Simson & Co. S&C Suhl Schuetzen Double Set Trigger Target Model, Blue 29 ½” Single Shot Percussion Rifle, MFD 1800’s Antique
Sold For: $1,256.00
LSB#: 161020LH04
Make: The lock plate is marked with a crown over “SUHL” over “S&C”, we believe S&C to be the mark of Simson & Co.
Model: Schuetzen Target Rifle
Serial Number: The barrel is marked “25”.
Year of Manufacture: Simson & Co. was founded in 1856, these rifles were popular until the turn of the century, the proof marks indicate production towards the end of the 1800’s.
Caliber: .45 Caliber Ball
Action Type: Single shot, Muzzle Loaded, Double Set Trigger Percussion Target Rifle
Markings: The left side plate is marked with crown over “S”, found again on the underside of the trigger plate and rear rod mounting bracket, the underside plate of the tang is marked crown over “H”, found again on the left of the barrel, also marked crown over “C” and “25”. The top of the barrel appears to be marked with intertwined “FFA”, the upper tang is marked “L. BA 52”. The lock plate is marked with crown over “SUHL” over “S&C”. The stock’s nose cap is marked “75”, the inside of the patch box door is marked crown over “S”, “53” and two “M” marks.
Barrel Length: Approximately 29 ½”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a globe-style tube with a doughnut insert, fixed to the barrel by dovetail and the rear sight is a “V” notched base with two express style flip-up leafs for distances unknown; the leafs do not move, we soaked them in gun oil for a few hours to no avail, however they may work again with some TLC. The upper tang has a beautiful flared tube aperture sight on a threaded base, which is adjustable for elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The full length stock has a metal nose piece, steel ram rod tubes, left side cheek piece, swooping high arch comb and semi-curved belly, the right has a patch box with metal door, which is tightly fit to the oversized brass ‘horn’ butt plate. The stock has some gaps in fit to some of the metal fixtures, this looks to have been cased by age shrinkage, the stock does not appear to have been refinished. The stock has some scattered compression and scuff marks, most go unnoticed, this is one beautiful stock! A heavier ding is found on the right by the patch box, there is a dark area by the rear barrel wedge, looking either to be a moderate depth scrape or repaired crack, please see our pictures; there is also a mark on the upper right of the butt at the plate that could also be a well done repair or deeper scrape that has darkened. The LOP measures about 12 ½” from the front of the rear trigger and 13 7/8” from the front of the forward trigger to the back of the brass butt plate. A wood palm rest on a fire blued extension rod is found installed forward of the trigger guard, the metal has brilliant coloring, the wood has minor marks, rating in about Fine condition. The stock rates in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: The butt plate is brass, the other items are blue, the palm rest extension is fire blued, the hammer and nipple protector have a teal blue color.
Finish Originality: The finishes appear original, the barrel was cleaned heavily at some point long ago.
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is highly defined with mild wear. There is extremely shallow surface erosion and light frosting.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 15% of its metal finish, seen on the front sight, hammer, nipple protector and small protected areas on the barrel. The barrel looks to have been cleaned long ago, with a mottled gray patina, amongst some darker patches and scattered instances of pitting / general surface erosion. The upper tang was probably cleaned at some point, there is moderate erosion that is darkening once again. The hammer, front sight and nipple protector have a teal blue finish, the other items finishes are no longer present with gray / brown patina and moderate erosion. The butt plate may have been cleaned at some point, evident by deep pit marks and semi-bright surfaces. The surfaces have scattered general handling marks but in all, the item looks to have been well cared for. The screw head slots range from light to mildly tooled but are highly serviceable. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus condition and would rate in Fine condition if it had more finish remaining, please see our pictures of this beautiful rifle.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The rifle has a double set trigger system, strong hammer cock, nipple protector and extremely well balanced construction. There is no play in the fixtures. The rifle weighs 12lbs 1oz. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle comes with a palm rest and target sights, as described above in Sights & Stocks.
Our Assessment: Schuetzen rifles are always interesting firearms; their popularity rose with percussion cap and ball systems, providing a reliable and highly accurate platform for professional target shooting and were made in Germany throughout the later portion of the 19th century, even into the 20th. This rifle has a breathtaking stock, incredible build quality and is superbly balanced. With its target globe front sight, express rear iron sight and tang mounted aperture globe, the rifle is probably still capable of producing some impressive results, especially since the bore is so well preserved. Equipped with a palm rest and double set trigger, this one is a looker and will do well in any collection.
