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Anschutz Free Pistol Model 240 Single Shot Olympia

kisa1kisa1 Member Posts: 40 ✭✭
edited July 2008 in Ask the Experts
Hello Folks. I need information regarding a one-of-a-kind pistol. It is a Anschutz/Merkel Free Pistol Model 240, probably pre-WWII according to JG Anschutz GmbH & Co KG in Germany. Unfortunately, they also said any info regarding this firearm was destroyed after WWII. So I am hoping someone out here might be able to help. Here are the particulars: Stamped Olympia Sieger Modell and DRGM on left reciever. Franz Merkel Zella Menlis 744B on reciever top. Record Match Pistol on tang. Zella-Menlis and Bohler Stahl on left barrel flat. Franz Merkel vorm UDO Anschutz on right barrel flat. DRGM above shield with UAZ inside of shield. Martini style action. Case colored hardened frame, trigger guard action releas blued hexagon barrel. the wood pistol grip is massive, carved and highly decorated. This firearm is in Like New Condition, no box, no paperwork. Thanks Folks.
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    Hawk CarseHawk Carse Member Posts: 4,368 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I don't know any more than what you can read on the gun itself, but it sounds like a jewel. As of 1939, Stoegers sold the Anschutz Record Free Pistol. The Model 210 was $135, which was a lot in those days.

    I wonder if Franz Merkel might not have been a dealer or distributor, not indicating any involvement by Gebruder Merkel gun company.
    The original Merkels of Gebruder Merkel were Albert Oskar, Karl Paul, and Gerhard.
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    rufe-snowrufe-snow Member Posts: 18,650 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Can't help you with value. My reference does note though that Franz Merkel was probably the successor to Udo Anschutz in the 1930's.

    The problem with the gunsmiths located in Suhl Germany, was that many of them were related and did business under similar names. They differentiated their business's by using their first name. This causes confusion to many U.S. collectors, 70 years after the fact.

    If you give us the Proof Marks on the pistol, it might help finding DOM. As the Germans changed their proof marks in 1939.
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    perry shooterperry shooter Member Posts: 17,390 ✭
    edited November -1
    Hello I have a picture that looks like the pistol you describe made by Udo ANSCHUTZ Record Match Model 210 a made before 1939 It is pictured in the book THE HANDGUN by Geoffrey Boothroyd. I have owned andf shot a number of free pistols but like other firearms used in match shooting advancements in design and changes in rules have put all older free pistols in the WORK OF ART category They have very little value as a shooter but a small following on Quality fire arm.
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