BEAUTIFULLY ENGRAVED GERMAN SINGLE SHOT RIFLE

SERIAL NUMBER: NSN. BARREL: 25 1/2". CALIBER: .22 LR. MANUFACTURED: 1891-1939. The firearm described is a System Tell or System Ideal single-shot stalking rifle, representing a highly refined piece of pre-World War II German engineering. Manufactured between 1891 and 1939, this style of firearm showcases the pinnacle of small-scale European craftsmanship from the era. Rather than emerging from a massive commercial assembly line, rifles of this specific caliber and configuration were typically hand-built by independent gunsmiths or small workshops centered in historic German firearms hubs like Suhl or Zella-Mehlis. These master craftsmen, universally known among collectors as "The Guilds," built custom firearms tailored to the refined tastes of traditional European outdoorsmen who demanded mechanical precision in a lightweight, easily carried package. The defining mechanical feature of the rifle is its elegant, integrated trigger-guard lever action. Unlike bulkier target rifles that rely on heavy dropping blocks or protruding bolt handles, this system utilizes the trigger guard itself to operate the breech mechanism. The front of the guard curves smoothly flush against the bottom of the receiver, while the lower portion extends to form an ergonomic lever handle. Pulling this entire assembly downward lowers a compact internal block, cleanly exposing the chamber for the manual loading of a single .22 caliber cartridge. Housed entirely within this swinging guard assembly is a traditional double-set trigger system, a dual-trigger configuration that allows the shooter to pull the rear trigger to "set" the action, converting the front trigger into a feather-light hair trigger designed to ensure absolute accuracy in the field. The aesthetic identity of the firearm is defined by its exquisite "Jagdgravur" (hunting-themed hand engravings), which transform the flat steel receiver into a canvas of traditional German wildlife artistry. The layout follows a strict, time-honored European convention where the left side plate features a majestic European Red Deer Stag (Elk) in a forest setting, while the right side plate depicts a smaller, alert Roe Buck navigating through dense brush. These animals represent the most respected and historically significant game species in the German wilderness. Complemented by tight scrollwork and framed by a rich, dark European walnut stock, the engravings indicate a rifle built specifically for the quiet stalking (Pirsch) of forest game, celebrating the rich hunting heritage of its era. This rifle sports a Weaver A2.8 scope with cross hair reticle. CONDITION: Very Good. The bore is bright with sharp rifling. Operates normally. Scope glass is clear. C&R. 27-454