Make: Produced in Germany for GECO, Gustav Genschow & Co.
Model: Bockbuchsflinte
Serial Number: 2271
Year of Manufacture: 1935
Gauge/Caliber: 12 GA over 8x57mm JR
Action Type: Top-Break Over/Under Combination Rifle/Shotgun with Extractor, Cocking Indicators and front Set-Trigger
Barrel Length: 26 1/2"
Choke: Full, Fixed
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade in-line dovetailed to the front of the solid rib. The rear sight has one fixed and one folding "U"-notch leaf in a base dovetailed to the rib. There are bases for a quick-detach claw-mount on the rear of the rib with rings holding a Weaver K2.5 60B 2.5x scope with a post reticle. The scope has light wear and freckles of oxidation in the body. The glass is fairly clear but could use a good cleaning.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with splinter forend, capped pistol grip, straight comb with shadow-line cheekpiece, brown rubber Old English buttpad and a sling stud in the belly (there is another stud mounted to the bottom barrel in front of the forend). The stocks have evenly scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches, mostly finished-over. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is generally well defined. The LOP measures 14 1/8? and 13 1/8? from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttpad, 13 1/4" and 12 1/4" to the back of the wood. The pad has light wear and some minor discoloration, remaining fairly supple. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blue and Case Color
Finish Originality: Original, numbers match.
Bore Condition: The shotgun bore is bright with no erosion, rating 10/10. The rifle bore is light gray with well defined rifling. The rifle bore has scattered light erosion and pitting, rating 6+/10 in this writer's opinion.
Overall Condition: This combination gun retains about 87% of its metal finish. The balance is mostly in muting on the receiver's case color. There are some areas of strong color, mostly on the interior. The finish is thinning at all edges. The barrels have infrequent wear, mostly under the forend and concealed when assembled. There are a few scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are some spots of residue from the stocks' new finish. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots and are properly timed. The markings are generally clear, some proof/inspection marks are poorly struck. Overall, this gun is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this combination gun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: The installed scope is included.
Our Assessment: Gustav Genschow & Co. was founded in 1887 as a firearms and ammunition wholesaler. It quickly grew into an international company and shortened its name to GECO. They would acquire various factories over their company history, including Deutsche Werke, vertically integrating the business to some extent.
This "Bockbuchsflinte" (o/u combination gun) was made in 1935, most likely by a gunmakers' guild or firm contracted by GECO, and is a fine example of their craft. A boxlock 12 gauge over 8x57mm Rimmed combo gun, it has tasteful scroll engraving on the receiver, European styling with a straight comb and cheekpiece, forward mounted sling swivel and horn trigger guard. The rib is equipped with claw-style mounts and rings are included holding a vintage Weaver scope. The ability to take both fowl and terrestrial game as well as the intriguing design make for a great, well-rounded hunting gun. It will also make a nice addition to a European sporting gun collection as a neat example of a GECO combination gun. Please see our photos and good luck!
