Make: Simson Jaeger

Model: Drilling Hammer Gun

Serial Number: 796

Year of Manufacture: 1919

Gauge/Caliber: 16 Gauge, 2 9/16" Chamber over 9.3x72mmR

Action Type: Back-Action External Hammer Three-Barrel Shotgun/Rifle Combination Gun with front Single-Set Trigger

Barrel Length: 26 1/2"

Choke: Left- Full, Right- Modified, both Fixed

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade, in-line dovetailed to the front of the rib. The rear sight is a manually folding "U"-notch dovetailed to the rear of the rib.

Weight: 7 lb.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with schnabel-tip splinter forend, capped pistol grip, straight comb with cheekpiece (right-handed shooter), checkered horn buttplate and a sling swivel in the belly (there is another swivel mounted to the rifle barrel in front of the forend. The stocks have some scattered nicks and light scratches. There are open grain lines at the figuring near the heel. There is a tiny loss at the top-rear corner on the right of the forend. The checkering shows some wear, but is generally well defined. The LOP measures 14" and 13" from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered wear and filled worm-holes with generally well defined checkering. Overall, the stocks are in Good-plus condition.

Type of Finish: Browned & Case Color

Finish Originality: Original, numbered parts match.

Bore Condition: The bores are mostly bright. The rifling is well defined. All bores have some stubborn dried grease. The shotgun bores have infrequent minor erosion and pitting, the left barrel has a dent visible in the bore about 4" from the muzzle. The rifle barrel has infrequent minor erosion. In this writer's opinion, the bores rate about 7/10 overall, 8+/10 without the dent in the left bore.

Overall Condition: This drilling retains about 70% of its metal finish. The barrels have some scattered light wear, blending with a nice patina with original brown finish. When turned end-over-end, solder can be heard falling between the barrels. Exposed portions of the receiver and forend iron have mostly muted with some good color on interior portions. The left barrel has a shallow dent about 4" from the muzzle. The action shows operational wear and stubborn dried grease. There are a few light nicks and small scratches. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this drilling is in Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. As noted above, when the barrels are turned end-over-end, solder can be heard falling between the barrels, indicating some degradation of the solder. We did not fire this drilling. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a Gastinne Renette labeled english-fit luggage case with sling and one 20-round box of Sellier & Bellot 9.3x72R ammunition.

Our Assessment: Combination guns have been a popular “do-all” gun for generations, with some still being produced today. The combination of a shotgun for fowl and a rifle for terrestrial game allows the hunter to become familiar with one gun for all their trips to the field. This example was produced by Simson, a German gunmaker in Suhl. While the Simson family would be forced to flee Germany in the 1930s, this gun was proofed in 1919 when Germany was about to enter its difficult inter-war years. While the Germans would create BSW and later the Soviets would resurrect the Simson name in East Germany, this is a real-deal Simson, showcasing their quality craftsmanship. From the distinct European style of the stocks to the very German foliate relief engraving surrounding game scenes, the gun has an old-world feel that cannot be found today.

It is chambered for 16 gauge shotgun shells and the 9.3x72mm rimmed rifle cartridge, a popular pairing from this period. Despite its age, it retains much of its metal finish, strong mechanics, and surprising nice bores outside of a dent in the left barrel and some solder that can be heard falling between the barrels. This would make a great piece for drilling or fine European firearms collectors. If it gets past the collectors, it could also be restored to a great hunting gun which can hunt just about anything in North America on the ground or in the air. Please see our photos and good luck!