P. Oberhammer Best-Grade 12 Gauge Sidelock Side-by-Side Shotgun | Excelsior Witten Steel Barrels, Pre-WWI Bavarian Court Build
This bespoke P. Oberhammer sidelock was crafted for the Royal Bavarian Court between 1893 and 1912. Built on a best-grade action with full-coverage rose-and-scroll engraving and a gold-inlaid monogram, it represents the height of German gunmaking before World War I. Premium Excelsior Witten fluid-steel barrels, fine walnut furniture, and rare appointments such as an antler trigger-guard mark it as a firearm made for wealthy sportsmen and now prized by collectors.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good – Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Fouling: Mild Fouling – Light buildup of fouling or dirt.
Specific Condition Notes: A small crack is present on the right ear of the stock just behind the action. The remainder of the wood shows normal handling wear only.
What’s Included
- P. Oberhammer Best-Grade 12 Gauge Side-by-Side Shotgun
This shotgun’s 30-inch Excelsior Witten fluid-steel barrels feature a matted rib, doll’s-head rib extension, and cross-bolt locking lug, giving it the strength and balance expected from a premier sporting gun of its era.
The hand-cut rose-and-scroll engraving covers the sidelocks, receiver, and furniture, with a gold-inlaid monogram signaling its bespoke origin. All engraving is factory original, executed to the high standard associated with Munich court makers.
Disc-set strikers, double triggers, and a break-action sidelock design provide reliable ignition and fast follow-up shots. The antler trigger-guard adds a distinctive touch seldom seen outside top-tier custom orders.
The walnut stock offers a pistol grip, cheek-piece, fine checkering, and a steel butt-plate, while the splinter forend keeps the profile slim. A 14.75-inch length of pull suits most shooters without modification.
Pre-1912 Crown-S, Crown-W, and Crown-U proof marks confirm black-powder proof and place the gun firmly in the pre-WWI period. Combined with its rare origin and best-grade build, these attributes make the piece both a functional field gun and a significant collectible.