H. Kiechner in Homburg v.d. Hohe 1920's Schutzen Martini-Henry 22lr target rifle

This rifle is a specialized conversion of the classic British Martini-Henry single-shot falling-block action rifle, adapted in Germany during the 1920s for precision target shooting in the Schützen tradition. These conversions were popular in interwar Europe, particularly in Germany, where strict post-WWI arms restrictions under the Treaty of Versailles encouraged the production of low-caliber (.22LR) training and sporting rifles to maintain marksmanship skills without violating military hardware bans. H. Kiechner (likely Heinrich Kiechner or a similar variant, based on historical gunsmith records) was a German artisan or small workshop specializing in such custom conversions, often based in regions like Suhl or Oberndorf—key centers for German gunmaking.

This specific model blends British engineering with German precision craftsmanship, transforming the robust Martini-Henry (originally a .577/450 black-powder military rifle from 1871) into a lightweight, accurate .22LR target gun. Below, I'll break down its history, features, and collectibility based on firearm historiography and auction records.

Historical Context

Martini-Henry Origins: Designed by Friedrich von Martini (Swiss) and William Ellis Henry (Scottish), the Martini-Henry was the British Army's standard rifle during the late 19th century, seeing action in conflicts like the Zulu War (1879) and Sudan campaigns. Surplus military models flooded the market after WWI, making them cheap bases for conversions.

1920s German Conversions: In the Weimar Republic era, German firms like Sauer, Mauser, and smaller shops (including Kiechner) modified these actions for civilian and club use. The .22LR chambering complied with Versailles limits on military calibers, while the Schützenbund (German shooting federation) promoted bunds (target rifles) for competitions. Kiechner's work dates to around 1924–1929, per surviving examples documented in collector databases like those from the American Society of Arms Collectors.

Rarity: Fewer than 100 Kiechner-marked examples are estimated to exist today, as many were lost or refurbished during WWII. They represent a niche in "Französische" (French/German hybrid) target rifle evolution.

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