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Heerenbüchse by Stiegle in München, 5,6x52R
proofed in 1932, probably made in Suhl

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Of course the rifle was made in Suhl! All prewar Heeren rifles were made there. Though Nagel & Menz, Baden – Baden, held the original 1880 patent by Colonel Count Arturo Heeren, they never made "their" actions themselves. As usual, they had their rifles made in Suhl by Stephan Heym (not related to the still active F.W. Heym company). As long as the patent was valid, Nagel & Menz had the exclusive right to market these actions. After the patent expired, Heym could provide other gunmakers with actions and complete rifles directly. At Stephan's death in 1919 his son Max Heym took over the business. Max Heym had the word "Heeren" protected as a trademark. Max continued until 1938, when because of old age he sold his business to Ernst Kerner & Co., Suhl, who continued to make Heeren rifles and actions until 1945. During the interwar years about 80 to 100 Heeren actions were made each year.
It was after 1945 only, when E.Kerner, Suhl, was no more, that others started making Heeren actions. Known are Glaser - Zürich, Oreschowski – Graz, Furtschegger _ Kufstein, Outschar – Ferlach. All other gunmakers bought in their actions or the complete rifles from these makers.

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