Re: Gun ID
Probably sold/marketed by Franz Jaeger company, Suhl, Germany. Their trademark was "Herald." They were well known for their three-barrel shotguns and drillings They were in business during the Edwardian period and sold guns from many makers, including small 'guild' makers. They survived WW1 and were making rifles during the inter-war period.
The Jaeger trademark “Herold” was used on various gun models models and Jaeger patents were used for ejectors on drillings, which were very complex and difficult to make.
F. Jaeger also had patents on unique breech locking design, the “Verticalblockverschluss,” that locked into recesses in the barrels rather than the receiver. This latter patent is still being used today in designs offered by Blaser and Merkel.
A 1910-1911 catalogue shows the least expensive model they offered was the Simson-Jaeger patented action in less powerful calibers: 8 X 57R and 9.3 X 72R. The top of the Jaeger line in double rifles is constructed with the Verticalblockverschluss patent included calibers offered include 9.3 X 74 R and .400 Eley Magnum -- recommended for tropical hunting.
Yours appears to be a single rifle in the 5.3mm caliber. (about .210 inch) but also the same name that the Europeans give to the .22LR. If it's rimfire, it's probably a .22. Regardless, it probably falls into the category the English would call a "Rook Rifle" or as we would know it, a Varmint gun.
Even if it chambers a .22LR, before trying to shoot, get a chamber cast and make sure it's what is marked on the barrel. A lot of these were brought home as war trophies and many were re-chambered to US calibers after they got home.
Gorgeous... if you want to sell it or trade it, PM me!
Cheers,
Sirhr
