The Art and Craft of Paul Jaeger's Custom Rifles
And The Paul Jaeger Emil Willig Custom Mauser 375 H&H
Paul Jaeger: Legacy of a Master Gun Maker – Part 1
In the world of custom sporting rifles, few names carry as distinct a legacy as Paul Jaeger. Born in New York City on July 31st, 1901, Jaeger's journey in gunmaking began under the influence of his father, Franz Jaeger, a respected gunsmith in his own right. This essay explores the life and career of Paul Jaeger, focusing on how his early experiences and innovations shaped his reputation as one of the premier gun makers in the United States.
Paul Jaeger's formative years were split between America and Germany, where he was taken at the age of two. Growing up in Suhl, a city renowned for its arms manufacturing, Paul was steeped in the craft from a young age. His education in gunmaking started in earnest under his father's tutelage, followed by a formal apprenticeship as an actioner—an experience that laid the foundation for his technical mastery and creative designs.
The economic landscape of the post-World War I era saw Paul Jaeger returning to the United States. Settling initially in New York City, he quickly moved to Philadelphia, where he established his first gun shop. His timing was fortuitous; America was in the throes of the Great Depression, and there was a burgeoning market for custom, high-quality hunting rifles. Jaeger’s blend of traditional German craftsmanship with innovative American entrepreneurial spirit allowed him to carve out a unique niche in the gunmaking industry.
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