Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Auction Company is pleased to present this gorgeous German shotgun for a penny-start auction today...this is the Bühag Suhl Handwerksarbeit Side-by-Side!
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Bühag Suhl Handwerksarbeit
Model: Side-by-Side
Serial: 1212
Caliber: 12 Gauge
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 28 1/2"
Optics/Sights: Bead Front
Stock/Grips: Checkered Walnut Pistol Grip Stock with Cheekpiece and Forearm
Action: Top Lever Break; Side-by-Side
Markings: Standard / Features ALL matching serials. Both side plates feature game scene engravings.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
Gunmaking came to an absolute standstill when American troops occupied Suhl, to be replaced by Russian troops three months later. It is also known that a few guns were still finished to make bartering deals for food and cigarettes. After most of the machines from the factories had been crated and shipped to Russia, all but the smallest gun shops were taken over by the Russian occupiers and later turned over to the Communist Government.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Model: Side-by-Side
Serial: 1212
Caliber: 12 Gauge
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 28 1/2"
Optics/Sights: Bead Front
Stock/Grips: Checkered Walnut Pistol Grip Stock with Cheekpiece and Forearm
Action: Top Lever Break; Side-by-Side
Markings: Standard / Features ALL matching serials. Both side plates feature game scene engravings.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
Gunmaking came to an absolute standstill when American troops occupied Suhl, to be replaced by Russian troops three months later. It is also known that a few guns were still finished to make bartering deals for food and cigarettes. After most of the machines from the factories had been crated and shipped to Russia, all but the smallest gun shops were taken over by the Russian occupiers and later turned over to the Communist Government.
The small makers came under the supervision of the Bühag (Büchsen-macher Handels Gesellschaft), a cooperative that handled all sales and deliveries. No direct sales were permitted, and many guns were shipped to Russia as war reparations. Exports to foreign countries were promoted to obtain badly needed hard currency for the free world. We know that many of the best Merkel over and under shotguns were exported to a prominent dealer in Switzerland. Some guns came to America, but since 50% duty was charged for products from an Iron Curtain country, the prices were reduced to overcome this, which was not profitable for Suhl or the East German Government.
Dietrich Apel, in his article "Deutsche Demokratische Republik/German Democratic Republic," expresses his reluctance to write about the years he spent in Suhl. He believes that only those who lived there can truly understand what life was like during that time. Perhaps by visiting Suhl, we can learn more about the experiences of its residents. While older people may admit to having an easier life during those years, they also acknowledge that there was no good future for the younger generation. Apel vividly remembers the depressing conditions in Suhl during his first visit after the Wall came down. The air was heavily polluted due to the use of soft coal for heating, and the water from the tap was brown and unappetizing. Neglected buildings in shades of gray, which had not seen any painting since World War II, added to the gloomy atmosphere. Although Suhl is now vibrant and colorful, its unemployment rate remains high, forcing many people to leave in search of work. The town is still struggling to make ends meet.
The gunmakers from Suhl should be respected and admired for upholding the traditional craft despite the challenging circumstances. Although we couldn't find any new ideas or inventions from this era, the craftsmen's expertise and skill have not faded. Suhl may never be the same as it once was, but it will always be recognized for having some of the world's best gunmakers.
Dietrich Apel, in his article "Deutsche Demokratische Republik/German Democratic Republic," expresses his reluctance to write about the years he spent in Suhl. He believes that only those who lived there can truly understand what life was like during that time. Perhaps by visiting Suhl, we can learn more about the experiences of its residents. While older people may admit to having an easier life during those years, they also acknowledge that there was no good future for the younger generation. Apel vividly remembers the depressing conditions in Suhl during his first visit after the Wall came down. The air was heavily polluted due to the use of soft coal for heating, and the water from the tap was brown and unappetizing. Neglected buildings in shades of gray, which had not seen any painting since World War II, added to the gloomy atmosphere. Although Suhl is now vibrant and colorful, its unemployment rate remains high, forcing many people to leave in search of work. The town is still struggling to make ends meet.
The gunmakers from Suhl should be respected and admired for upholding the traditional craft despite the challenging circumstances. Although we couldn't find any new ideas or inventions from this era, the craftsmen's expertise and skill have not faded. Suhl may never be the same as it once was, but it will always be recognized for having some of the world's best gunmakers.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
