SIMSON SUHL, Cal. 12/70

The company Simson & Co. was founded in 1856 in Suhl, Thuringia, by the brothers Löb and Moses Simson. Originally a steel producer, the firm later made its name manufacturing hunting and military firearms, also expanding into bicycles, cars and motorcycles. In the interwar period Simson became one of the most important industrial manufacturers in Suhl. In the 1930s the founding family, who were Jewish, were dispossessed of the company by the Nazi regime, and the factory was reorganised and renamed. After the Second World War, production continued under Soviet administration and then within the state industry of the GDR. Simson Suhl hunting guns are prized for their solid construction, precise fitting and carefully executed engraving, and embody the renowned gunmaking tradition of the town of Suhl.

Condition assessment

This Simson Suhl is in good to very good overall condition for its age, with normal signs of use and storage.

• The engraving is rich, well preserved and still very crisp.

• The inscription “SIMSON & Co. SUHL – THÜRINGEN” is legible.

• The action and metal parts show an even patina, minor scratches and superficial wear, with no corrosion.

• The blueing on the barrels shows light to moderate wear, consistent with its age.

• The wooden stock retains its finish, grain and chequering; minor scratches and handling marks are visible, with no cracks.

• The butt plate and sling swivel are present.

• No major modern alterations or structural damage can be seen.

The mechanical condition, lock-up, action tightness, ejector function and bores are all impeccable.