#276 • **German Becker Revolving Semi-Auto Shotgun
Part of The Ray Howser Firearms Collection, 1931-2026 (timed auction by Lewis & Grant Auctions)
Starting at $1,000.00
Status: Available
Live bidding starts Nov 20, 2026 10:00 AM EST
16 gauge, 25" barrel length, S/N 666. Dating from the early 1920s, this highly unusual and mechanically fascinating firearm represents one of the few production applications of a blow-forward semi-automatic action coupled with a revolving cylinder. Originally conceived and patented at the turn of the 20th century, the design survived rigorous performance evaluations by the German Government Proof Houses at Halensee and Neumannswalde between 1921 and 1922, leading to a very brief production run by Römerwerk in Suhl. Scholars estimate total production was exceedingly limited, likely spanning fewer than 500 total units. The Becker relies entirely on manual and kinetic cycling rather than an external hammer or a conventional gas piston. To chamber the initial round and tension the internal striker mechanism, the operator slidingly pulls the barrel forward until it hooks securely onto a specialized sear. Upon pressing the trigger, the spring-loaded barrel is flung rearward to seat tightly against a forcing cone on the face of the rotating cylinder, creating a gas-tight seal at the moment of ignition. As the shot charge travels down the bore, frictional drag forces the barrel sharply forward. This forward stroke recocks the striker, indexes the cylinder to the next live chamber via an internal winding clockwork spring, and directs escaping gases to forcefully eject the spent hull out of the loading port. True to its design, the cylinder functions as a 6-position drum but features only five live chambers (stamped with Roman numerals I through V); the sixth position is intentionally blocked by a solid steel shaft. This critical safety feature blocks the loading port when at rest, preventing an un-fired cartridge from accidentally discharging outside the frame during cycling. The left side of the frame typically displays the crisp stamp of the marketing firm, "DEUTSCHE JAGDWAFFEN-GESELLSCHAFT DÜSSELDORF", accompanied by traditional Suhl commercial proofs. The piece is completed with a checkered walnut buttstock, a sliding forearm track cover, a matted top rib, and a single bead front sight. Blue finish on metal surfaces with checkered walnut stock with cheek piece and checkered forearm. Checkered fancy horn buttplate with sling swivels. It has a raised matted rib on the rear section of the barrel. A cylinder that revolves with side loader. Marked on the cylinder in Roman numerals. This piece retains most of the rust bluing. The stock and forearm with some nicks and Dings. Less than 500 of these shotguns were produced between 1899-1920. This is an excellent and rare example.
