Louis
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I am trying to harvest information on the company ‘Chas. A Heyer & Co, Nairobi’, whose name is engraved on some Mauser sporting rifles, however information is scarce.
I managed to find from internet sources that Charles A. (aka ’Chas.’) Heyer, a German national born in 1870 and deceased on 1st October 1931 in Nairobi, was buried at the Forest Road Cementery in Nairobi (Kenya).
From ‘The Official Gazette of the Colony and Protectorate of Kenya’ (available online) I also found that :
• Chas. A Heyer was issued a game licence in Nairobi in June 1912 (Official Gazette dated October 1st, 1912).
• The company ‘Chas. A Heyer & Company, Limited’ was still active in 1941 (Official Gazette dated September 2, 1941).
• The company ‘Chas. A Heyer & Company, Limited’ was voluntarily wound-up in 1949 (Official Gazette dated November 1st, 1949).
I recently purchased by chance in Austria an old commercial booklet, ‘Jagd un wissenschaftliche Expeditionen in Ost-Afrika’ (see cover page below ; I will scan one day the 100 pages in German) drafted in 1911 by Chas. A Heyer for teaching potential German customers on big game hunting opportunities in British East Africa and for advertising his company’s experience at organising hunting expeditions.
Although the Chas. A Heyer name is often linked to the import of Mauser sporting rifles to British East Africa, I could not find the mere reference (unless I missed something) to him neither on any of the Mauser commercial adverts that were shared on the NE Forum nor on the Mauser Archive book published in 2007 by Jon Speed.
Would any Forum Member have more information to share, mainly in the form of pre-WW2 Mauser documentation mentioning the Chas. A Heyer company as their agent (or other form of commercial relationship) in British East Africa and over which period of time ?
Thank you.
Louis
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"Everything that doesn't kill me makes me stronger"
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lancaster
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found the same in 2015 but seems another one http://forums.nitroexpress.com/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=261811&an=0&page=2#Post261811
for sale for 2000 euro what was imho very high
hope you got yours cheaper now
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Norwegian hunter misses moose, shoots man on toilet
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bringing civilisation to the barbarians
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Louis
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Fortunately a more decent price of €38, from www.antiquari.at
Louis
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"Everything that doesn't kill me makes me stronger"
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lancaster
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good find for 38 euro
looks like Karl A. Heyer was a german
Last Name: HEYER
Given Name: Charles A
Birth: 1870
Death: 1 Oct 1931
AGED: YR: 61
Nationality: German
Date of Burial: 2 Oct 1931
Gender: M
Inscriptions:Chas A Heyer / 1870 - 1931 / rest in peace
Cemetery: Forest Road Cemetery
Section: 7, Lot: 124
http://www.eamemorials.co.uk/EAMemorials/KENYA/Nairobi%20Forest%20Road/Forest1437.htm
his grave is in Nairoby
Forest Road Cemetery
Location
Longitude & Latitude
Long. 36° 49' 58.22"E, Lat 1° 15' 58.90" S
Township, Nairobi,
Country: Kenya
Notes
Notes: Take the Forest Road dual carriageway in the direction of Thika. The cemetery can be found on the left at the end of the dual carriageway just before Pangani roundabout.
Other Notes: The first burial was that of F Fernandes on 6 Nov 1918. Burials in the main cemetery declined from 1946 when City Park Cemetery opened but burials still take place in the Jewish section.
Ownership: Nairobi City Council.
http://www.eamemorials.co.uk/EAMemorials...ad-Cemetery.htm
dying in 1931 so the company survive him for some years
if he was a german by birth it explain his connection to the german gun market
not only Mauser rifles
https://www.morphyauctions.com/jamesdjulia/item/1602-396/
"*EARLY WALTHER PP PISTOL, MARKED FOR “CHAS. A. HEYER & CO., NAIROBI”.
SN 752226. Cal. 7.65mm. Early in production Walther PP with thick 90 degree safety, Cal. 7.65mm, marked for “CHAS. A. HEYER & CO., NAIROBI”. Standard configuration Walther PP whose left slide is marked with the Walther banner, followed by the 2-line address that included the Cal. and suffixed with “Mod PP”. Red dotted safety recess. “Crown/N” proofing on exposed chamber and repeated on adjacent slide and frame. Full SN applied vertically on right side of frame. Once gun was completed, the crest of the slide was marked with a split legend: SPECIALLY MADE FOR / CHAS. A. HEYER & CO., NAIROBI.”. Black plastic grips impressed with the Walther banner and extensive bordered checkering. Correct magazine with seven indicated holes marked with the Walther banner at the bottom of the left side. Complete with unmarked black leather commercial holster with spare, identically marked magazine in attached pouch. PROVENANCE: The Esteemed Collection Of Noted Expert And Author Warren Buxton."
another Walther
https://www.morphyauctions.com/jamesdjulia/item/1607-396/
"*WALTHER 1926 OLYMPIA, SPECIAL ORDER FOR CHAS. A. HEYER OF NAIROBI.
SN 3193. Cal. 22LR. Standard configuration Walther 1926 Olympia with 5.5″ bbl, having a vertically adjustable front sight and drift adjustable rear sight. The right side of the bbl is marked with the SN along with a pair of Crown/N proofs. On the crest of the bbl, in bold lettering, is the marking “SPECIALLY MADE FOR / CHAS. A. HEYER & CO., NAIROBI”. The slide markings are per standard production with the “Walther’s Patent” and banner appearing on the left side and “CAL 22 long rifle” and location “Waffenfabrik Walther Zella-Mehlis (Thur.)” on the right side. In front of the trigger guard is a dismounting lever and on the left side of the tang is a large,coarsely checkered safety lever. Fitted with a single piece wrap-around grip with a shallow thumb rest, checkered on each side and secured with four screws. Correct magazine with a single viewing slot on the left side and three slots on the right side along with “27”. PROVENANCE: The Esteemed Collection Of Noted Expert And Author Warren Buxton. "
but Mauser seems to be the most
Mauser 98 Typ A
Kal. 9,3x62
SN: 104656
made in 1930
https://www.feine-jagdwaffen.de/Aktuelle-Angebote-Langwaffen/Repetierer
Custom Mauser bolt action hunting rifle marked Chas. A. Heyer & Co. Nairobi on top of barrel, 10.75 x 68 mm cal., 28” barrel, blue finish, custom wood stock with red hard rubber butt pad, double set triggers (working at time of description), jeweled bolt, 5-stage rear sight, #96814 in overall very good + condition showing the majority of a quality old re-blue, very good to near fine bore, crisp action, strong markings, very good to near fine custom wood stock with beautiful graining and accented fore end cap; length of pull to end of butt pad is 15”; a serious hunter’s rifle. Est.: $2,000-$3,000.
https://www.google.de/search?q=Chas.+A+Heyer+%26+Co,+Nairobi&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiaj4q0_d3cAhWxM-wKHUxOAR0Q_AUICygC&biw=1920&bih=923#imgrc=Gs-ADsDVlUrOXM:
"Chas. A. Heyer & Co. Nairobi" in 6,5x58 Portuguese
http://forums.nitroexpress.com/printthre...amp;type=thread
http://www.lone-star-armory.com/photos/osa-mauser/osamauser.html
Osa Johnson, 1894-1953, was a very influential adventurer who took part in many big game safaris with her husband Martin Johnson and documented their expolits through both film and book. The life they lived and documented together was the epitome of classic big game safari hunting in the 20th century. In recent years, one of the only existing rifles attributed to Osa surfaced, an Oberndorf Mauser Type A factory Sporting Rifle in caliber 9.3x62mm, serial number 105930, manufactured ca. 1930/31. This rifle is consecutive serial number 105929, and it's previous owner did infact hunt with the Johnsons. The gun is a 9.3x62mm Oberndorf Type A sporter, and is absolutely 100% identical in every regard and condition to the aforementioned "Osa Johnson" rifle. It was sold through the firm of Charles A. Heyer & Co. Nairobi, British East Africa, presumably at the same time as Osa's #105930 rifle. The fact that both rifles are identical in every way, including the rubber buttpad fitting for a lady, and consecutively serial numbered to the same African firm, it is highly likely that this too was one of Osa's safari rifles. The Type A factory Sporting Rifles are regarded as being the finest and most sought after Mauser rifles, and at the time were made specifically for the English market and use on dangerous game in Africa and India.
http://www.jeremiahjohnsontrading.com/
Mannlicher Schoenauer Model 1903 With Super Rare 27.5' Barrel Lk...
https://www.gunauction.com/buy/14070900
"A rare and very collectible Mannlicher for your viewing and bidding pleasure. This one was factory outfitted with a 27.5 inch barrel. Specially ordered,back in the day, by the largest gun dealer in Nairobi – Charles A Heyer & Co. And is so inscribed by the factory on the barrel top. See photos.
Rumors have it that this rifle may have seen service (not substantiated) during the horrific Mau Mau rebellion in Kenya – Circa 1952 to 1960 "
Edited by lancaster (09/08/18 04:45 AM)
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Waidmannsheil
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Louis, what a fantastic book at a fantastic price. Those old books make for such interesting reading and they really take you back in time. I have an original pre-war canvas map of Africa which I got for $10 at a market. Super interesting and I always feel as if I am in some place in Africa in 1910 planning a Safari when looking at it, normally with a fine Single Malt Scotch in hand. Really well done with that purchase.
Waidmannsheil.
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There is nothing wrong with vegetarian food, so long as there is meat with it.
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Louis
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Posts: 977
Loc: France
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Waidmannsheil, thank you; I will disseminate copies of the booklet as soon as I have scanned it.
Single malt whiskies - needless to say without ice, are always a prime choice; my personal choice goes to the Islay, Jura and Orkney ones!
Louis
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"Everything that doesn't kill me makes me stronger"
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Waidmannsheil
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Just like Bell who never had a soft point poison his barrels, I have never had ice poison my whiskey. I too am a fan of Scotch from those areas in particular those with a noticeable smoked peat aroma such as Laphroaig. When served in a nice strong crystal glass it makes the experience even better, at least for me.
Waidmannsheil.
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There is nothing wrong with vegetarian food, so long as there is meat with it.
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Clark
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Thanks for this Louis, very interesting!
I have a Mannlicher from Chas. A Heyer & Co:
http://forums.nitroexpress.com/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=211610&page=0&fpart=1&vc=1
It seems to be very similar to the one sold at gunauction.com above with its long barrel, but I can't see the pictures on that site unfortunately.
/C
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lancaster
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clark, the only pic still available is the one I posted
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Norwegian hunter misses moose, shoots man on toilet
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bringing civilisation to the barbarians
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Louis
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Clark, thank you for your reply/link to previous post and congratulations on you very nice rifle
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"Everything that doesn't kill me makes me stronger"
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Clark
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Thanks Louis! Will be interesting to see extracts from that book!
@lancaster: Yes, too bad, would been great to see some details.
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lancaster
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so double guns too, and german
https://www.dorotheum.com/auktionen/aktu...age=1&img=1
12 ga double gun by an unknown Suhl maker , inscribed with "Specially Made for Chas. A. Heyer & Co. Nairobi, Mod.: Simba, Kal.: 12/63" german and british proof marks, SN 25536
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Norwegian hunter misses moose, shoots man on toilet
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bringing civilisation to the barbarians
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Louis
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Posts: 977
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Thank you Lancaster, interesting; Herr Charles 'Chas.' Heyer did not import in East Africa only Mauser rifles but also Mannlicher Schoenauer ones, and probably also many other types of German/Austrian weapons, such as this shotgun. Interestingly also, this shotgun may have been produced/named for the African market; the rationale for my assumption is that 'simba' means lion in Swahili (African native language spoken allover East and Central Africa) and I could not see this alien name being a selling added value for the German domestic market.
I don't forget that I have promised to scan and disseminate the Charles Heyer book I acquired some time ago, however I am currently working on a project abroad and will do it once back home.
Louis
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"Everything that doesn't kill me makes me stronger"
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lancaster
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yes, I think that Model Simba means lion gun
maybe not the best name for a shotgun...
think all guns were engraved with the Heyer address in nairobi because it looks allways the same so it would be reasonable to believe it was allways made by the same hands. heyer had maybe only german guns, wonder how he survive the first years after ww1 in british east africa. did we have the name of other gun dealer in nairobi in this time more specialised in british firms?
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Norwegian hunter misses moose, shoots man on toilet
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bringing civilisation to the barbarians
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rigbymauser
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I was lucky to buy the booklet `Jagd- und wissenschaftliche Expeditionen in Ost-Afrika. Organisation und Ausrüstung durch Chas. A. Heyer & Co`.(1911) for a small money.
Great with threads like these. Very inspirering.
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Louis
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Glad you could get one also and welcome to the Club of this rare book owners!
I still have in mind to scan mine and share it with Forum peers however this is still on my to-do list for when I'll get back home as I have been travelling a lot for business over the last months and I am still away at the present time.
Louis
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"Everything that doesn't kill me makes me stronger"
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paradox_
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Yes please louis...that would be great....when you have a moment.
Best
Eric
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Walk softly and carry a big stick
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rigbymauser
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Quote:
Glad you could get one also and welcome to the Club of this rare book owners!
Louis
Thanks!.
I`ve been collecting gun & hunting books for years now...my wife is now complaining about space...books stacked everywhere..
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mckinney
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Great thread and some lovely photos of Mausers and Walthers.
Regarding Chas Heyer, I recall seeing a photo of the storefront somewhere but I've not been able to locate it again. I'd love to see images of the store, especially the interior. Would also like to know when the store opened and when it finally closed.
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lancaster
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the simba double gun is again in auction
https://www.dorotheum.com/de/l/6060319/
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Norwegian hunter misses moose, shoots man on toilet
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bringing civilisation to the barbarians
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Clark
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Posts: 84
Loc: Sweden
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Found this on the Pinterest of all places:
And of my Mannlicher which was purchased through Chas. A Heyer:
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Louis
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Congratulations on your smart rifle; is it fitted with a Steyr swing mount?
Louis
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"Everything that doesn't kill me makes me stronger"
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Clark
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Thanks!
Yes, I think it is a Steyr mount. It was done in the 60s I think in Britain according to the previous owner.
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Waidmannsheil
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I don,t believe that they are factory mounts but rather a copy of factory mounts as the pivot pin is in the center of the mount rather than offset to the left side like the factory mounts. I have several sets of mounts as well as having seen many others and many original catalog pictures and they all have the offset pin. Making rings and bases for the offset pin requires very precise machining whereas the center pin would be easier to manufacture.
Not trying to hang shit on your rings, I just don't believe that they are factory.
Kuduae might be able to add to this.
Matt.
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There is nothing wrong with vegetarian food, so long as there is meat with it.
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Louis
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Clark, in order to follow-up on Matt's comments, please find below photos of my own Steyr rotary scope mount (slightly different from yours) , mounted my Mannlicher Schoenauer M. 1903 (1926):
Louis
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"Everything that doesn't kill me makes me stronger"
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