Very nice German Zella-Mehlis drilling (double shotgun over rifle). Caliber: 2 x 16 gauge + 9.3 x 72 mm rimmed. The gun was probably manufactured by one of the smaller Zella-Mehlis gun makers. There was a large number of German gun makers that manufactured special order guns in small quantities at the end of 19th century. Many of these guns do not show gun maker names, as it is in a case of this drilling. A drilling is a combination gun that has three barrels. This gun has two matching shotgun barrels and a rifle barrel. The term "drilling", or "dreiling" came from a German word "drei" (three), accordingly "Dreiling" means triplet. Drillings have a long history in Europe, dating back to the early days of cartridge firearms, and they were very popular in Germany, Switzerland and Austria. These guns are almost exclusively hunting arms. The barrels of this gun display several markings, located mainly under the forestock, "Prussian Eagle, Crown over N, Nitro, 360 +72 + D, Crown over G, Crown over U, two Prussian Eagles, 118,35, 1109, 1000, ZM (stylish, entwined, Proof Mark of the Proof House at Zella-Mehlis), S, S, A.K., Krupps Cher Flussstahl". The barrels' rib is matted on its entire length. Fixed front and rear sights. Steel trigger guard. Horn buttplate. Half-stock with semi-pistol grip. Diamond checkering at the wrist of the buttstock. There is a cheek-piece on the left side of the buttstock. Sporting style sling swivels. Full engraving with hunting scenes and/or floral style decor (breech, tang, hammers, trigger guard, etc.). High quality of machining and metal finish! Overall length is 43.5 inch. The barrels length is 26.75 inch. CONDITION: Fine. 80% of browning finish is still on metal. Some finish is turning to gray color. Occasional spots of light patina on the barrels. The engraving on metal is beautifully preserved. Fine, shiny bores. No dents in tubes. The hammers are in great shape. Strong and smooth action. Mechanically the gun is in fine condition, as well. All the internal parts of the gun are in fine condition, with no visible wear. The stock shows minor handling marks and light dings. The checkering is slightly worn. The horn buttplate is also slightly worn. There is a small chip in the lower part of the buttstock, just in front of the buttplate (please, see pictures). All the markings on metal are also nicely preserved. A beautiful drilling from the best period in German gunmaking! Antique.
