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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Peabody Martini Long Range Creedmoor Target Rifle
Lot # 176 (Sale Order: 176 of 711)
Low Estimate: 4,000High Estimate: 6,000
serial #317, 44-100, 30 3/4" part round part octagon barrel with a bright excellent bore. The right side of the action is engraved "PEABODY & MARTINI PATENTS" and on the left side in large gothic letters "CREEDMOOR". The rifle seems very honest and all original except for the odd length barrel, the front sight dovetail is somewhat closer to the muzzle than normal and these long range guns typically have 32" barrels. The barrel retains 90 - 95% evenly thinning original blue finish overall with metal remaining smooth and barrel address being clearly legible. The action retains 90% original color case-hardened finish which has softened slightly and there is one small patch very fine salt & pepper pitting on right side of action. The checkered pistolgrip buttstock and forend rate about excellent with 95% original finish remaining with light handling marks present. The rifle features fancy bordered checkering on forearm as well as an iron forearm tip. The buttstock wears its original steel shotgun buttplate with extended top tang which is also a heel position base for the tang sight. The rifle is sighted with a windgauge front, no rear seat and a long range Vernier tang mounted peepsight. A rare and desirable Long Range Peabody Creemoor rifle. (16651-21) {ANTIQUE} [John and Jan Wills Collection]
Peabody Martini Creedmoor Mid Range Rifle
Lot # 177 (Sale Order: 177 of 711)
Low Estimate: 5,000High Estimate: 7,000
serial #198, 40-70, 28" part round part octagon barrel with an excellent bore. The right side of the action is engraved "PEABODY & MARTINI PATENTS" and on the left side in large gothic letters "CREEDMOOR / MID RANGE". This rifle has all matching numbers except for its tang sight staff which is numbered "152". The condition of the rifle is quite nice with the barrel retaining 95% original blue finish with a little scattered light oxidation staining present. The action retains 90% plus original color case-hardened finish also with scattered light oxidation staining. The checkered pistolgrip buttstock and forend are quite blonde and of English walnut rating excellent with 95% original finish remaining and with strong sharp checkering. The rifle features a steel rifle buttplate and steel forend cap. The rifle is sighted with a windgauge front, adjustable folding rear and a mid-range Vernier tang mounted peepsight. A fine example of these rarely encountered Peabody Martini rifles. (16651-16) {ANTIQUE} [John and Jan Wills Collection]
Remington Rolling Block Mid Range Target Rifle
Lot # 178 (Sale Order: 178 of 711)
Low Estimate: 2,500High Estimate: 3,500
serial #3935, 44-77, 34" part round part octagon barrel with a bright excellent bore. This rifle was re-barreled by John Wills in 1988 using a Bresien barrel and new sights. The sights consist of a windgauge front with spirit level and a new long range staff in a factory tang mounted base. The barrel is marked "E. REMINGTON & SONS, ILION, NY" on top flat in a modern italicized font and it retains 99% of its original blue finish. The underside of the barrel beneath the forend is marked with "JW" in oval and is dated "1988". The action retains about 80% original color case-hardened finish which shows nice color on the right side and is a smokey gray on the left. The fire blue on the hammer and breechblock is strong. The checkered pistolgrip buttstock and iron tipped forend rate excellent with 90% original finish remaining and with crisp checkering on pistolgrip. The rifle wears its original smooth steel shotgun buttplate and the base of the pistolgrip has a fancy horn inlay. This rifle should perform beautifully at the range. (16651-4) {ANTIQUE} [John and Jan Wills Collection]
A.O. Niedner'S Custom Ballard Schuetzen Rifle
Lot # 179 (Sale Order: 179 of 711)
Low Estimate: 10,000High Estimate: 15,000
serial #14305, 32-40, 30" round barrel with a bright excellent bore. The barrel is a custom Niedner made barrel which is marked "NIEDNER RIFLE CORP, DOWAGIAC, MICH.". The rifle is built on a Ballard No. 6 factory engraved action with adjustable double set triggers and a ball and spur lever. The action features factory scroll engraving with a walking bear in a round panel on left side and a running buck in round panel on right side. In addition to being barreled by Niedner, the rifle was also stocked by him in highly figured American black walnut with a high cheekpiece and perchbelly buttstock and a large Stevens style schnabel tipped forend with folding palm rest neatly inletted at the rear of the forend. The forend is setup for a second static palm rest with a neatly lined hole in bottom of forend exposing a threaded lug which is affixed to the bottom of the barrel beneath forend. The rifle is set up for scope use only with target blocks on barrel and no provision for any other types of sights. The rifle remains in very nice condition with the barrel retaining 98% original blue and the action retaining 95% Niedner applied blue finish. The checkered walnut buttstock and forend rate excellent retaining 95% original oil finish. The Schuetzen buttplate retains 97% nickel plated finish while the lever, breechblock and hammer retain strong original color case-hardened finish. This rifle comes with a photograph of A.O. Niedner holding the rifle in his shop in 1941, a photograph that is published in Dutcher's Ballard: The Great American Single Shot Rifle. In his book Dutcher captions the photo "In 1941, gunmaker A.O. Niedner shows the Ballard Schuetzen rifle he customized and shot successfully for so many years" then goes onto reference the serial number. An important custom Ballard Schuetzen rifle built and shot by one of the great American gunsmiths of the early 20th century. (16650-6) {ANTIQUE} [Michael Petrov Collection]
Remington Hepburn No. 3 Target Rifle
Lot # 180 (Sale Order: 180 of 711)
Low Estimate: 2,000High Estimate: 4,000
serial #9363, 32-30, 30" octagon barrel with a bright excellent bore. This rifle has all matching numbers except for the buttstock and buttplate which are both numbered "9122". The barrel, which bears the "REMINGTON ARMS CO." address, retains about 75% evenly thinning original blue finish beginning to blend with a smooth brown patina. The action retains about 75% faded original color case-hardened finish which has a mellow appearance and is blending with a smooth gray patina. The checkered pistolgrip buttstock and plain forend rate near excellent with about 90% original finish remaining with most loss being on the belly of the forend. The forend tip is the later schnabel tip with ebony insert and the bottom of the forend is nearly period stamped "49". The toeline of the buttstock has a very neatly filled inlet consisting of a steel insert shaped exactly like the inlet and held in place by two perfectly indexed screws. The buttstock fits very nicely and is equipped with a nickel plated light Swiss buttplate which retains nearly all of its nickel. The rifle is sighted with a windgauge front and mid-range Vernier tang mounted peepsight with no provision for a rear barrel sight. (16651-26) {C&R} [John and Jan Wills Collection]
Colt Model 1855 Revolving Deluxe Halfstock Sporting Rifle
Lot # 181 (Sale Order: 181 of 711)
Low Estimate: 3,500High Estimate: 5,500
serial #1316, .40 caliber, 31 5/16" round barrel with octagonal breech and a dark bore that shows rifling the entire length. This is a rare rifle in this caliber and features a six-shot cylinder. Metal surfaces of rifle bear an even brown patina with just a few scattered light pits here and there. The topstrap shows a deep and very clear address. The buttstock is of highly figured American black walnut and shows factory checkering at the wrist. The stock shows wear commensurate with the balance of the rifle and was refinished long ago. The checkering is still fully visible but is light. The rifle is sighted with a silver blade front sight and an interesting adjustable rear sight. This is a well-used but generally quite honest and very rare Colt revolving rifle. (16889-128) {ANTIQUE}
Colt Model 1855 Revolving Military Rifle
Lot # 182 (Sale Order: 182 of 711)
Low Estimate: 3,500High Estimate: 5,500
serial #8146, .56 caliber, 37 1/2" round barrel with octagonal breech and a dark oxidized bore. This rifle has the longest barrel offered and remains in good honest condition. All numbers on frame, barrel, triggerguard and buttplate match. The cylinder pin retaining plunger is frozen so the cylinder number cannot easily be checked but it matches perfectly in condition and there is no outward indication that it is not original. Metal surfaces of rifle retain a pleasing, even rich brown patina and are mostly smooth with just scattered patches of light pitting and oxidation present, mostly on barrel. The markings in topstrap and on left side of frame are all clear and legible. The brass triggerguard was lightly cleaned at some point and is reacquiring a patina with the sling stud missing. The plain walnut stock and full length forend rate about very good with commensurate wear and light handling marks and bruises. The rifle is sighted with standard front sight/bayonet stud with the two folding leaves missing from the rear barrel sight. The original (or at least correct) cleaning rod is present beneath barrel and the buttplate has the sliding trapdoor. Overall a nice honest and very acceptable civilian Military model rifle with the long musket length barrel. (16889-168) {ANTIQUE}
Colt Model 1855 Revolving Carbine
Lot # 183 (Sale Order: 183 of 711)
Low Estimate: 3,000High Estimate: 5,000
serial #1651, .44 caliber, 18" round barrel with octagonal breech and a dark oxidized bore. This carbine features matching numbers on top tang, triggerguard, buttplate and barrel; the cylinder pin retaining plunger is frozen so the cylinder number cannot easily be checked but it matches perfectly in condition and there is no outward indication that it is not original. The metal surfaces of carbine are an even rich dark brown patina with scattered pitting overall. The original saddle ring stud is present on left side of action along with a sling stud in the triggerguard tang. The markings on the topstrap are only about 50% visible with the balance obliterated by pitting. The plain walnut stock has a rich dark color and rates near very good with a mix of old added finish and original finish and with a somewhat rough surface and some cracks along the grain emanating from the buttplate; these seem very sound. The carbine functions properly. Overall an honest, albeit a little tired, Colt revolving carbine. (16889-171) {ANTIQUE}
Colt Model 1855 First Model Sporting Rifle
Lot # 184 (Sale Order: 184 of 711)
Low Estimate: 3,000High Estimate: 5,000
serial #857, .36 caliber, 24" round barrel with octagonal breech and a dark oxidized bore. This rifle features all matching numbers on the frame, barrel, cylinder, triggerguard and buttplate. The rifle is an even gray patina overall with scattered light pitting which could be described as moderate in some areas. The markings on the top of barrel remain fully legible. While the serial number is still visible on the cylinder, the scene is no longer visible. The plain walnut stock rates very good as refinished and the wood is somewhat proud of the top tang but the buttplate number matches and we feel the stock is likely original and that this is just a product of the condition of the gun. The original cleaning road is mounted to left side of barrel and action and the oiler remains present on left side of barrel lug. The loading lever is slightly different in color than the frame and is more smooth and may be an older replacement. The rifle is sighted with a Rocky Mountain style front and fixed rear mounted in topstrap groove. Overall a very decent example early Colt revolving rifles. (16889-174) {ANTIQUE}
Custom 1903 Springfield Magazine Sporting Rifle By Griffin & Howe
Lot # 185 (Sale Order: 185 of 711)
Low Estimate: 4,000High Estimate: 6,000
serial #212299 (G&H No. 251), 7mm Mauser, 25" barrel with a bright excellent bore. The metal surfaces retain about 97% original blue, the loss is due primarily to light fading and some high edge wear, there is a light spray of geometric engraving at the junction of barrel and action and the front ring has been neatly finely matted. The bottom metal shows lovely tight scroll and geometric engraving on the front extension and bow of guard while the floorplate shows a very pleasing game scene vignette with a leaping fox and a flying duck just about to escape him. The gun is stocked classic style with prominent comb flutes and a very nice rounded left side dual beaded cheekpiece. The stock rates very good plus to excellent showing only minor dings and handling marks from light use afield and the beginning of a stable crack at the rear of the tang. The grip features flawlessly checkered borderless fleur-de-lis panels with an equally nice wrap-around forend pattern. The rifle features a bone pistolgrip cap and nice schnabel tip, European-style swivels and sports a checkered and engraved steel buttplate for a 14 1/8" length of pull. Rifle is sighted with a squarish brass bead front on a nice sporting ramp with finely matted face and light engraving surrounding it and a three folding leaf express rear sight which is as-yet unregulated with the blank panels for the yardage being un-engraved. The left side of the receiver is fitted with a Griffin & Howe-style quick detachable scope base, no rings are present and the rear of the striker has been fitted with a windage and elevation adjustable Lyman folding aperture sight. The bolt handle has been bent and its underside flattened and neatly checkered with a teardrop checkered panel on its outer edge, the face of the trigger neatly, finely checkered as well and there is a low-scope Buehler safety installed . Overall an extremely nice G&H rifle in a lovely caliber with many nice amenities. (36650-39) {C&R} [Michael Petrov Collection]
Holland & Holland Bolt Action Magazine Sporting Rifle
Lot # 186 (Sale Order: 186 of 711)
Low Estimate: 7,000High Estimate: 9,000
serial #862, .300 H&H, 25" barrel with bright excellent bore. This pre-war rifle shows light use and retains about 97% excellent quality rust blue displaying a few tiny handling marks here or there and a spot or two of light fading. The bolt has some light operational marks on its body with the extractor polished bright, showing a tiny bit of light oxidation, the bolt with some remnants of light pitting; the hinged floorplate is a mottled plum color with some spots of flaking, it is neatly engraved "4 Ctges". The top of the barrel is neatly engraved with the maker's name and address and the breech has proof marks indicating a maximum bullet weight of 220 grains. It would appear as though all the numbers are matching with the exception of the bolt release and bolt shroud. The classic style English walnut pistolgrip stock rates very good plus to excellent showing a few scattered handling marks from the years with a small rub mark from the cocking piece at the rear of the tang. The checkering is well executed with the grip showing dual checkered panels with mullered front border, the forend exhibiting a wrap-around pattern with mullered front and rear borders. The stock is made without cheekpiece and features a lovely horn forend tip, blued steel pistolgrip cap with trap door, oval silver monogram plate along the toeline which is un-engraved and boasts a 14 5/8" length of pull to the grooved horn buttplate. There are shepherds crook-style sling eyelets affixed to the toeline of the stock and soldered to the barrel, the trigger is §very nicely, very finely checkered on its face, there is a magnum recoil crossbolt showing remnants of some pale fire blue on its left side and the word "safe" has been neatly inlaid in silver on the safety. The gun is sighted with a banded sporting ramp front with simple brass bead and with folding hood, a single folding leaf rear sight and an adjustable striker-mounted H&H aperture sight. There are dual claw mount bases affixed to the rear receiver ring and custom banded boss ahead of the front ring, they support see-through 30mm and 42mm rings for tube of scope and objective lens, the ring neatly matted, the front base showing nice cross-hatch engraving flanking the ring. Included is a copy of the factory order sheet for a "30 Super Magazine Rifle" showing sights, gripcap, dimensions and horn butt indicating date of manufacture as 1930 and shipment to Abercrombie & Fitch. The rifle was received at Abercrombie and Fitch September 1930 and was sold the same day to Carl Schurz Petrasch, Jr. of New York. A Harvard graduate, he was first an investment banker, then vice president and director of an engineering firm and served as a Naval Air Priorities officer in the European Theater of Operations during the Second World War.A classic British magazine rifle in a phenomenal caliber remaining in very nice condition. (11,36730-1) {C&R}
Custom 1903 Rock Island Magazine Sporting Rifle By Adolph Niedner
Lot # 187 (Sale Order: 187 of 711)
Low Estimate: 4,000High Estimate: 6,000
serial #387777, 30-06, 24" barrel with a very good bore showing strong evident rifling but with frosting within the grooves. The barreled action retains about 97% original rust blue with some minor handling marks and very sparsely scattered light oxidation spots from the years, the bottom metal showing closer to 75%. The bolt body and handle remain mostly bright with only some sparse oxidation staining and operational marks, the face showing light pinprick pitting. The stock is lovely and is classic style with a rounded left-side cheekpiece and is the work of Thomas Shelhamer. It rates very good plus to excellent with much original varnish and only scattered light dings and handling marks from the years. It features an ebony forend tip and gripcap with a 13 1/2" length of pull to the smooth steel buttplate. The rifle features flawless bordered checkered panels at the grip with a wraparound pattern at the forend, masterfully executed; there is no provision for sling swivels. The rifle is sighted with a small ivory bead (the bead is missing) set in a modified banded front sight, very similar to the original military, and a Lyman rear sight on the receiver bridge. The barrel is appropriately marked "AO Niedner/Dowagiac Mich" and the underside is numbered "722" (there are no initials). The Shelhamer Niedners are the pinnacle of the Niedner Rifle Company's arms, this is a beautiful rifle still in a very fine state of condition. (36650-34) {C&R} [Michael Petrov Collection]
Unmarked Custom 1903 Rock Island Arsenal Magazine Sporting Rifle
Lot # 188 (Sale Order: 188 of 711)
Low Estimate: 4,000High Estimate: 6,000
serial #377369, 30-06, 24" January 1919-dated barrel with a bright very good plus bore which shows some light frosting within the grooves. The metal surfaces of the barreled action retain about 98% plus refreshed rust blue finish with the bottom metal toning more to a dark gray-blue patina which is toning to pewter along the leading edge of the floorplate and front extension. The bottom metal is covered fully with oakleaf and foliate engraving and features the name "R.E. Maypole" inlaid in gold; there is a nice spray of engraving at the junction of barrel and action as well. The rifle is stocked classic style in English walnut with the stock rating about excellent as professionally, lightly refinished. There is a left-side rounded cheekpiece and nicely pinched comb flutes with a checkered bone gripcap and schnabel forend. The rifle was constructed without swivels and was maker-fitted with a ventilated Hawkins recoil pad for a 13 5/8" length of pull. There are very nice borderless checkering patterns at the grip and forend, each features intricate carved flowing foliate scroll with background stippling and fleur-de-lis accents; even the tip of the schnabel has been neatly checkered. There was a small chip flaked from the rear of the receiver tang, it has been reattached and is very unobtrusive. The barrel has been neatly turned down slightly and the rifle is sighted with a Sheard brass bead in the original front ramp with the rear receiver bridge mounting a Lyman sight. The bolt knob has a bordered checkered panel along its bottom half, the edge of the safety has been very nicely checkered as has the rear face of the striker, the face of the trigger also very finely checkered. The triggerguard was slightly narrowed and sculpted and has a rather graceful appearance and the tang of the receiver has been neatly narrowed. Robert E Maypole of Chicago Illinois was the Chicago agent for HC Stutz Motor Car Company and was one of its directors for a period of time. This gun is discussed in Custom Gunmakers of the 20th Century by Mr. Petrov, speculating the gun may be the work of Ned Moran. A copy of the article Mr. Petrov references with higher definition images of the rifle in question does show a rifle with ornate carving in the checkering, however the comb flutes and area beneath the ejection port are dramatically different on that rifle as-is the forend. It should be noted that Ned Moran was a contemporary of Mr. Maypole and lived and worked in the Chicago area, actually having made an inquiry in a 1917-dated publication which often featured articles on Mr. Maypole. As Mr. Petrov would've put it, "the research continues". Overall a really stunning and beautifully-executed rifle. (36650-7) {C&R} [Michael Petrov Collection]
Excellent 1903 Rock Island Arsenal Magazine Sporting Rifle By Fred Adolph
Lot # 189 (Sale Order: 189 of 711)
Low Estimate: 3,500High Estimate: 5,500
serial #96403, 30-06, 24" January 09-dated barrel with a bright excellent bore. The metal surfaces retain about 95% original blue, the loss is due to even fading and light high edge and contact point wear, with the barrel showing the very sparsely scattered spot of light oxidation here and there. The bolt body shows only light operational wear and there is very good oil quenched case-hardening on the shroud, the bolt knob toning slightly to pewter. The gun is stocked classic style with a nice rounded shadow line left side cheekpiece and schnabel forend tip, the stock rating very good plus with only minor handling marks and light dings from the years showing a minor flaked at the rear of the tang which was reattached in another minor flaked which is now missing. There are lovely checkered panels at the grip, sidepanels and forend; they are accented with nice carved ribands and foliate decoration showing background stippling. The gun features European-style sling swivels, a scalloped horn pistolgrip cap and a grooved trapdoor steel buttplate giving a length of pull of 13 5/8". The gun is pictured in Mr. Petrov's book Custom Gunmakers of the 20th Century. The rifle is sighted with a Sheard style bead front sight in the original military ramp and has a 3 folding leaf express style rear sight in place on the barrel. This example is unmarked but is unquestionably Adolph's work and is nicely executed. A super, very rarely encountered rifle overall. (36650-19) {C&R} [Michael Petrov Collection]
Sharps Model 1874 Mid-Range No. 1 Rifle
Lot # 190 (Sale Order: 190 of 711)
Low Estimate: 7,000High Estimate: 9,000
serial #156707, 40 caliber, 30" octagon barrel with a very good bore that shows some light pitting present. This rifle features all matching numbers on the barrel, action, tang sight and forend. The barrel shows the Bridgeport address along with "Old Reliable", the caliber marking on top flat and on the right flat near breech the barrel is period marked "MID RANGE 50". The rifle features checkered pistolgrip buttstock and forend, finely checkered single trigger and a steel crescent buttplate. The condition is nice and very honest. The barrel retains about 70% evenly thinning original blue finish with some scattered light oxidation staining and several patches of extremely light salt & pepper pitting present. The action and lock retain a pleasing mix of faded color case-hardened finish which has taken on a pewter hue and a smooth dark gray patina. The stocks rate very good with lots of original finish and perhaps some light added oil finish present. There is a small chip from the toe of the stock and the bottom of the pistolgrip is fully checkered. The top of the comb just ahead of the buttplate has a period added base for a heel position sight. The rifle is sighted with an old added globe front sight, Lawrence high notch rear and mid-range Vernier tang mounted peepsight with properly numbered base. A copy of an R.L. Moore factory letter is included confirming the configuration of the rifle and showing an original ship date of May 20, 1876 to E.K. Tryon in Philadelphia. Interestingly, the barrel is numbered both "156993" and "156707" both in the same factory dies. The letter goes on to state that this rifle was returned to the factory and re-barreled to caliber 40/50 1 11/16" case on April 20, 1877 with the original tip stock retained. Sharps billed the customer $10 for the re-barreling and credited them $5 for the old barrel. These mid-range rifles are extremely rare with only 102 rifles being produced, only 66 with Bridgeport addresses. An interesting and extremely honest example of these rare rifles. (16651-23) {ANTIQUE} [John and Jan Wills Collection]
Early Custom 1903 Springfield Magazine Sporting Rifle By Bob Owens
Lot # 191 (Sale Order: 191 of 711)
Low Estimate: 2,500High Estimate: 4,000
serial #627577, 30-06, 24" barrel with a very good plus bore which shows strong rifling but with minor frosting its full length, slightly more prominent near the throat. The barreled action retains about 92-95% original rust blue, the loss due primarily to even fading, high edge and muzzle wear, also with some very sparsely scattered light oxidation spots here or there. The bolt shows honest operational wear, the knob showing some toning to pewter with some very light oxidation. The bottom metal has toned to more of a dark gray-blue with the front extension toning to pewter, the bow showing some very light oxidation. The gun is stocked classic style without cheekpiece showing a nice rounded knob pistolgrip and schnabel-style tip showing some lovely grain figure in the butt. The stock itself rates very good plus to excellent showing what appears to be some added finish but Mr. Petrov attributes to French polish. The pistolgrip fleur-de-lis pattern is borderless while the forend wrap-around pattern has borders front and rear. The rifle is equipped with a toeline swivel stud, front barrel band and the length of pull to the original grooved horn buttplate is 14 1/4", the plate showing some minor insect damage. The gun is sighted with a banded sporting ramp front with nicely matted flat and simple bead sight, its hood is present, and a Lyman receiver sight with long elevation slide is in place at the rear; the top of the rear ring has been flattened as Owen liked to do, however the sight bridge is still the humped style rather than the later flat Mauser style he would normally install. The left side of the rifle is mounted with a Griffin & Howe quick detach ring set which supports a Carl Zeiss Zielklein telescopic sight with post and crosshair reticle and bright excellent optics. The scope itself rates very good with minor fading and light handling marks and scratches. The barrel is not marked as is surmised proper for these early rifles, the fleur-de-lis pattern precisely matching that of a Winchester model 12 Mr. Owens made for himself; this rifle is discussed and pictured in Custom Gunmakers of the 20th Century volume 2. Really a super early Owen in a lovely state of condition. (36650-50) {C&R} [Michael Petrov Collection]
Custom Mauser Magazine Sporting Rifle By Adolph Niedner
Lot # 192 (Sale Order: 192 of 711)
Low Estimate: 2,500High Estimate: 4,000
serial #79009, 30-06, 24" barrel with a very good plus to near excellent bore which shows frosting in the grooves its full-length. The rifle retains about 98% nicely restored rust blue, showing a spot of light pitting widely scattered here and there. The rifle is stocked classic style in a nice piece of English walnut and rates very good plus to excellent showing only scattered minor handling marks from light use. The grip shows lovely borderless checkered panels with carved foliate and floral accent at its front and rear with the forend showing a borderless wrap-around pattern, also with accented scroll and stippled panels. The rifle features a blued steel gripcap, schnabel tip and steel trapdoor buttplate with a 13 7/8" length of pull to the front trigger. Built on a commercial Oberndorf sporting action, the rifle features bent bolt handle, double set triggers and a lever-release hinged floorplate. The barrel is appropriately marked "Neidner Rifle Corp. Dowagiac Michigan" and is Niedner-numbered 796 on its underside, likely having been made in 1930 (there are no initials). The rifle is sighted with a banded sporting ramp front with a nicely matted face and a Lyman receiver sight on the rear bridge; the left receiver wall shows 3 neatly plugged holes, likely where there was a one-time scope mount. There is a small repaired flake at the rear receiver tang, it is very unobtrusive, there are 2 very thin slivers of wood glued-in left and right along the barrel channel, it appears as though perhaps the barrel channel was free-floated at one point and was then converted back; there are 2 short cracks left and right at the rear of the triggerguard tang, they have been successfully repaired and are tight and will not flex. Overall a very lovely example of a Neidner rifle with some super carving accenting the checkering. (36650-85) {C&R} [Michael Petrov Collection]
Winchester Model 1886 Special Order Saddle Ring Carbine
Lot # 193 (Sale Order: 193 of 711)
Low Estimate: 8,000High Estimate: 12,000
serial #147519A, 50 EX, 22" round barrel with half magazine and a bright excellent bore. Not only does this carbine come in the most desirable chambering, it also has a special order shorter than standard magazine and a checkered steel shotgun buttplate. The condition of the carbine is very nice with the barrel and magazine retaining about 95% original blue finish. The action retains about 85% original blue with most loss on the belly of the action which is now mostly gray from carry wear. The hammer and lever both retain a good deal of faded original color case hardened finish. The plain walnut buttstock and forend rate very good plus with about 75% original finish remaining and with just light handling marks from honest use. Another testament to the honest use are 17 small notches filed into the top right side of the forend. The rifle is sighted with original German silver blade mounted in integral stud in the front and a standard carbine rear sight. This rifle falls into the block of numbers between 146,000 and 150,799 where there are no records available. This is a completely honest, rare and desirable Winchester 1886. (16520-2820) {C&R} [Richard "Stretch" Kennedy Collection]
Custom Mauser Magazine Sporting Rifle By John Wright & Sons
Lot # 194 (Sale Order: 194 of 711)
Low Estimate: 2,500High Estimate: 4,000
serial #280, 30-06, 24 1/2" barrel with a very good bore which shows strong rifling but with very minor frosting within the grooves, slightly more prominent near the throat. The metal surfaces retain about 90-92% original blue, the loss is due primarily to even fading on the left and right side of the barrel, some high edge and contact point wear with the bolt knob toning to pewter. The action races are neatly honed bright and the boltstop shows some strong pale fire blue. There are the minor dings and scratches that come from a field-used arm but no oxidation to speak of. The rifle is stocked classic style with a nice rounded left side dual-beaded cheekpiece, the stock rating very good plus with minor dings and handling marks, also showing a very light cleaning. The grip features nicely checkered borderless panels with a loose fleur-de-lis accent and loose foliate carving at the base of the grip. The forend shows a wrap-around pattern which is similar. Appointed with an ebony forend tip, blued steel gripcap and a solid "noshoc" rifle pad for a 13 3/4" length of pull. Additionally the gun features a hinged floorplate, sling swivel along the toeline and another three-quarter barrel band swivel. The gun is sighted with a banded sporting ramp front which supports a simple steel bead with the rear receiver ring holding a Lyman receiver sight. The top of the barrel is marked "John Wright & Sons-Gun & Rifle Makers/818 Wyandotte St., Kansas City Mo". The Wright rifle manufactory was very short-lived, he and his son formerly of Holland & Holland worked for the Hoffman Arms Company until that enterprise closed in 1930. For a time known as "Baker & Wright Arms & Equipment Co.", shortly thereafter the Wrights opening their own business (John Wright & Sons); it is surmised they returned to England when the hostilities started with Germany in 1939 as nothing is found relating to them after that date. Really a lovely rifle by these talented English craftsman very rarely encountered as their enterprise was so short-lived. (36650-78) {C&R} [Michael Petrov Collection]
Fine Custom Mauser Target Rifle By Ao Niedner
Lot # 195 (Sale Order: 195 of 711)
Low Estimate: 2,500High Estimate: 4,000
257 Roberts, 26" target weight barrel with a bright excellent bore. The metal surfaces retain about 95-97% original blue, the loss is due primarily to even fading and some high edge and contact point wear. The bolt body remains mostly bright with very fine, very random burnishing, it continues onto the extractor which shows a bit more wear, the bolt knob toning slightly to pewter. The rifle is stocked in a fairly straight piece of English walnut with a slightly rudimentary Monte Carlo and a deep right side comb flute, the very generous cheekpiece flaring to the point of comb. The stock rates very good plus with some minor dings and handling marks from the years of use. There is a very nice Turner hard rubber buttplate installed (at some point the widow's peak cracked and has been repaired by gluing) and a hard rubber grip cap with a capital letter "H" in the center of a shield on its face. The checkered panels at grip and forend are nicely bordered and nicely executed. The forend itself is rather generous and steps down ahead of the front extension and is rather semi-beavertail in configuration. The rifle is sighted with a simple sourdough style front sight in a banded ramp and features a Lyman receiver sight on the rear ring. The barrel is drilled and tapped for steel target blocks which are present and the left side of the receiver has a very nice Niedner quick-detach telescopic sight base installed, adjustable for windage. The ring set supports a Hensoldt Wetzlar Dialyt 2 3/4X telescopic sight with very nice three-post German reticle and crisp clear optics. The rifle is pictured in Custom Gunmakers of the 20th Century in the chapter on Niedner. Inspection of the triggerguard reveals that at one time the rifle was likely equipped with a double set trigger, it is no longer present and currently there is a commercial adjustable trigger in place (likely a Timney). Underside of the barrel is numbered 1179 and shows Carlyn Behrman's initials with the top of the barrel marked "Niedner rifle Corp. Dowagiac Mich". An absolutely lovely and well-executed rifle that likely shoots one-hole groups. (36650-28) {C&R} [Michael Petrov Collection]
Parker Vhe Boxlock Double Ejectorgun
Lot # 196 (Sale Order: 196 of 711)
Low Estimate: 1,000High Estimate: 1,500
serial #219980, 12 Ga on No. 1 1/2 frame, 28" matted rib barrels choked improved modified and full with bright excellent bores. The barrels retain 98% reapplied blue finish with a few light handling marks and a fine scratch or two present. The color case-hardened frame has been professionally refinished by Turnbull Mfg. Co., one of the most recognized firearm restoration companies nationwide, and exhibits bright vivid colors throughout. The checkered pistolgrip walnut buttstock and splinter forend rate about excellent overall with some added finish and some dings and dents from the years as well as a 1 1/2" crack at the lower left front edge of the wrist near the frame; the toe of the stock has a few small smears of what appears to be crimson red paint. The length of pull to the Hawkins red rubber recoil pad is 13 3/4" with drops of 1 3/4" and 3"; the recoil pad was also installed by Turnbull Mfg. Co. Proper documentation from Turnbull is provided with this firearm. A very nicely restored Parker VHE double that would make a great shooter. (156847-2)
Parker Vh Boxlock Double Shotgun
Lot # 197 (Sale Order: 197 of 711)
Low Estimate: 800High Estimate: 1,200
serial #211489, 12 Ga on No. 2 frame, 28" matted rib barrels both choked full with bright excellent bores. The barrels retain 90% evenly thinning original blue finish with scattered areas of very light oxidation staining. The frame retains 60% original case-hardened color with remaining areas toning to a pleasing brown pewter patina. The checkered walnut pistolgrip buttstock and splinter forend rate about very good with several handling marks and dings as well as some added finish present. The length of pull to the black buttplate is 14" with drops of 1 3/4" and 3". Although it has seen its time in the field, this Parker VH doublegun is still a more than sufficient choice for your everyday fowl or trap gun. (156520-2870) {C&R} [Richard "Stretch" Kennedy Collection]
Winchester Model 42 Skeet Grade Slide Action Shotgun
Lot # 198 (Sale Order: 198 of 711)
Low Estimate: 2,500High Estimate: 4,000
serial #51570, 410 bore, 26" solid rib barrel choked modified with a bright excellent bore. The metal surfaces retain 95% original blue finish with some light scattered thinning and handling marks present as well as a couple of small specks of surface oxidation; the 2 1/2" chamber marking on the barrel has been scratched out and "3 IN" has been stamped underneath it, however the chamber does measures to 3". The select checkered walnut pistolgrip buttstock and forend rate very good with some expected dings and dents from the years as well as some rippling in the finish, primarily on the left side of the buttstock. The black plastic buttplate has a small chip at the toe. A great example overall of a pre-war Model 42 scattergun that would make an ideal choice for skeet shooting or small game hunting. (156520-4106) {C&R} [Richard "Stretch" Kennedy Collection]
Important Remington Walker Hepburn Rifle
Lot # 199 (Sale Order: 199 of 711)
Low Estimate: 25,000High Estimate: 35,000
serial #W4, 38-55, 30" No. 4 weight octagon barrel with a bright excellent bore. This famous rifle has been owned by two world record setting American shooters. The rifle was originally made for Dr. Walter Hudson who used this rifle to shoot a world record target. While history isn't always proven in black and white, this rifle by tradition, is the rifle. An interesting fact is that the barrel is not the "Walker Special" marked barrel, it is simply a "Remington Arms Co." marked barrel. Making it potentially a standard Hepburn barrel, however the barrel was rifled by George Schoyen and shows his nine groove uniform right hand twist rifling. John Dutcher, in the Schoyen section of his Ballard book, states that Dr. Walter Hudson broke Dean King's World Record "shooting a .38-55 Schoyen barrel fitted into a Remington Schuetzen underlever (Walker) action.". Dr. Hudson later sold the rifle to C.W. Rowland who in turn sold it to Harvey Donaldson. The left side of the action is factory engraved "REMINGTON / SCHUETZEN" and the lower tang is engraved "No. W -" with the number gone as a hole was drilled though the tang leaving the marking as stated. The buttplate, stock, lever, link and both top and bottom tangs are marked with a small "3" which is apparently an assembly number as the number "4" appears on the back of the breechblock in a larger size and is also on the lever, opposite the "3". The barrel is cut for Pope scope mounts with a globe target front sight and a blank in the rear seat and is stamped in small letters beneath forend "H.A.DONALDSON". The barrel retains about 95% of a quality old blue brown finish which is likely finish applied by Schoyen. The action retains 90% plus faded original color case-hardened finish overall. The right side of the action has been neatly fitted with a takedown screw, the rifle features its original Walker fancy underlever and factory adjustable double set triggers. The original straight grip walnut buttstock is checkered at wrist and retains 95% original finish overall with strong checkering. The stock is marked in the top tang channel "W.H.D." which are the initials of Remington's stock maker (William H. Delhi) and is scratched vertically under the buttplate "APPEL". The forend is a period replacement and shows two holes for a palm rest which is no longer present. The rifle is equipped with a windage adjustable folding tang mounted peepsight which rates very good and the original nickel plated schuetzen buttplate rates excellent. This rifle has an amazing provenance with what we believe is a full chain of ownership: Remington Arms Co., Dr. Walter Hudson, C.W. Rowland, Harvey Donaldson, Sidney Low, Jack Appel, Robert Horn and Warren Greatbatch. The rifle is illustrated in a 1935 American Rifleman article by Ned Roberts, it is referenced in Donaldson's book Yours Truly, it is discussed and illustrated in Grant's Still More Single Shot Rifles and more recently it is discussed in great detail and illustrated in Tom Rowe's Remington's No. 3 Hepburn. A rare opportunity to acquire what is likely the most storied and famous of the Remington Walker Hepburn rifles. (16106-30) {C&R} [Warren Greatbatch Collection]
The Famous Remington Walker Hepburn "Medicus" Sporting Rifle
Lot # 200 (Sale Order: 200 of 711)
Low Estimate: 10,000High Estimate: 15,000
serial #9904, 32-40 B&M, 25 3/4" tapered octagon barrel with a bright excellent bore. The left side of the frame of this rifle is engraved "THE SKINNER / S.A. / Medicus". This rifle was originally built for and was owned by Dr. S.A. Skinner of Hoosick Falls, NY, a close friend of Dr. F.W. Mann, author of The Bullet's Flight from Powder to Target. Mann writes of his relationship with Skinner in the book referring to him as "an old rifle crank and expert marksman" and also "The writer has spent many companionable days at range and Medicus' woodchuck preserve". The rifle is numbered "9904" on lower tang parallel to the tang not perpendicularly like most Hepburns. The number "12" appears on left side of both tangs, on the back of the breechblock, on the buttstock and on the buttplate. While these could easily be assembly numbers, the number on the back of the breechblock is telling in that all Walkers were numbered here and no other "No. 12" Walker has been discovered. The action is clearly a Walker action but the gun is set up as a sporter and not a Schuetzen rifle; it is one of two sporters known. The barrel retains about 90% original blue finish with loss apparently due to contact with some type of contaminant which has stripped the finish in certain areas, leaving the metal smooth and brown. The top flat of the barrel is marked "REMINGTON ARMS CO. ILION. N.Y. U.S.A." and has seven holes, drilled and tapped, currently with filler screws. The frame retains about 85% original color case-hardened finish which has softened slightly and has a very nice appearance. The rifle is stocked in plain walnut with a checkered rounded pistolgrip and a schnabel tipped forend with ebony inlay. The stock rates about excellent with a steel crescent buttplate present. The rifle is sighted with a German silver blade Rocky Mountain front sight, semi buckhorn sporting rear along with a Lyman tang mounted peepsight with folding aperture. This rifle is illustrated and discussed in Grant's Still More Single Shot Rifles as well as Rowe's new Remington's No. 3 Hepburn where it is illustrated in the Walker section and discussed in detail. The rifle was sold in Jack Appel's auction at Oliver's in 1989 and again at Butterfield & Butterfield in 1995. In addition to Dr. Skinner, other owners of the rifle include Jack Appel, Howard Boltz, Jim Goergen and Warren Greatbatch. A rare opportunity to acquire a highly unusual well known and well published Remington Walker Hepburn sporting rifle. (16106-84) {C&R} [Warren Greatbatch Collection]
