Franz Kettner 16 ga. and 12 ga. shotguns

[Tim Riddle]

I have two pre-WWII german made Franz Kettner SxS 16 ga. and 12 ga.  Where can I get information on these shotguns.  They are not listed in the blue book. They have intricate engravings on plates, and pistol grip cap, with horn trigger gaurd and inlays  Any help out there.

[savageT]

Tim,
It would appear that you have highly valued collectors and I would suggest that you do a search on Google to find examples of your two guns.  If you were to contact a couple shotgun collectors from a list generated from Google you might be able to get ballpark numbers.  This of course would require hands-on inspection for definitive answer.
Jim

[dmstl]

Tim,

I, too, have a Franz Kettner 16ga SxS and have been looking for info.  I have been unsuccessful until I came across your questions that was submitted here.

Where you able to get more info on yours?

Thanks,

D.

[dwl]

I've got another Franz Kettner 16 engraved, scalloped boxlock.  $400 at the local sporting goods store.  It has become The Grouse Gun for it's wonderful light weight.  In it's first season in my company it took a couple of pheasant and a pair of sharptail grouse.

I searched the web and came up with a couple of higher grade examples at Puglisi, I believe.  There is also a Kettner web site in Germany.  That Kettner retails other manufacturers firearms.  

I had a friend in Germany look about briefly but he didn't find any more information.  Herr Kettner may have operated a small shop in Suhl and disappeared with the war, or his operation may have become the ongoing retail operation on the web.

Sorry I don't have more.

dwl

[dwl]

This from Oldgun.net:

Robert- Franz Kettner operated in Suhl, circa 1891-1939, and an Edward Kettner operated in Cologne (Koln) circa 1890 and later, so perhaps the two are related or merged at some point under Franz's name. There is not yet any good reference material on the many fine German gunsmiths who operated prior to WW2, although we have heard someone is working on such a book. If your rifle has hammers, I would put it toward the earlier part of this time spread, and if hammerless, toward the later end. If it has crown over U proofmarks it is pre-1934 and if Nazi eagle proofs, then later.

[dmstl]

dwl,

Thanks for the info.  Yes, my  gun does have hammers with the crown over U proofmarks that you mention.  My gun states Franz Ketter Koln.  It was my grandfather's who recently passed away.  He kept to himself and unfortunately never shared much if any information that he may have had on any of the guns in his collection.  Do you know of any kind of venue to sell older side by sides?

dmstl

[dwl]

Tim;

Too bad your grandfather missed his opportunity to take his grandsons hunting.

I finished the upland season this year on a grass and sage covered hill in Idaho.  Queeny the Springer and I had been made fools by the sharptails flushing behind us, flushing long, jinking left and right, usually right over the fence into someone elses ranch.  They thought they had won but Queeny and I know we did even with our tired legs and my empty vest.  Mountains all around, miles of range land and the clear blue sky the day after a storm.  I usually take my son.  I hope to take my grandsons some day.

There are some internet sites for selling Herr Kettner's guns, Auctionarms.com, Gunbroker.com and Gunsamerica.com.  For a list of retailers around the country look at Gunshop.com.  Or....you could email me a few nice photos as bait.  After all, I'm already a Kettner fan.

dwl

[dmstl]

dwl,

Thanks for the possible offer, but I'll be keeping my beloved Franz.  My grandfather had several other side by sides in his collection that I am not interested in.  Not as detailed as the Franz but beautiful none-the-less (at least in my eyes).

Thanks again.

dmstl