G. Zeller & Co

[Steel Horse Rider]

I finally got pictures of a rifle I am trying to buy, mostly because it is the remaining piece of a collection which was in Holland and hidden from the Nazi's during the German invasion in WWII. You guys were able to identify one of the other pieces but I have been at a loss for this one so far. G. Zeller made the trigger assemblies for a Martini-Zeller falling block type of rifle but this one predates that I believe since it is a muzzle loading percussion weapon. Any ideas? THe only printing exposed is on the side of the lock and says G. Zeller & Co. The owner says the barrel bore measures about 5/16".

 

[rcmodel]

The G. Zeller & Co. name sounds a little suspect to me on a pre-WWII lock.

Her Zeller might have had a company, and he might have made locks & guns.
But it wouldn't have been called a Co. anywhere in Europe then.

rc

 

[Steel Horse Rider]

I know the owners brother and purchased the Podewils Lindner rifle and an unknown (as yet) 1840's percussion pistol from him that had been handed down by the Grandfather who was a cigar factory owner in early 1900's Holland. I have no reason to believe they would create the story in order to take advantage of me on the final surviving weapon. There is a ton of information available through Google on G Zeller and Martini Zeller. I think your head may be out of control again rc. Sorry.

 

[rcmodel]

I think your head may be out of control again rc.

Well thanks!

I won't worry about it much though.

Sorry to have bothered you with my thoughts on it.

rc

 

[Steel Horse Rider]

I apologize if you were posting serious thoughts. I did not read them that way. I probably should think twice and post once.

 

[SDC]

Any proofmarks on it anywhere? That would at least give a likely date range to start looking at.

 

[Steel Horse Rider]

None that were visible. The side of the lock is ornately carved with outdoor scenes including a reclining deer behind the hammer and the hammer and spur are carved to resemble a shark with an open mouth where the hammer meets the nipple. I believe it was probably a sporting weapon and therefore wouldn't have any government proof markings on it. The current owner has not taken it apart so he does not know what may be hidden. If the deal is ever completed the first thing I will do is a complete disassemble and clean. The story of these weapons (as I said, I have two others from this family) and the original owner is very interesting to me. The Podewils has been a lot of fun to shoot and if this rifle is in as good of condition as it appears it will also get shot.