FN G.L. Rausch Braunschweig German Combination Gun – 20 Ga. Gauge & 11.5×65 and 20 Gauge Side by Side Shotgun Barrel Set
Sold For: $2,805
Make: G.L. Rausch Braunschweig
Model: SxS Drilling Combination Gun
Serial Number: 48706
Year of Manufacture: 1891-1912 (No “NITRO” proof introduced in 1912 and has the Crowned Letter proofs which were introduced in 1891 and abolished in 1939.)
Gauge: The side by side shotgun barrel is for 20 Gauge 2 ¾” shells. The Drilling Barrel set is for the same 20 Gauge shells and the rifle barrel is marked “62/78” Which translates to a .420 caliber bullet. The caliber of the rifle barrel is “11.5x65R”.
Action Type: Dual External Hammer Side By Side with Extractor
Markings: The left lock plate is marked “BRAUNSCHWEIG” and the entire receiver is engraved with a fish scale like pattern. The right lock plate is marked “G.L. RASCH.” The water table is marked “F.N. / 48706” along with an Eagle over “N” proof, a crowned “U” proof and what appears to be a crowned Eagle. The top rib of the drilling barrel set is marked “G.L. RAUSCH BRAUNSCHWEIG”. The right rifled barrel flat is marked with a crowned “G”, crowned “U”, “62/78” two Eagles, and another different eagle. The underside of the right rifled barrel is marked “5044 11 ½ X 65” / EA”. The left barrel flat is marked with what appears to be a crowned Eagle, another Eagle proof, crowned letters “S”, “W” and “U” over “20” with another “20” in a circle. The underside of the right barrel of the SxS barrel set is marked “KRUPP-LAUFSTAHL” with a crowned “S” and an Eagle Proof. The left barrel flat is marked “20/65” with an Eagle over “N” proof, “440” and what appears to be a pine tree within an upside down heart symbol. The right barrel flat is marked “20/65” followed by the Eagle over “N” proof. The underside of the right barrel is marked “KRUPP-LAUFSTAHL” with a crowned “S”, an Eagle Proof and what appears to be script “SK”. The forend hardware is marked “706”. br>
Barrel Length: Both barrel sets measure 27 ½”.
Choke: On the side by side 20 gauge barrel set, the right bore measures .624” at the muzzle. The left bore measures .600” at the muzzle. On the combination gun barrel set, the shotgun bore measures .600” at the muzzle. The rifled barrel bore at the muzzle measures approximately .423” The chamber measures .510 x 2.54 inches deep.
Sights / Optics: The SxS barrel set is mounted with a solid steel rib with a white bone like material front bead. The Drilling barrel set is mounted with a drift adjustable “U” notch rear sight and a drift adjustable blade front sight. There are also integrated finely engraved claw mount scope bases which are built into the rib on the barrel
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are checkered walnut. The LOP measures 14” from the front of the trigger to the back of the hard rubber buttplate. The butt stock has a cheek piece and the checkering is lightly worn. There are light compressions throughout. The forend has a couple of light chips out of the top right corner. The checkering is worn. There is an interesting pistol grip cap which is engraved with a pattern. The drop at heel measures 2 ¾” and the drop at comb measures 1 3/8”. The stocks rate in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: All Original
Bore Condition: The bores in the SxS 20 Gauge Barrel set are bright. There is no erosion. The 20 Gauge barrel of the Drilling set has a few light dings which can be seen in the bore but should not affect accuracy. They are very faint distortions in the mirror finish of the inside of the bore. The rifled bore has a bit of faint erosion. The rifling is still sharp.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 80% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows a light brown patina on the receiver and on the combination barrel set and the 20 gauge SxS set. There is a bit of frosting on the drilling barrel set. There is a light compression mark on the drilling rail. The screw heads are sharp and engraved. The markings are clear. Overall, this combination gun rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The extractors in both barrel sets work properly. We have not fired this shotgun.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This package includes one Side by Side 20 gauge barrel set and one combination barrel set which has the 20 gauge and 11.5×65 Chamber
Our Assessment: G.L. Rasch was a “tuner”. In other words, he improved or tuned shotguns, rifles and drillings made by the common houses and turned them into something special and unique. He was active in the late nineteenth into the early 20th centuries in Brunswick (Braunschweig). All Rasch Rifles are one of a kind and are true works of art. The receiver design resembles the pattern of reptile or fish scales. It is very interesting and intriguing with its bone/horn front bead and rib with engraved claw mounts. This combination gun is in Exceptional condition and is ready for the next appreciative owner to display it in their collection.
