[Jim K]

I saw today a German Martini-action .22 LR. Very pretty with beautiful wood and nice rust blue. It is engraved and about 99% original finish. Other than German "crown B" and "crown U" proofs, and "Kal 6/22 LONG RIFLE", the only marking is HWZ spelled out and also on the receiver ring in an oval.

Anyone know who made it or approximately when? I would guess in the 1920's, but would like to pin it down.

I checked "HWZ" and came up with "Handwerkerzentrum", which seems to indicate a consortium of craftsmen. But the rifle shows no indication of any specific city or area, and I would think just "HWZ" wouldn't mean much without some location.

Jim

[SDC]

I <BELIEVE> your rifle was made by Hermann Weihrauch when their factory was located in Zella-Mehlis (they also apparently used "HWM" during their business at Mellrichstadt), but I'll have to try to find a book reference for you.

[Jim K]

Thank you, SDC. With that name, I managed to get quite a bit of information, including the fact that they are apparently still in business, making air guns and blank firing guns. Your information on the "Z" for Zella-Mehlis is almost certainly correct and several sources confirm it.

Thanks again,

Jim