Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this eccentric three-barrel combination gun for a penny-start auction; this is the M. Barth Ansbach German Drilling.
A Drilling—derived from the German word for “triplet”—typically features two matching smoothbore barrels and a single rifled barrel. However, the term encompasses a wider variety of configurations, including combinations such as two rifled barrels with one smoothbore, three rifled barrels, or even three smoothbores. This versatility allows the Drilling to adapt to different hunting needs, making it a uniquely functional and flexible firearm platform.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: M. Barth Ansbach
Model: German Drilling
Serial: 64U8569
Caliber: 16 Gauge (Top Left & Right Barrels) and 9.3x72R (Bottom Barrel)
Finish: Blue with Grey Patina Receiver
Barrel Length: 28 ¼"
Optics/Sights: Fixed Blade Front with Folding Leaf Rear
Stock/Grips: Checkered Walnut Pistol Grip Stock with Cheekpiece and Forearm
Action: Top-Lever, Break-Action, “Drilling” Combination Gun with Hammers
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “M. BARTH, ANSBACH.” The right side of the receiver features a bugling bull Elk set against a forest scene in an oval, along with floral engravings. The left side of the receiver features a cow Elk set against a forest scene in an oval, along with floral engravings. The bottom of the stock features a steel “trapdoor” plate used to hold 4 shells features a hare set against tall grass in an oval, along with more floral engravings. The bottom of the barrels is marked with German proofs and caliber markings.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
M. Barth of Ansbach was a regional German gunmaker and retailer rather than a large industrial manufacturer, and Drillings bearing the M. Barth Ansbach marking are typically high-quality, pre–World War I sporting arms produced in the late 19th to early 20th century. Ansbach, located in Bavaria, was not itself a major gunmaking center like Suhl or Zella-Mehlis, so Barth-branded Drillings were almost certainly sourced from those established workshops and finished or retailed under his name. This was a common practice in Germany, where local gun dealers commissioned firearms from specialist makers and applied their own markings. As a result, M. Barth Drillings often display excellent craftsmanship, traditional German engraving motifs, and well-regulated barrel sets intended for practical field use rather than mass production.
Model: German Drilling
Serial: 64U8569
Caliber: 16 Gauge (Top Left & Right Barrels) and 9.3x72R (Bottom Barrel)
Finish: Blue with Grey Patina Receiver
Barrel Length: 28 ¼"
Optics/Sights: Fixed Blade Front with Folding Leaf Rear
Stock/Grips: Checkered Walnut Pistol Grip Stock with Cheekpiece and Forearm
Action: Top-Lever, Break-Action, “Drilling” Combination Gun with Hammers
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “M. BARTH, ANSBACH.” The right side of the receiver features a bugling bull Elk set against a forest scene in an oval, along with floral engravings. The left side of the receiver features a cow Elk set against a forest scene in an oval, along with floral engravings. The bottom of the stock features a steel “trapdoor” plate used to hold 4 shells features a hare set against tall grass in an oval, along with more floral engravings. The bottom of the barrels is marked with German proofs and caliber markings.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
M. Barth of Ansbach was a regional German gunmaker and retailer rather than a large industrial manufacturer, and Drillings bearing the M. Barth Ansbach marking are typically high-quality, pre–World War I sporting arms produced in the late 19th to early 20th century. Ansbach, located in Bavaria, was not itself a major gunmaking center like Suhl or Zella-Mehlis, so Barth-branded Drillings were almost certainly sourced from those established workshops and finished or retailed under his name. This was a common practice in Germany, where local gun dealers commissioned firearms from specialist makers and applied their own markings. As a result, M. Barth Drillings often display excellent craftsmanship, traditional German engraving motifs, and well-regulated barrel sets intended for practical field use rather than mass production.
Technically, an M. Barth Ansbach Drilling will usually follow the classic German configuration: two shotgun barrels—most often 16 gauge with short chambers—over or alongside a rifled barrel commonly chambered in cartridges such as 9.3x72R, 8x57JR, or similar period hunting rounds. These guns frequently feature exposed hammers, set triggers for the rifle barrel, tang-mounted barrel selectors, and finely fitted locking systems, with many examples incorporating engraved receivers and quality walnut stocks. Because they predate modern proof standards and ammunition pressures, their value today lies primarily in their historical integrity, craftsmanship, and collector appeal. When found in sound condition, M. Barth Ansbach Drillings represent a refined example of the German hunting tradition—purpose-built tools that reflect both the regional sporting culture of Bavaria and the collaborative nature of the German gun trade of the era.
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.
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 with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
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Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
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.
Additional Details
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection. 
