Original Item: Only One Available. A Schützen (also spelled Schuetzen) is a type of rifle used in European long-range competition. Its German root is from the word Schütze which can be translated as “shooter.” The earliest usage was to denote units of marksmen or sharpshooters back in the days of muzzleloading firearms. Some sources claim that it was once used to describe archers or more specifically crossbowmen. These rifles are typically heavy and can weigh upwards of 15 pounds. All shooting with these rifles is done standing using a palm rest and butt stock prongs to help the shooter balance the rifle so the weight aids in stability.

When Schützen became a competitive sport in Germany and the surrounding areas, many gun makers built these rifles to specifically fit an individual shooter. Being bespoke, that means that it will often not fit anyone else perfectly with regards to grip, length of pull, cheek rest configuration or even how the butt plate fits the shoulder. As time went on however, indoor shooting became much more common, and the well-off would have "shooting parlors" built into their houses, while others would attend meetings at larger venues. As full charges were not needed at all, this led to the introduction of Zimmerstutzen (Parlor Rifles), which often look to have been adapted from Schützen. These fired small caliber (4mm) pellets with percussion caps on the back, which would be projected a short distance out the muzzle.

This example is marked on the top of the barrel by maker D. Landauer Erding = München, a location about 30km north east of central Munich. This is a known maker of guns during the late 19th century, and they were also a retailer of guns made elsewhere. We do not know whether this rifle was made by Landauer, or one that was only retailed by them. We do not see any of the usual firearms proofs on the breech end of the barrel, though they may be located underneath, and the stock was not able to be removed. We still however think it is highly likely that it was purpose made as a percussion pellet rifle.

The gun half stocked, made in the style of a percussion rifle, with a side action lock on the right side. The lock however now pulls back a plunger that runs down the barrel, which when the trigger is pulled hits the back of the percussion cap pellet and propels it out of the 7 inch insert at the front of the rifle. As with other pellet guns we see, it is actually loaded through a hole in the bottom of the barrel about 7 inches from the muzzle. There is a small carrier for the pellet that rotates into the barrel, and then locks in place. It is marked with a SYSTEM / STIEGELE cartouche just above the port in the bottom of the barrel, and there is the same marking on the locking mechanism that closes the "breech".

This type of pellet system was designed by well-regarded maker Carl Anton Stiegele, located in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. He would later take into business his brother Gründer as well as his son Carl, during which time they made guns for many exceedingly well-heeled clients. A quick google search can find many examples, and we also found this lovely archive at German Hunting Guns - Stiegele, Carl Anton. It is possible that the gun was originally made by Stiegele, or converted by them.

The rifle is about 40 inches in overall length, and is equipped with an elaborate wood stock with a large intricate butt plate. It is fitted with a SET TRIGGER enclosed in an elaborate iron trigger guard operating lever with finger grooves. There is a rear aperture sight on the tang of the receiver, which looks to be fully intact and adjustable, while the front sight is a well protected "ball on stick" type. The butt stock has a massive cheek piece on the left side, as well as the usual hooked butt plate of a Schützen rifle, while the right side has a thumb grip which has checkering behind. The fore stock area also has some lovely checkering and foliate at the nose, which match those on the butt stock. There are two small sling swivels on the bottom of the pellet rifle, one on the bottom of the butt stock, and one on the bottom of the barrel.

As best we can tell, the pellet rifle is fully functional, however we have no way to test it. The lock holds correctly at half cock, firing at full, however we cannot get the rear trigger to "set", so it looks to be out of adjustment. The hammer must be moved back to full cock, which pulls back the plunger on the inside of the barrel. When the plunger is back, the carrier can be swung out, a new percussion pellet placed, and then returned to the closed position, and presumably used. We do not have any way to actually check to make sure that it still can feed.

Condition is really fabulous, with a lovely patina on the metalwork, an the wood showing a lovely glow. Ready to research and display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1895
Caliber: 4.0mm
Ammunition Type: 4.5mm pellet with Percussion cap
Barrel Length: 25 inches - 7 inch insert
Overall Length: 40 inches
Action: Side Action Lock
Feed System: Barrel Loaded

NOTE: BB Guns / Pellet Guns are restricted in many areas in the United States. Please check local laws prior to ordering.

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This item is completely legal within the USA. International Military Antiques, Inc observes all Federal, State and Local laws. Everything for sale on ima-usa.com is completely legal to own, trade, transport and sell within the United States of America. Every display machinegun and machine gun parts set and gun sold by IMA, Inc is engineered to be inoperable according to guidelines provided by the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATF).

International Military Antiques, Inc., nor any representative thereof, can accept any responsibility for injury or damage of any description arising from intentional or accidental use of these guns. Persons not qualified to do so should not attempt to disassemble these units. USE WITH CAUTION!

SAFETY GUIDELINES
PELLET GUNS ARE NOT TOYS! Never ever point your pellet gun at another person! They can cause significant harm.

Do not carry your pellet gun in public. It should NEVER be carried on the street, hidden on your person, or left carelessly in your car. Do not leave it where it is accessible to unsupervised children or irresponsible adults. If a police officer sees you with one he will shoot first ask questions later. These pellet guns look very much like real firearms.

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