, and actions.
I am not looking to sell – my aim is identification, historical information, and preservation. Any information on where I might proceed (forums, books, museums, collectors) would be a huge help.
Thanks in advance – really grateful for any information.