Auction No. 104 - Session 1
Saturday, November 22, 2014 | 10:00 AM Eastern
Auction closed.
Auction No. 104 - Session 1
Saturday, November 22, 2014 | 10:00 AM Eastern
Auction closed.
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Description
This sale by Amoskeag Auction Company features over 700 lots of rare and historic firearms. View the entire catalog here.
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Hotchkiss 25 Mm Antitank Cannon By Manufacture D'Arme De Levallois
Lot # 401 (Sale Order: 401 of 711)
Low Estimate: 20,000High Estimate: 30,000
serial #2999, 25mm, 71 1/2" barrel with a very good plus bore. This is a very respectable example of the French Model 1934, 25 mm Hotchkiss antitank Cannon as manufactured by Manufacture d'Arme de Levallois. The bore rates very good plus showing strong rifling with minor oxidation and residual hardened grease while the chamber is mostly clean with a moderate coating of hardened oil and grease with some light oxidation which would clean readily with a mild burnishing. Overall the gun retains about 50-near 60% apple green paint, flaking along the top edges of the trail, top of the barrel , the tire rims, and the top surfaces of the guns mechanism. The breech ring markings are strong: "Cannon De 25 mm SA Mle 1934 Fab 1937 MLS (in oval) No. 2999" with the breech block being marked similarly "Cannon S.A.H. 1934 caliber 25 mm No. 1305"; the breech block shows some residual flaking green paint and some very light scattered surface oxidation. Roughly about 4500 of these guns were in service in early 1940, with the Germans eventually capturing many of them. Purportedly about 200 of these captured guns were sold or otherwise transferred to Finland with 133 being Model 1934 and 67 being Model 1937 (their Finnish Army designation 25 Pst K/34 and 25 Pst K/37). Indeed this arm has a Finnish identification plate on the left leg of the trail showing service or rebuild (in Finnish "Korjattu" or "corrected") dates in January 1941 and February 1942 at Tampella (Oy Tampella A.B., a Finnish heavy manufacturing facility). The windage and elevation mechanisms operate fluidly and seem to run through their full range of traverse and elevation and it would seem as though the breech mechanism operates well, although there is a return spring missing along the right side of the mechanism and the tubular shell deflector is missing from the left side; the barrel transport pintle is intact and hangs from the front of the gunners shield. The sighting tube is intact however no optics are present, the 5-position rotating "v" aperture point-blank sight is present but frozen in position. The tires are marked "Increvable Baudou" and are size 13x45 and are dry rotted and not roadworthy and currently not holding air, but still display very well. The length of the barrel sans the flashider is 71 1/2" to the breech face, the overall length from pintle ring to muzzle is about 141". The flashider itself, while detached, is included and measures 14 1/4" overall length and flares to about 3 1/8" at the muzzle. The height to the top of the gunners plate is about 43" with a maximum width axle-tip-to-axle-tip of about 40"; in firing position the width of the transverse spread of the trace arms is about 100" and these guns purportedly weigh about 1000 pounds. Included with the arm are 54 loaded rounds of armor piercing tracer ammunition. Each round is in its original paper wrap sleeve, housed in a desert sand-painted metal box which holds 8 rounds, 6 of these have their lead-soldered seems intact; they are in wooden ammunition crates. The shells are marked "charge forte", a slightly hotter loaded round designed for short-barreled 25 mm fortification guns. The paper wrappings are all marked in French, the tan-colored tins with a Finnish identification label on the outside. A very respectable example overall which seems to operate well and appears as though it would clean up rather easily to be a very presentable, and likely very usable example. These guns were retired sometime in 1943 due to the increase in thickness of Soviet armor; doubtless this gun was used during that conflict. Really a super Second World War-dated antitank gun that no doubt took some shots at German armor first, then Soviet. (6909) {C&R} [Richard "Stretch" Kennedy Collection]
Tnw Mg-34 Semi-Auto Rifle
Lot # 402 (Sale Order: 402 of 711)
Low Estimate: 3,000High Estimate: 4,000
serial #8488, 8mm Mauser, 24" shrouded barrel with a bright, excellent bore. These classic rifles are built from original military components and are still belt fed, but are only capable of semi-auto function and fire from the closed bolt position. The metal surfaces have light handling wear but retain nearly 97% of a military grade finish. The top cover is numbered differently and has a green-gray parkerized finish. The barrel jacket is "dot" marked and dated "1945", the commercial receiver has been numbered to match the original "8488b". The remaining parts are numbered differently. The hardwood buttstock rates about very good and has a few light dings and a small 3" crack emanating from the collar. The composite pistolgrip panels are in similar condition with a small chip missing from the left side, a small hole in the right side and some light handling marks on both. The rifle is equipped with the correct flip-up front and rear adjustable sights. A correct bipod is mounted to the front of the barrel jacket. Rifle is housed in a custom made wood crate that is painted gray and has spaces made for various accessories. The MG-34 is arguably one the finest light machineguns produced in its day. It was capable of being carried and operated by one person, had a cyclic rate of 800-900 rounds per minute and an effective range of about 2000 yards. Replacement parts are still ready and available from the manufacturer and rifle is in near excellent condition overall. An awesome opportunity to own one of history's greatest military arms for the fraction of the cost of buying a true original. Please note the other accessories available in this sale and in the silent auction and that extra shipping will apply. (46880-1)
German Made Magazine Mg-34 Trommelhalter Top Cover
Lot # 403 (Sale Order: 403 of 711)
Low Estimate: 2,000High Estimate: 3,000
This lot consists of a German war time production MG-34 "drum holder" top cover which can be used with the PT34 style 75 round "Patronentrommel" double-drum magazines. The cover retains most of its arsenal type blue and is numbered "4948b". The German Waffenamts and makers marking were struck , which was common on Russian captured MG-34's. A super rare accessory for your MG-34 machine gun. (46880-8)
Rare German Patronentrommel Pt-34 Double-Drum Magazine
Lot # 404 (Sale Order: 404 of 711)
Low Estimate: 1,500High Estimate: 2,000
This lot consists of a 75 round double-drum magazine for the MG-34 machinegun. The magazine is maker code marked "wa" and dated "41" with a "4757" serial number. The metal surface of the magazine have most of the military wartime blue with areas of light surface oxidation and light pitting blending through. Magazine is equipped with a rubberized canvas top carry strap that has light crazing and some minor cracking but remains intact and fairly supple. The MG-34 could quickly and easily be converted for use with these magazines by changing the top cover with the "trommelhalter" or magazine top cover. A very good example overall of these desirable MG-34 accessories. (46880-5)
German Doppeltrommel Dt-15 Double-Drum Magazine
Lot # 405 (Sale Order: 405 of 711)
Low Estimate: 300High Estimate: 500
This lot consists of a 75 round double-drum magazine for the MG-15 German machinegun. The magazine is maker marked "BSW" and is dated "1936" with serial number "360610". The metal surfaces retain much of the original military blue that is blending with brown patina and has light surface oxidation throughout. The magazine is equipped with a leather top carry strap that has some light crazing but is still quite supple. These magazines were designed for use with the magazine top cover or "Trommelhalter" for the MG-15 but could also be used with the MG-34 series machineguns as well. It is said that the springs are mostly too tight for the MG-34 however and some magazines will not function as well in these models. An about very good example of these desirable accessories. (46880-6)
Mg34/42 Mgz-40 Optical Sight By J.D. Moller
Lot # 406 (Sale Order: 406 of 711)
Low Estimate: 1,500High Estimate: 2,000
serial #10395. This is an excellent condition optical sight for the MG-34 and Mg-42 series machineguns which mounts to the side of the respective tripods. The sight has an OD green finish with "8950" scratched in the top and is marked "KF / dhq / 10395" along the front near the base. There is some minor fading to the blued disc on the right side. The optics are a bit hazy but remain excellent otherwise. Sight comes housed in an original metal case that is stamp marked on the underside of the lid with a German eagle and "Emil Busch A.G. / Optische Industria Rathenow". The case has some minor flaking and small dents and is in very good condition. The rubber eye cup is in place but no other accessories are included. A rare opportunity to own one of these seldom seen cased sights. (46880-3)
Mg-34 Lafette Tripod
Lot # 407 (Sale Order: 407 of 711)
Low Estimate: 1,800High Estimate: 2,200
serial #6645. This "1940" dated tripod has been painted a dark gray and the maker's code and most of the military markings are no longer visible. There are areas of minor to moderate flaking present along with some areas of light surface oxidation. The T&E mechanism appears to function correctly. The original brown leather shoulder traps and leather pads are intact. The Lafette tripod, first used in 1934, was designed to provide a stable firing platform for machine gun squads in the German army and was used in the years leading up to and throughout World War II. The tripod is very adjustable, can be collapsed and carried like a backpack. It also has adjustable legs that can be set at several heights depending on the terrain available around the gun and crew. Though it is capable of some horizontal rotation, it was meant more as a fixed firing platform. A near excellent example, the perfect accessory for your MG-34. Please note that extra shipping will apply. (46880-2)
Mg-34 Armourer'S Tool Kit
Lot # 408 (Sale Order: 408 of 711)
Low Estimate: 800High Estimate: 1,000
This lot consists of a complete MG-34 cased armourer's tool kit. The kit is housed in a correct OD green "1940" dated metal case and includes the hammer, pliers, calipers, dog-bone style wrench, five assorted files, four sets of wood handles, needlenose pliers, adjustable wrench, chisel, double ended flat screwdriver and clamp. The center section has two pull-out drawers containing a tape measure, spanner tool with wrench, headspace gauge, drift punches, double-ended flathead screwdriver, two cleaning brushes, stuck case remover and a small vise. An excellent condition example of these rare kits. A must have for the MG-34 enthusiast. (46880-7)
Mg-34 Belt Tool Kit
Lot # 409 (Sale Order: 409 of 711)
Low Estimate: 300High Estimate: 500
This lot consists of a German MG-34 tool kit housed in an unmarked but correct black leather pouch. The pouch contains an anti-aircraft spider site, spare deactivated bolt, spanner, Lafette spanner, ruptured case remover, barrel cap, and starter tab. It appears that only the oiler in missing to make this kit complete. An excellent example, all of the tools are marked by German maker or code, and a few have visible Waffenamts. A great opportunity to own one of these rare and nearly complete kits. (46680-4)
Mg-42 Self Traversing Tripod
Lot # 410 (Sale Order: 410 of 711)
Low Estimate: 1,500High Estimate: 2,000
serial #6632d. An "fsu" manufacturer coded 1941-dated tripod that is currently painted dark gray. The paint appears to be a quality job but has covered some of the finer stamps including the lettering under the Waffenamt markings. The tripod legs are numbered 58 and the traversing table 8750d. The T&E mechanism appears to function correctly. Also included with the tripod are two tool boxes one bearing a Waffenamt marking, the other does not, and a set of unmarked padded leather carry straps. These items all fit nicely in a custom crafted veneer faced plywood crate that has been painted the same flat gray color as the tripod. A complete functional MG 42 tripod with a custom made storage crate. Please note extra shipping will apply. (106606-14B)
Custom 1903 Springfield Magazine Sporting Rifle By Hoffman Arms
Lot # 411 (Sale Order: 411 of 711)
Low Estimate: 3,000High Estimate: 5,000
serial #1230227, 35 Whelen, 23 1/2" Hoffman Arms Company marked barrel with a bright excellent bore. The barreled action retains about 97-98% beautifully restored rust blue finish with the bottom metal showing slightly more wear, toning to pewter on the sharp edges and a dark gray-blue on the balance. The bolt body and shroud show nicely restored original blue as well with the underside of the knob flattened and checkered and the attendant parts stamped "27" as we find on Seymour Griffin's work. Interestingly the bottom metal is indeed beautifully engraved by Kornbrath in his typical tight scroll showing about 85% coverage. Gold inlaid in a riband is "Dr. A Knutson/Reynolds Ill" along with "SR Griffin New York" at the very front of the floorplate, as is typical of Griffin guns. Clearly the arm was shipped to Hoffman Arms for stocking and modifications (more on that in a bit). Interestingly the underside of the barrel shows a different serial number, 183362, but is assembly numbered "27" as many of the small parts, again something Seymour Griffin normally did. The rifle is stocked in a very nice grade of English walnut by John Dubiel of Hoffman Arms, classic style with a rounded shadow line left side cheekpiece and rates very good plus to excellent with only the minor dings and handling marks one would expect from light field use. The pistolgrip checkering is flawlessly executed in a wrap-over pattern with mullered borders while the forend shows a wrap-around pattern also with neatly mullered borders. There is a blued steel pistolgrip cap and bone forend tip with a very nice grooved steel trapdoor buttplate, now toned to pewter, giving a length of pull of 13 1/2". The arm features a heavy swivel stud along the toeline and a nice barrel band stud midway down its length. The gun is sighted with a nice sporting ramp front with stippled and lightly engraved edges while the rear receiver bridge mounts a Lyman 48 sight. Mr. Petrov tells a story about Dr. Anton Knutson writing to Townsend Whelen for information on hunting in Canada. Mr. Whelen evidently gave him the name of Stanley Clark his longtime friend and guide. After much correspondence the good doctor decided he did not want to pay Clark's going rate so he hired a couple of half-breed Indian guides using the information Clark had given him. In September of 1923, Clark was guiding three men: Frank Conger Baldwin, Harry Snyder and Edwin H. Lupton in the footsteps of Whelen's trip. Much to the chagrin of the party, the good Dr. showed up in their camp quite unannounced and set up shop. The three men were so disgusted at the infringement that they eventually packed up their kit and camp and left. Harry Snyder of course was the owner of Hoffman Arms Company and it is surmised that Dr. Knutson sent the rifle for re-bore to .35 Whelen and a restock by Dubiel at Hoffman arms perhaps as some sort of reparation or apology for his rude intrusion. It is highly likely the Doctor realized his foible when Baldwin published the story in June of 1924: "With Pack Train and Tepee in the Rockies of Alberta", in-which he detailed the experience, calling him only "a certain doctor in Reynolds Illinois". The rear action screw slot shows some slight damage and there is a light scratch around a small portion of the screw hole. Overall a very lovely rifle exhibiting some fine characteristics from two of the very finest craftsmen of their day, indeed to this day. A very rare rifle with a very interesting and somewhat amusing story. (36650-9) {C&R} [Michael Petrov Collection]
Custom 1903 Springfield Heavy Barrel Target Rifle By Niedner
Lot # 412 (Sale Order: 412 of 711)
Low Estimate: 3,000High Estimate: 5,000
serial #1196730, 30-06, 26 3/4" heavy barrel with a bright excellent bore which shows the beginning of some very light softening at the throat. The barreled action retains about 97% original rust blue showing some minor rub marks and wear to pewter, especially near the muzzle, also with a couple of light abrasions on the right side of the front sight band and some scattered light oxidation. The bolt body is still bright retaining thin random-pattern burnishing, a few very light oxidation spots, with the extractor showing a bit more wear but still retaining light burnishing. The bottom metal shows a bit more wear retaining perhaps 80% original blue with wear to pewter and some light scratching around the periphery of the action screws. The heavy sporter style stock rates very good plus to excellent with only minor dings and handling marks from the years. It shows generous, slightly coarse, checkered panels at the grip which are accented with stippled panels, the forend with a lovely wrap-around pattern, also with the stippled accents; the circled P firing proof is still evident on the face of the grip. The butt has been fitted with a grooved-face Fray-Mershon rifle pad providing a 13 1/4" length of pull. The Springfield swivels are in place along the toeline and on the band and the rifle is sighted with a Lyman globe front atop the front sight band and a Lyman rear; the windage adjustment knob is missing from the bridge. The barrel and receiver ring have been professionally drilled and tapped during the period of use for steel target blocks, they are present. At the same time the bolt handle was lightly relieved for scope clearance, it is unobtrusive and very well done. The top of the barrel is marked "AO Niedner/Dowagiac Mich" just ahead of the receiver. While we find no mention of this serial number in the SRS records, it appears in all respects to be a Springfield heavy barrel target, neatly re-barreled by Niedner. (36650-30) {C&R} [Michael Petrov Collection]
Unmarked Custom 1903 Springfield Magazine Rifle Attributed To Seymour Griffin
Lot # 413 (Sale Order: 413 of 711)
Low Estimate: 2,500High Estimate: 4,000
serial #174449, 30-06, 22" barrel with a very good bore which shows strong rifling but with frosting within the grooves, showing some erosion in the area of the throat. The barreled action retains 90-92% original blue, the loss is due primarily to even fading, showing some sparsely scattered oxidation on the barrel. The bolt body and extractor are mostly bright showing some minor oxidation staining, showing the crosshatch burnishing seen on some of Griffin's rifles and on many of Griffin & Howes. The action races are honed bright with the right race neatly engine turned, as is the follower. The bottom metal is primarily a dull plum and pewter patina. The rifle is stocked classic style in a nice grade of English walnut with a rounded left side cheekpiece with shadow line. The stock rates very good plus with the expected dings and handling marks from the years and shows neatly checkered panels left and right, continuing into the inletting, separated along the front of the grip; the forearm pattern is wrap-around. There is schnabel tip of horn which is very Griffin-like and a blued steel pistolgrip cap on the slightly raked pistolgrip. There is a G & H-style sling swivel stud on the toeline and a barrel band stud just ahead of the forend tip. The rifle currently has a solid red rubber rifle pad, which is a more contemporary replacement giving a 13 1/2" length of pull, there is a bit of added finish on the pad and the stock immediately adjacent to it. The rifle is sighted with a simple blade front in the original banded base and a long slide Lyman rear on the receiver ring. There is the very beginning of a tiny crack at the rear of the top tang and the stock was later-inletted for the magazine cut off, not by the craftsman who built the rifle but neatly done nonetheless. Really a very nice example overall, unmarked but showing many attributes of Seymour Griffin rifles. (36650-37) {C&R} [Michael Petrov Collection]
Custom 1903 Rock Island Magazine Sporting Rifle Attributed To Steve Meunier
Lot # 414 (Sale Order: 414 of 711)
Low Estimate: 2,500High Estimate: 4,000
serial #220891, 30-06, 24" 10-12 dated barrel with a bright excellent bore. The barrel is an overall dark gray-blue with toning to pewter near the muzzle, at the band and in the area above the chamber, also with minor scratches and handling marks from the years. The receiver shows some generous traces of oil quenched case-hardening with toning to pewter at its rear edge. The bolt shows some operational wear with its knob toning to pewter, the safety showing some very good case colors. The bottom metal is primarily a pewter patina with some traces of dark original gray-blue in the protected areas, also with remnants of minor pitting; the front extension is flaming bomb and "NRA" marked. The rifle is stocked classic style without cheekpiece in a nice piece of American black walnut, very darkly finished with the wood still retaining much original varnish, rating very good overall with the minor dings and handling marks one would expect from the years. The wrist is very slim and the forend is somewhat squarish along its bottom edge. The wrist features generous checkered panels with a fine dividing line at the front part of the grip, these are accented with loose incise-carved scroll. The forearm wraparound pattern is similarly embellished, both showing some wear from the years. There is nice incise-carved loose flowing scroll along the comb line at the heel of the butt, continuing on the left and right side of the butt emanating toward the toe. The rifle features a schnabel tip with a nice antique ivory insert and a checkered hard rubber gripcap with the toeline showing a gold shield-shaped monogram plate, the butt culminating in a cast checkered steel buttplate for a 13 3/4" length of pull. The stock is fitted with very European-style sling swivels and there is a recoil crossbolt at the rear of the stock flat, there are a couple minor cracks beginning and a small sliver of wood at the rear of the receiver tang, this could easily be rectified if one wished. The rifle is sighted with a Lyman bead front in the original banded base (the bead is no longer present) and a Lyman long slide receiver sight on the rear ring. Mr. Petrov has attributed this gun to Steve Meunier, brother of the famous John Meunier of single shot percussion rifle fame. It does indeed show some Germanic influence and John was certainly known to checker and carve his stocks when ordered. Basically by default, the arm was attributed to Meunier as it held very early features found on other rifles, yet with none of the characteristic trademarks of those early makers, so Mr. Petrov attributed the arm to Meunier. The rifle is discussed and pictured in Custom Gunmakers of the 20th Century. A very attractive, very early magazine sporting rifle into-which further research may actually settle the question of the maker. (36650-60) {C&R} [Michael Petrov Collection]
Custom 1903 Springfield Magazine Sporting Rifle By Ross King
Lot # 415 (Sale Order: 415 of 711)
Low Estimate: 2,500High Estimate: 4,000
serial #1255269, 30-06, 21" star gauged barrel with a bright excellent bore. The barrel retains about 92% original rust blue, the loss is due primarily to even fading and some light high edge wear with the receiver showing a dark gray-brown faded case-hardening, the tang neatly narrowed as we see on Wundhammer and King rifles. The bolt body shows light operational wear, more prominent on the extractor, it has overall toned to a very dark gray with toning to pewter on the knob which is coarsely checkered in a circular pattern on its underside. The bottom metal is primarily a dull pewter patina with a dark gray faded blue on the bow, showing some light scratches on the bow and area of the rear guard screw. The rifle is stocked classic style without cheekpiece in a nice grade of English walnut, showing some very nice grain figure along the comb line. The stock rates very good overall with much original varnish but minor dings and handling marks from the years of use afield and the beginning of a tiny crack at the rear of the receiver. There are nice bordered checkered panels left and right with a thumb print diamond atop the wrist, the forearm pattern is wraparound bordered as well. There is a schnabel tip, blued steel gripcap which has faded to brown, detachable super grade-style swivel bases and a solid red rubber rifle pad giving a 13 1/2" length of pull. The face of the trigger is neatly, somewhat coarsely checkered and the safety lever has been grooved over its entire surface. The rifle is sighted with a Sheard style front bead on the original sight base while the rear receiver bridge holds a longleaf Lyman aperture sight. SRS "Summary of DCM Rifle Sales 1922-1942" lists this rifle by serial number as "SG", denoting star gauged. This rifle is pictured in Custom Gunmakers of the 20th Century, volume 2. A graceful rifle from this successor to Ludvig Wundhammer with a lovely bore and just enough wear that it could go afield once more. (36650-17) {C&R} [Michael Petrov Collection]
Rare Prewar 1903 Springfield Magazine Sporting Rifle By Paul Jaeger
Lot # 416 (Sale Order: 416 of 711)
Low Estimate: 2,500High Estimate: 4,000
30-06, 21 3/4" barrel with a bright about excellent bore which shows only the very lightest frosting within the grooves. The metal surfaces retain about 90% original blue with the loss being even fading and high edge and contact point wear. The rifle is neatly stocked in a nice piece of French walnut, classic style with a rounded, somewhat bulbous, left side cheekpiece. The stock itself rates very good with overall minor dings and dents from the years of use afield. The stock features a nice horn forend tip, engraved blued steel gripcap (there is a moderate ding or scrape out if its right leading edge) and a checkered steel buttplate giving a 13 1/8" length of pull. The rifle is sighted with a banded sporting ramp front with cross-hatched face, small ivory bead and the ramp hood is present, the receiver bridge sports a Lyman sight. The left side of the action has been fitted with a Jaeger single lever quick-detached telescope sight base which mounts an MSW Wetzlar 2 1/2X telescopic sight with heavy German post and crosshair reticle and bright very good plus optics. The scope itself rates about very good with worn finish. The bolt handle has been slightly swept and modified for scope clearance and is now polished bright, as is the bolt body, the knob showing some very light pinprick pitting. The rifle has additionally been fitted with one of Jaeger's nice single set triggers and the tang has been neatly narrowed. At some point the rifle may have been shot with the guard screws loose as a magnum crossbolt has been neatly fitted, its heads hidden beneath ebony plugs. The interior bedding reveals a few minor cracks which appear to have been effectively repaired and there was a small chip missing at the rear of the tang, this has been neatly repaired is very difficult to detect. The barrel is marked "P Jaeger Phila PA" making this a pre-1940 rifle, Mr. Petrov mentions he has only encountered four pre-war Jaeger's, most of what we find these days features the post-war Jenkintown address. The rifle is discussed and pictured in Custom Gunmakers of the 20th Century, volume 2. Paul Jaeger and the Jaeger firm need no introduction here, this is a fine rifle and would likely provide many more years of service afield. (36650-69) {C&R} [Michael Petrov Collection]
Custom 1903 Rock Island Magazine Sporting Rifle By John Hutton
Lot # 417 (Sale Order: 417 of 711)
Low Estimate: 2,500High Estimate: 4,000
serial #297584, 30-06, 23 3/4" barrel with a bright about excellent bore. The metal surfaces of the barreled action retain about 98% original blue with some sparsely scattered light oxidation here and there, also with some light handling marks and muzzle wear. The bolt body and handle retain a similar amount of restored blue, showing some sparse areas of light pitting beneath, the bolt shroud and striker retain some good original oil-quenched case-hardening. The bottom metal appears to be original blue with some minor handling marks and dings, the forward edge of the triggerguard bow being very nicely reduced with a rather graceful appearance. The gun is stocked classic style in a good grade of English walnut with a nice semi-rounded shadow line cheekpiece which runs all the way to the point of comb. The stock itself rates about excellent with some minor dings and handling marks from the years, also showing nice checkered panels at the wrist with mullered front borders, the forend with nice diamond panels, also with mullered borders, the checkering is very crisp. The stock is accented with a bone forend tip, blued steel pistolgrip cap and a checkered steel trapdoor buttplate which is lightly engraved (the forend tip shows some extremely slight insect damage). The gun is fitted with Griffin & Howe-style QD swivel studs and there is an un-engraved silver monogram plate along the toeline; the recoil lug area of the stock is neatly stamped "Hutton". The rifle is sighted with a nice pinched sporting front ramp with small gold bead and a Lyman receiver sight on the rear bridge. The left side of the receiver has been fitted with a Noske base and ring set which support a Noske telescopic sight with fine crosshair and dot reticle and very good optics; the scope itself rates about excellent with much original blue. The rear sight bridge is neatly stored beneath the butt trap when the scope is mounted. John Hutton originally was employed as a stocker by Griffin & Howe and went to work for Townsend Whelen at the National Target & Supply Co. sometime around 1939. Clearly this rifle has strong Griffin & Howe roots and is a handsome example from this very seldom-encountered maker. (36650-36) {C&R} [Michael Petrov Collection]
Custom 1903 Springfield Magazine Sporting Rifle By Samuel Leonard
Lot # 418 (Sale Order: 418 of 711)
Low Estimate: 2,500High Estimate: 4,000
30-06, 22" barrel with a bright very good plus bore which shows some frosting in the grooves. The barreled action retains about 97% restored rust blue with a few scattered light specks of very light oxidation here and there and some light muzzle wear. The bolt body is bright with some remnants of light pitting on the extractor itself, the right side race and the follower have nice cross-hatched burnishing . The bolt handle was low swept and features two nicely checkered panels, unfortunately it has now been relieved along its upper face, and a portion of the knob ground as well, obviously for scope clearance. The bottom metal is primarily a dull gray-blue patina toning to pewter on the sharp edges. The rifle is stocked classic style in a nice piece of English walnut with a flared left-side shadow line cheekpiece. The stock rates very good plus overall with some very light dings and handling marks from light use. It features nicely checkered grip panels which meet atop the wrist and a wrap-around forend pattern, these with mullered borders. Stock features a blued steel pistolgrip cap, ebony forend tip and grooved bone buttplate for a 13 1/4" length of pull. The rifle features QD swivel studs which appear as though they would take super grade swivels and there is an un-engraved gold monogram plate along the toeline. The rear of the action was neatly narrowed by the maker and the front receiver ring has been neatly matted, the front of the floorplate shows a nice checkered thumbprint and the trigger is very finely checkered. The rifle is sighted with a banded sporting ramp front with nicely matted face and a bead front sight with a very nice knurled hood, while the rear ring mounts a Lyman receiver sight. At some later point, perhaps within the last 40 years or so, a Griffin & Howe-style scope base was affixed to the left side of the receiver and the stock neatly inletted for it, it is likely this is when the bolt handle was also altered. The guard screws each show some slot damage and there is the very beginning of two extremely tiny cracks to the rear of the receiver tang, they could easily be arrested and made to disappear. Sam Leonard was head stocker at Purdey's before he left his job and moved to New York City. He teamed up with the George Hyde for a while and did the stock work for the short-lived Ned Roberts "Roberts & Campbell" enterprise. This example is marked on top of the barrel "No. 219 S. A. Leonard New York" and is discussed and pictured in Custom Gunmakers of the 20th Century. Really a very lovely arm with a beautiful lines and nice appointments, well-designed and well-executed. (36650-67) {C&R} [Michael Petrov Collection]
Custom 1903 Springfield Magazine Sporting Rifle By Griffin & Howe
Lot # 419 (Sale Order: 419 of 711)
Low Estimate: 2,500High Estimate: 4,000
serial #202663, 30-06, 24" star gauged barrel with a bright about excellent bore which shows only the very lightest frosting in the grooves nearer the throat; it is star gauge numbered "B/357" on its underside. The barreled action retains about 92% original blue, the loss is due to light even fading and high edge wear, primarily on the front sight, swivel band and scope mount. The bottom metal has toned to an even, darker gray-blue. It shows Kornbrath's nice-quality flowing scroll with banknote borderline rococo engraving; "Griffin & Howe Inc./New York" is engraved at the front of the floorplate. The bolt body shows only minor wear with the bolt handle flattened and coarsely checkered on its underside with a teardrop shaped bordered checkered panel on the outer surface of the knob. The gun is stocked classic style in Circassian walnut, the stock rating very good showing overall dings and handling marks from the years and a bit of darkening and oil soaking at the rear of the tang and at the carry point mid-stock. The stock features deep comb flutes, a schnabel tip and fleur-de-lis-style checkered panels with carved accents at the front of each grip panel. The rifle is fitted with 1" European-style sling swivels, has a bone pistolgrip cap and a checkered and lightly engraved trapdoor buttplate beneath-which there is a nickel Krag-style oiler; the length of pull is 13 1/2" . The rifle is sighted with a banded sporting ramp front sight with nicely matted ramp and knurled hood present and a Lyman receiver sight in place on the rear ring. The Griffin & Howe quick detach ring set supports a Carl Zeiss Zielklein 2.5X telescopic sight with post and crosshair reticle and bright excellent optics; the leather scope cover is included. This rifle is pictured on page 25 of Custom Gunmakers of the 20th Century. There are 2 very minute cracks at the rear of the receiver tang and the screw slots show some very light damage. Really a very nice example overall of an early Griffin & Howe sporting rifle which shows some honest but gentle field use. (36650-90) {C&R} [Michael Petrov Collection]
Fine German Magazine Sporting Rifle By Charles Daly
Lot # 420 (Sale Order: 420 of 711)
Low Estimate: 3,000High Estimate: 5,000
serial #26623, 7mm Mauser, 25" Roechling Elektrostahl barrel with a bright excellent bore. The barrel retains about 92-95% original blue, the loss is due primarily to some light even fading and the light handling marks and scratches one would expect from a hunted arm. The receiver retains about 90-92% original color case-hardening which is quite vivid in spots and has toned to a silvery case-hardened patina on the front receiver ring. The bolt assembly retains nearly all its original color case-hardening with the knob toning to pewter showing some very light oxidation staining, the extractor retaining much original bright blue with only some light oxidation and a light operational rub mark. The bottom metal has toned primarily to a pleasing silvery pewter patina with some generous amounts of original color case-hardening in the protected areas. This lovely rifle shows tight flowing scroll on the action with a nice bull Moose game scene vignette on the front ring. The bottom metal shows the same nice tight scroll with a hunting dog vignette in the center of the lever-release floorplate and flying waterfowl on the bow of the guard. The rifle is stocked classic style in a very nice grade of Circassian walnut, the stock rating very good plus with only minor dings and handling marks from light use afield, showing perhaps an old very light cleaning. The stock features scant comb flutes and a rounded left-side shadow line cheekpiece with a nice polished horn forend tip, inletted German-style over the narrowed and thinned tip of the forend. There is a nice engraved steel gripcap in place which is now primarily pewter, and a blued checkered trapdoor buttplate with a nice brass insert beneath the trap, length of pull is 13 5/8". The rifle is equipped with a toe-mounted swivel stud with another on the underside of the barrel and has a finely checkered trigger face. The arm is sighted with a checkered sporting ramp front sight and 2-leaf rear sight with the first leaf graduated at 100 and 200 yards, the second leaf for 300, both with the increments inlaid in silver; the rear receiver ring has been drilled and tapped for a Lyman receiver sight (this sight is original to the gun as the area beneath it is un-engraved. The top of the barrel is marked "Charles Daly Roechling Electro Steel" and the underside shows a proof date of November 1932, the underside of the action is marked with the Belgian retailer Bayard's galloping horse trademark. this rifle is pictured in Custom Gunmakers of the 20th Century, volume 2. Really a wonderfully-executed gun with some really beautiful green figure in the butt and a very nice features. (36650-45) {C&R} [Michael Petrov Collection]
Custom 1903 Springfield Magazine Sporting Rifle By A. F. Stoeger
Lot # 421 (Sale Order: 421 of 711)
Low Estimate: 2,500High Estimate: 4,000
serial #1257739, 30-06, 24" 2-31 dated barrel with a bright excellent bore. The metal surfaces of the barreled action retain about 95% maker blue with the loss due to light fading, muzzle wear and some minor handling marks, also with some light oxidation and some light pitting around the muzzle and sight base band. The bolt body and handle remain bright with most of their factory polished still evident, the bolt is DC pencil-numbered to the gun. The striker and shroud still maintain some strong traces of oil-quenched case-hardening. The bottom metal has toned to a darker gray patina with the floorplate neatly engraved in block letters "BVM". The rifle is stocked classic style with a nice dual-beaded Whelen-style left-sided cheekpiece, the stock showing pronounced comb flutes and with hard rubber gripcap and ebony forend tip. The stock itself rates very good plus with much original varnish and only minor dings and handling marks from use afield. The rifle has nicely checkered grip panels and wrap-around forend pattern, all are bordered, and it is equipped with QD swivel studs showing a length of pull to the smooth steel buttplate of 13 5/8". There is a Redfield sourdough style front sight fitted in the original banded base, there is a Lyman 48 receiver sight base on the rear ring, there is a blank insert currently installed, and the gun is fitted with an R Noske quick detachable base and ring set which supports and R Noske telescopic sight with post and crosshair reticle and bright excellent optics. The scope itself rates very good showing minor even thinning of the finish and some very light oxidation. The rifle appears to be an a National Match configuration and has a "B-17" marking atop the barrel, likely a star gauge number, rifles around this serial number including 1257736 and 1257741 are all listed as National Match in the "SRS DCM sales 1922-1942" records. The Stoeger name is not marked anywhere on the gun however Mr. Petrov identifies the rifle as such. Overall a very nicely executed rifle still in a very usable state of condition from this respected New York importer and retailer. (36650-75) {C&R} [Michael Petrov Collection]
Custom 1903 Springfield Magazine Sporting Rifle By Kirkwood Of Boston
Lot # 422 (Sale Order: 422 of 711)
Low Estimate: 2,500High Estimate: 4,000
serial #608100, 30-06, 24" 7-15 dated barrel with a bright excellent bore. The metal surfaces of the barreled action have toned primarily to a plum hue with some fading to pewter while the receiver shows some strong oil quenched case-hardening. The bolt body as well retains some very good original blue with the shroud showing oil quenched case-hardening, the safety color case-hardening. The bolt handle has been forged and polished into a butterknife style with grooves on its underside. The bottom metal is an overall pewter and brown patina and both action and lower guard show added lengthened tangs at the time of construction which bolster the pistolgrip area of the arm. The rifle is stocked classic style without cheekpiece in a very nice grade of English walnut, "Kirkwood" is stamped in the upper long tang recess. The stock itself rates very good plus with much original varnish and scattered minor handling marks and light scratches. The grip panels are neatly checkered with mullered front and rear borders with very nice forend panels as well. The stock features a schnabel-style forend tip and there is a lovely silver pistolgrip cap with trapdoor, beneath-which is a compass. The length of pull to the checkered bone buttplate is 13 7/8", the buttplate showing some very light insect damage. The gun is sighted with a Sheard style bead on the original front sight base and a three-leaf rear sight, one standing and two folding, the standing leaf has been shortened to accommodate the Lyman folding peepsight attached to the striker of the arm. The underside of the shroud has been fitted with a small pin which bears up on the right side of the receiver, returning the shroud and cocking piece to a similar position each time the bolt is closed for more positive sight alignment. The underside of the forend has a silver monogram plate inlaid which is engraved "George Lowell Aspinwall", who was an officer of the Shawmut Bank of Boston. The rifle is discussed and pictured in Custom Gunmakers of the 20th Century. Really a handsome gun with some lovely appointments, custom ordered by and made for an important Bostonian by this famous shop. (36650-31) {C&R} [Michael Petrov Collection]
Custom 1903 Springfield Magazine Sporting Rifle By W. S. Mielcarek
Lot # 423 (Sale Order: 423 of 711)
Low Estimate: 2,000High Estimate: 3,000
serial #479693, 30-06, 24" July 1911-dated barrel with a fair bore which shows mild pitting its full-length, the rifling nearly gone for the first 2" near the breech. The rifle retains about 98% excellent quality restored rust blued finish. The gun is stocked classic style in a very nice grade of American black walnut which shows fiddleback figure its full-length. The stock features a rounded double beaded shadow line cheekpiece on its left side and rates very good plus to excellent as very neatly refinished, retaining some minor dings and handling marks. The grip and forend are nicely checkered in a bordered pattern with raised Oberndorf-style panels along the stock's midsection culminating in carved fleur-de-lis at their rear-most terminus. There is a lightly engraved blued steel gripcap, schnabel tip, magnum crossbolts neatly covered with walnut plugs and a steel skeleton buttplate with neatly checkered center with the heel and toe showing nice quality scroll, the length of pull is 13 1/4". The original military front band is in place, supporting a Marbles brass bead sight and a Lyman 48 long leaf rear sight is in place on the rear receiver ring. A chip at the rear of the receiver tang was neatly repaired some time ago, it was extremely well done and difficult to detect; there is a horn fleur-de-lis accenting inlay ahead of the triggerguard front extension. The underside of the barrel appears to be marked with a star gauge marking of "B 25". W. S. Mielcarek & Sons were active in Grand Rapids MI and Chicago IL , primarily 1920-1923. This rifle is discussed and pictured in Custom Gunmakers of the 20th-Century. Really a lovely, unmarked American sporting rifle. (36650-84) {C&R} [Michael Petrov Collection]
Unmarked Custom Springfield 1903 Magazine Sporting Rifle
Lot # 424 (Sale Order: 424 of 711)
Low Estimate: 2,000High Estimate: 3,000
serial #1261546, 30-06, 24" barrel with a bright excellent bore. Strangely unmarked, this is a wonderful rifle, nicely executed exhibiting fine craftsmanship. The barreled action retains about 92-95% original blue, the loss due primarily to even fading and some high edge wear while the receiver is a deep gray-blue, showing overall extremely light pinprick pitting, clearly prior to being assembled in its current form. The bolt body and handle remain bright with original arsenal polish evident and only some very minor oxidation, the shroud and striker retaining excellent dark blue. The bottom metal has toned more to a dark gray-blue patina, the floorplate somewhat mottled. There is some loose flowing scroll with background punch-dot accenting in a 1 1/2" wedge just ahead of the receiver and also on the front sight band, the muzzle ahead of it and for about 1 1/2" behind of the sight band; this engraving appearing very much to be the work of Rudolf Kornbrath. The rifle is stocked classic style without cheekpiece in a nice grade of English walnut and features bordered checkered panels at the grip with a wrap-around pattern on the forend. The stock rates very good plus to near excellent showing light dings and handling marks from use and crackling finish in the area of the butt, it is very Griffin & Howe-like at the comb and features a bone forend tip and a blued steel gripcap and has been fitted with a Remington Arms Co. logo checkered hard rubber buttplate for a 13 1/2" length of pull. The rifle is not fitted with swivels, there is the beginning of a small chip or crack at the rear of the receiver tang, this showing some light oil soaking as well and there is a drying crack in the recoil lug area on the interior of the stock, some professional attention should be given here if the arm is to be fired. The pistolgrip cap shows light Art Deco-style engraving, its bottom face engraved "Morgan Van Matre/Cincinnati Ohio"; Van Matre an attorney in Cincinnati, also served as a Captain of infantry in the First World War. The arm is listed by serial number in SRS "Summary of DCM Rifle Sales 1922-1942", it does not list a style classification however the barrel ahead of the sight is star-gauge numbered "B/304". The rifle is sighted with a Redfield ivory bead front fitted to the original band and base and there is a custom barrel band affixed at the rear which holds a folding leaf Marbles-style sight; the barrel and receiver ring have been drilled and tapped for target blocks which are not present. A well-made rifle overall with a lovely bore that certainly could be taken afield for the fall sporting seasons, further research may prove the craftsman who built the arm. (36650-42) {C&R} [Michael Petrov Collection]
Engraved Tipping & Lawden Model 2A Pepperbox Pistol
Lot # 425 (Sale Order: 425 of 711)
Low Estimate: 2,500High Estimate: 3,500
serial #1176, 30 RF, 3" barrels with fair bores. The barrel cluster retains some generous traces of original blue and shows light scroll engraving at the breeches with stippled thumbprint grasping areas left and right midway down the barrel, flanked by loose scroll. The muzzles show light silver rococo inlay and the top barrel flute is inlaid in silver "Tipping & Lawden". The frame is now a dull ocher patina and is overall engraved in loose flowing scroll with the Tipping & Lawden and Sharp's patent markings on its left side. The pistol is fitted with a carved pair of genuine mother-of-pearl grips with loose foliate scroll and checkered background. The left grip is slightly loose but both fit very well. Barrel-to-frame fit is slightly loose but the gun seems to operate well mechanically. The pistol is cased in a nice English walnut case with monogram plate on the lid. The baize lining may be an older replacement and the included accessories are an ebony-handled turnscrew, ebony-handled steel wiping rod and a nickel silver oil bottle. The case rates very good plus overall with light dings and handling wear and some older glued repairs to a couple corners. A very attractive Tipping and Lawden pistol overall with some nice accessories. (36229-309) {ANTIQUE}
