Auction No. 110 Featuring Fine Collectible Arms
Saturday, June 4, 2016 | 9:00 AM Eastern
Auction closed.
Auction No. 110 Featuring Fine Collectible Arms
Saturday, June 4, 2016 | 9:00 AM Eastern
Auction closed.
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Description
This sale by Amoskeag Auction Company features over 1100 lots of rare and historic firearms. View the entire catalog here.
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Scarce U.S. M1 Carbine By Irwin Pedersen
Lot # 126 (Sale Order: 126 of 1138)
serial #3218633, 30 Carbine, 18" 10-44 dated Underwood barrel with a bright excellent bore. 85% arsenal parkerized finish with fading on barrel and receiver, and some light silvering on front sight. The low cut stock rates very good plus with scattered handling marks and dings. Stock is marked "SG" in a box and it is also inscribed "F.R" on the underside of the pistolgrip and "Nau Jean" on the underside. The two rivet handguard is marked "W" indicating Winchester manufacture, and the front sight is marked "EU" indicating manufacture by an Underwood subcontractor. The hammer is marked "S.G", safety "IP-W", trigger housing "IP", operating slide "S.G", sear "SW-IP", magazine release "B-IP, flat bolt "S.G", front band, "UP", recoil plate marked "S.G" on top and the flip up rear sight is unmarked. No magazine is included with this Carbine. A very good and mostly correct example of a hard-to-find M1 Carbine. (207657-1) {C&R}(1200/1800)
Lend Lease U.S. M1 Garand Rifle By Springfield Armory
Lot # 127 (Sale Order: 127 of 1138)
serial #511313, 30-06, 24" 1-42 dated Springfield barrel with a very good plus bore that has a minor spot of pitting halfway down. The metal surfaces retain 95-97% parkerized finish with the receiver and barrel having original finish and other parts having an armory reparkerized finish and silvering on gas cylinder. The "SA/EMcF" marked stock rates near excellent with an added oil finish, and showing scattered light handling marks, a crisp ordnance wheel and Circle "P" on pistolgrip, and a British red band on front handguard marked "30". The barrel is marked with British proofs and the rear handguard clip, gas cylinder and front sight are all correct. The operating rod is correctly uncut and marked "3 SA", bolt is a "12 SA" and the rifle is sighted with Type 2 lockbar rear sights. Triggerguard, and hammer are correct but remaining trigger parts are postwar such as the trigger housing. While this Garand has a couple post war parts it is mostly correct and would make a great example for the World War Two collector. (207657-219) {C&R}(1000/1500)
U.S. M1D Garand Sniper Rifle By Springfield Armory
Lot # 128 (Sale Order: 128 of 1138)
serial #609684, 30-06, 24" 5-51 dated Springfield Armory barrel with a bright excellent bore. The metal surfaces retain 98% arsenal parkerized finish with some silvering on gas cylinder and trigger guard. The walnut stock rates excellent overall with a few light handling marks, a crisp "SA Open Top" rebuild mark, "DoD" Eagle Cartouche and a crisp Circle "P" proof on pistolgrip. Parts are a mixture of both wartime and post war Springfield Armory and the rifle has an M1D scope base but no other accessories are included. The rifle lacks CMP paperwork so it may be a DCM assembled gun. A nice M1D type Garand that will likely make a great shooter or sniper project. (207657-216) {C&R}(1200/1800)
U.S. M1 Garand "National Match" Rifle By Springfield Armory
Lot # 129 (Sale Order: 129 of 1138)
serial #5385278, 30-06 24" 9-64 dated Springfield barrel with a bright excellent bore. The metal surfaces retain 95% original parkerized finish with silvering on floorplate, bolt, and gas cylinder. The "DoD Eagle" cartouched stock rates excellent with an added oil finish, a few minor handling marks, and a crisp Circle "P" stamp on pistolgrip. The rifle has most of the features of a Type 2 National Match rifle included a Targeted and "NM" marked barrel, a Remington "NM" operating rod, and hooded rear sight and adjustments marked "NM". Other parts appear to be mostly Springfield post war with the exception of the milled triggerguard, and "MXR" marked safety. The front sight is unmarked, and the stock lacks glass bedding and the serial numbers in the channel. Interestingly the Springfield Research Service lists several Garands being awarded to rifle clubs in the same serial number range. This Garand retains most of the features of a Type 2 National Match rifle and is in excellent condition overall and further research may prove fruitful as to its origins. (207657-221) {C&R}(1500/2000)
U.S. M1C Garand Sniper Rifle By Springfield Armory
Lot # 130 (Sale Order: 130 of 1138)
serial #3545468, 30-06, 24" 3-45 dated Springfield Armory barrel with a very good bore that shows some minor pitting halfway down. The metal surfaces retain 98% arsenal applied parkerized finish. The "SA GAW" marked stock rates very good plus with an "Open Top SA" rebuild stamp, handling marks, and a couple minor hairline cracks on butt. The rifle is equipped with Type 3 lockbar rear sights, and a single slot gas cylinder. The rifle's bolt is a "-2 SA", trigger housing "-5 SA", hammer "C46008-7 SA", "-6 SA" cut operating rod and "SA" marked safety. The rifle is also sighted with the correct M82 scope which retains about 85% original blue with scattered thinning and silvering. The optics are crisp and clear with a single post reticle and a rubber sun shade that is in excellent condition is included. The adjustment covers are matching but other scope parts do not. The Griffin & Howe rings and mount retain 90% original blue with thinning and silvering on rings. The mount is numbered "3619930" and the base is numbered "3617650". A very good example of these highly desirable M1 Garand sniper rifles. (207657-215) {C&R}(4000/6000)
J.P. Sauer Boxlock Double Shotgun
Lot # 131 (Sale Order: 131 of 1138)
serial #187096, 12 ga., 30" Krupp steel barrels choked full and full with bright excellent bores. The shotgun has been fitted with a second set of combination barrels by F. Jager of Suhl which are chambered in 8x57JR and 12 ga. extra full choke with excellent bores. The shotgun features extractors and cocking indicators and remains in very nice condition. The barrels retain about 98% original blue finish overall. The action features light border and scroll engraving and is an overall even gray patina, smooth with no pitting. The action features double locking underlugs along with a Greener crossbolt. The checkered pistolgrip walnut buttstock and splinter forend rate excellent with 95% original finish remaining and with sharp checkering. The gun shows a 14 1/2" length of pull over original grooved hard rubber buttplate and has drops of 1 3/4" and 2 1/4" and has original 2 9/16" chambers. A nice handling and versatile Sauer double gun. (17611-2) {C&R}(1200/1800)
Fine E.M. Reilly Sidelever Nitro Proofed Double Hammergun
Lot # 132 (Sale Order: 132 of 1138)
serial #17392, 16 ga., 28" barrels with bright excellent bores choked improved cylinder in each. This shotgun shows period Birmingham black powder proofs with later London Nitro proofs and modern "70MM, 900 BAR" proofs. The barrels are generally over .030 everywhere except for one spot in one barrel that gets to .027". The action and locks show near full coverage scroll engraving with no makers name appearing on the action or locks. The barrel rib is engraved "E.M. REILLY & CO. NEW OXFORD ST. LONDON" and retains 95% beautifully restored brown finish with strong damascus pattern their entire lengths. The action and locks retain an even grayish patina with rebounding hammers and crisp locks. The checkered straight grip walnut buttstock and forend rate very good plus with a good deal of original finish, perhaps some added light oil and a beautiful toe and heel buttplate with checkered center panel. The shotgun locks up tight and features a 13 3/4" pull with drops of 1 1/2" and 2 1/2". A nice tight sidelever Reilly small bore double that seems like she's ready to go. (17147-143) {C&R} [Terry Buffum Collection](1500/2500)
E.M. Reilly Sidelock Sidelever Hammerless Double Ejectorgun
Lot # 133 (Sale Order: 133 of 1138)
!!! NOTICE: This lot has a discrepancy. Please CLICK HERE for the discrepancy list.
serial #27854, 12 ga., 30" barrels with bright excellent bores choked full and full. This shotgun is built on a W. & C. Scott crystal indicator action with side clips and with each lock being engraved "E.M. REILLY & CO. / LONDON". The markings on the tops of the barrel are difficult to read but appear to be the E.M. Reilly & Company name and London address on the left barrel and a Paris address on the right barrel. The shotgun was part of a set and is numbered "2" in gold on dolls head rib extension and engraved on interior forend metal. The barrels are Birmingham nitro proofed for 2 3/4" shells with 1 1/16 oz. loads. The minimum wall thickness is generally .0245 with one small area that gets to .023. The action and locks show near full coverage tight English scroll engraving with a nice round flower panel on top of action. The barrels retain about 95% evenly thinning restored blue finish overall. The action and locks show an even gray patina and remain very smooth and free of pitting. The checkered straight grip walnut buttstock and splinter forend rate very good plus as refinished long ago. The gun features a 14 5/8" length of pull over checkered butt and shows drops of 1 1/2" and 2 3/8". The gun locks up tight and points beautifully. A neat crystal indicator sidelever Reilly Ejectorgun. (17147-176) {C&R} [Terry Buffum Collection](1500/2500)
serial #27854, 12 ga., 30" barrels with bright excellent bores choked full and full. This shotgun is built on a W. & C. Scott crystal indicator action with side clips and with each lock being engraved "E.M. REILLY & CO. / LONDON". The markings on the tops of the barrel are difficult to read but appear to be the E.M. Reilly & Company name and London address on the left barrel and a Paris address on the right barrel. The shotgun was part of a set and is numbered "2" in gold on dolls head rib extension and engraved on interior forend metal. The barrels are Birmingham nitro proofed for 2 3/4" shells with 1 1/16 oz. loads. The minimum wall thickness is generally .0245 with one small area that gets to .023. The action and locks show near full coverage tight English scroll engraving with a nice round flower panel on top of action. The barrels retain about 95% evenly thinning restored blue finish overall. The action and locks show an even gray patina and remain very smooth and free of pitting. The checkered straight grip walnut buttstock and splinter forend rate very good plus as refinished long ago. The gun features a 14 5/8" length of pull over checkered butt and shows drops of 1 1/2" and 2 3/8". The gun locks up tight and points beautifully. A neat crystal indicator sidelever Reilly Ejectorgun. (17147-176) {C&R} [Terry Buffum Collection](1500/2500)
E.M. Reilly Snap Action Lang Triggerplate Double Shotgun
Lot # 134 (Sale Order: 134 of 1138)
serial #24672, 16 ga., 29 1/8" barrels with good bores that show a couple areas of considerable pitting. The action and sideplates of this shotgun show near full coverage tight English scroll engraving which extends onto the lever and both tangs. The engraving is of fine quality and the fences have stylish raised curved ridges around them. The top tang has a rotating safety lever with "SAFE" inlaid in gold, as well as cocking indicators. The top rib of barrels is engraved with the E.M. Reilly name with both London and Paris addresses and it also engraved with a large numeral "1" indicating that this shotgun was once part of a set, this same numeral "1" appears on the triggerguard tang as well. The barrels retain about 90% evenly thinning restored brown finish with strong damascus pattern their full lengths. The action retains a mostly brown patina with perhaps some traces of an old restored blue finish. The checkered walnut buttstock and forend show some figure and rate very good as nicely refinished during the period of use and with moderately worn checkering. The shotgun has a 14 3/8" pull over its original toe and heel buttplate with checkered center panel and shows drops of 1 1/2" and 2". The shotgun locks up nice and tight but the left tube wall thickness gets to about .019" in one area, the right is generally above .023". This is a nice example of these rare Lang Triggerplate guns and while tight, this one should probably be retired from the field and remanded to the gun cabinet. (17147-144) {ANTIQUE} [Terry Buffum Collection](1000/1500)
Westley Richards 1872 Patent Falling Block Rook Rifle
Lot # 135 (Sale Order: 135 of 1138)
serial #6, .360 Rook, 25" barrel with a good plus bore that shows some pitting primarily in the grooves. The bottom of the barrel is marked "MILLWARD" with several "WR" monograms. The serial number "6" appears on the outer periphery of the Nock form at the barrel breech. The action is engraved on left side "WESTLEY RICHARDS / PATENT / 1876" and the large vertically positioned toggle safety is marked simply "PATENT". The barrel retains about 25% original blue with some scattered light surface oxidation present and with areas of loss bearing a pleasing brown patina. The action which features Westley's curved underlever retains about 75% original blue finish with some scattered light oxidation present and with a brown patina where finish is missing. The checkered walnut buttstock and horn tipped forend rate very good with lots of original finish and with sharp checkering and scattered light handling marks and dings. The buttstock has a chip at the toe, the steel buttplate remains intact. The rifle is sighted with a low profile beaded blade front sight and single standing and single folding rear sight. These rifles are quite rare and many surviving examples have been rebarreled or rechambered. A very neat, rare and fine Westley Richards rook rifle. (16520-3737) {ANTIQUE} [Richard "Stretch" Kennedy Collection](2000/3000)
D. & J. Fraser Falling Block Rifle
Lot # 136 (Sale Order: 136 of 1138)
!!! NOTICE: This lot has a discrepancy. Please CLICK HERE for the discrepancy list.
serial #20, 450 3 1/4 BPE, 26" round barrel with a very good bore. This rare Scottish falling block was built on Fraser's 1880 patent action and has its original A&T barrel as fitted by Fraser. This rifle was part of Fraser's first production run of falling block rifles. The condition is fair with the metal surfaces of rifle bearing a brown patina with scattered light oxidation and some patches of light pitting. Markings remain legible but are a little light. The uncheckered walnut stocks rate very good as refinished. The action features a sliding safety similar to those found on Sharps Borchardt rifles of the same period. The forend is fastened by a single round pin and the rifle features simple open sporting sights. This rifle is illustrated in an article in The Journal of the Historical Breechloading Small Arms Association Vol. 3, No. 9 pages 2 through 8 entitled "Daniel Fraser of D. & J. Fraser of Edinburgh, Scotland". This is a rare and desirable Scottish falling block rifle. (16520-598) {ANTIQUE} [Richard "Stretch" Kennedy Collection](2000/3000)
serial #20, 450 3 1/4 BPE, 26" round barrel with a very good bore. This rare Scottish falling block was built on Fraser's 1880 patent action and has its original A&T barrel as fitted by Fraser. This rifle was part of Fraser's first production run of falling block rifles. The condition is fair with the metal surfaces of rifle bearing a brown patina with scattered light oxidation and some patches of light pitting. Markings remain legible but are a little light. The uncheckered walnut stocks rate very good as refinished. The action features a sliding safety similar to those found on Sharps Borchardt rifles of the same period. The forend is fastened by a single round pin and the rifle features simple open sporting sights. This rifle is illustrated in an article in The Journal of the Historical Breechloading Small Arms Association Vol. 3, No. 9 pages 2 through 8 entitled "Daniel Fraser of D. & J. Fraser of Edinburgh, Scotland". This is a rare and desirable Scottish falling block rifle. (16520-598) {ANTIQUE} [Richard "Stretch" Kennedy Collection](2000/3000)
L.C. Smith Specialty Grade Featherweight Sidelock Double Ejectorgun
Lot # 137 (Sale Order: 137 of 1138)
serial #FWE52624, 20 ga., 28" barrels both choked full with bright excellent bores. The barrels retain about 97% original blue with loss due to minor fading with the sparsely scattered very light handling marks one would expect from the years; the rib is equipped with dual ivory beads. The frame and sideplates retain about 98% plus excellent-quality restored color case-hardening, the engraving remaining crisp overall. The bow of the guard retains excellent restored blue and the shotgun is factory "Hunter One Trigger" equipped. The checkered capped pistolgrip walnut buttstock and splinter style forend rate excellent showing an old, very professional quality refinish. The length of pull to the period-installed Hawkins pad is 14 3/4" with drops of 1 3/4" and 3 3/8". The gun locks up tightly with the top lever still slightly right of center and seems to function well mechanically, however the right ejector trips late and slowly when fired by itself; the safety is non-automatic. The included factory letter verifies the configuration and shows shipment in July 1923 to C.M. McClung & Co., hardware wholesalers in Knoxville Tennessee. Overall a very lovely specialty grade single trigger and ejector-equipped 20 bore awaiting only the fall fields and your dogs. (37660-6) {C&R}(3000/5000)
L.C. Smith Field Grade Featherweight Sidelock Double Ejectorgun
Lot # 138 (Sale Order: 138 of 1138)
serial #FWE187397, 16 ga., 28" single sighting plane rib barrels choked a tight modified and full with bright excellent bores. The barrels retain 92-95% original blue, the loss is due to even fading and toning to a light plum with wear at the muzzles and carry point. The frame and sideplates retain about 97-98% original vivid color case-hardening with only light wear on the sharp edges and contact points. The triggerguard shows excellent original blue and the gun is in its original straight-grip configuration. The walnut buttstock and splinter style forend rate excellent with only very minor dings and handling marks very sparsely scattered here or there. The length of pull to the period-installed Hawkins recoil pad with leather rear covering is 14" with drops of 1 1/2" and 2 5/8". The shotgun is equipped with dual target beads on the rib, double triggers, automatic safety and ejectors and lockup remains tight with the top lever still slightly right of center. The included factory letter verifies the configuration and shows a start date of June 26, 1940, patterning and proofing early August and ship late August that same year to the "New Rome Store". Really a superb field grade double ejectorgun awaiting a trip to the fall woods, which will still serve very well as an investment. (37660-5) {C&R}(2000/4000)
Merkel Over Under Double Ejectorgun Two Barrel Set With Retailer Marking
Lot # 139 (Sale Order: 139 of 1138)
serial #68578, 6 mm (.24 cal.) CF, 24" barrels (relined) with bright excellent bores. The barrels are overall in-the-white and exhibit some areas of scattered light pitting, also with some dings and handling marks, more prominent in the bolster areas at the breeches. The barrels appear to have likely been in a fire at some point, with the left and right upper forends show a great deal of blackening and what is likely soot or smoke damage. The left side bolster has the Gebruder Merkel logo while the right side is marked "W Glaser-Waffen/Zurich". The second set of barrels are quite nice, 16 ga., 26" choked modified and full with bright excellent bores and retaining 98% original blue. This barrels set of upper forends rates excellent. The scalloped frame obviously escaped the fate of the rifle barrels, it shows 98% late color case-hardening. It shows light scroll engraving with game scenes left and right, the case colored triggerguard worn to pewter in the area of the grip. The checkered capped pistolgrip walnut buttstock rates very good as lightly cleaned, the checkering slightly worn and with some light staining of the stock cheeks at the frame. It features rounded left side shadowline cheekpiece, capped pistolgrip and shows a length of pull to the checkered hard rubber buttplate of 14". The forend shows more wear and is rather dark with numerous impact marks in the checkering and a small drilled hole on its left side. The upper forends of the rifle barrel are slightly warped and the three do not align precisely showing a pronounced gap. The ejector trip screws are in place but their stop screws are no longer present. Front and rear sights are missing, there is a one-piece Redfield base milled and affixed to the rib which currently mounts a B Nickel variable 4-10X telescopic sight. The scope rates very good with minor scratches and handling marks from the years showing a crosshair reticle with bright crisp optics. The gun seems to lock up well and operate properly. As with any arm of unknown caliber, a competent gunsmith should determine caliber, check headspace and determine the quality of the relining and hopefully proof the arm before any thought is given to firing the rifle barrels. Originally proved in February 1968 and both sets of barrels are correctly numbered to the gun. (37657-210) {MODERN}(2000/4000)
German Magazine Sporting Rifle By Willi Karl Of Luneburg
Lot # 140 (Sale Order: 140 of 1138)
serial #43840, 6.5x68 mm, 26 1/2" Krupp Stahl barrel with a bright excellent bore. The metal surfaces retain about 85% original rust blue, the loss is due primarily to even fading and light high edge and contact wear with some rub marks and a few handling marks on the barrel. The bolt body is blued, its rear section polished bright, it remains largely unstained with a few oxidation stains and spots on the knob of the handle. The rifle is stocked classic style in a nice grade of European walnut with a rounded left side shadowline cheekpiece, rating very good overall with minor dings and handling marks from the years afield. Rifle features a capped pistolgrip, period recoil pad, 3/4" sling swivels, a horn forend tip insert, lever release hinged floorplate and double set triggers. Rifle is sighted with a simple bead front atop a sporting ramp and the rear sight is not present in its base. The receiver rings have been professionally drilled and tapped for a one-piece scope base which is not present, the bolt handle has been swept low and sculpted for scope clearance and a low scope safety has been fitted. The antique recoil pad has collapsed from the years and hardened, the length of pull is 14 1/4". The action shows some very light borderline engraving and the front ring is neatly matted, the floorplate is engraved "Sulfmeister", a term having to deal with the salt production in Luneburg (more aptly these days a Festival celebrating it). The barrel is maker marked and the caliber is marked to the rear of the rear sight base. A very attractive and very nicely executed Mauser rifle with some very nice features in a super high-performance caliber. (37657-154) {C&R}(2000/4000)
Sauer & Sohn Mauser Magazine Sporting Rifle
Lot # 141 (Sale Order: 141 of 1138)
serial #243797, 30-06, 25" part octagon part round Krupp fluid steel barrel with a full-length integral rib and a bright excellent bore. The metal surfaces retain about 85-90% original rust blue, the loss is due to some even fading and wear to pewter on the sharp edges and contact points. The bottom metal shows a bit more graying and toning to purple with some light handling marks while the bright-polished bolt body shows some remnants of very light oxidation staining; the bolt shroud and striker nicely case-hardened showing very good colors. The checkered capped pistolgrip English walnut buttstock rates very good showing overall minor dings and handling marks from light use afield. The stock features a rounded left side cheekpiece with shadowline, Oberndorf sidepanels, schnabel tip and a keyed forend. The left Oberndorf sidepanel shows an excellent-quality repair with the wood neatly spliced-in while there are lacquered epoxy repairs to two dings above that same panel; there is a repair to an old chip at the rear of the tang, it is very unobtrusive. The length of pull to the smooth steel buttplate is 13 1/2". The rifle is fitted with European-style sling swivels and has an un-engraved oval monogram plate along the toeline. The rifle is sighted with a simple silver bead front and there is a three leaf rear in the integral rib, one standing, two folding. The left side of the receiver was neatly and professionally drilled and tapped for a Griffin & Howe-style telescopic sight base which is no longer present. The bolt handle was sculpted and low swept for scope clearance, the safety is the standard Mauser. The barrel is maker marked on the nicely matted rib with the caliber marking on the right diagonal flat; the front ring has been nicely matted as well. Overall a very nice Sauer & Sohn, likely model "B" Mauser action, in that most-American of calibers, awaiting its turn at the November woods. (37657-75) {C&R}(2000/3000)
Custom Al Biesen Large Ring Mauser Magazine Sporting Rifle
Lot # 142 (Sale Order: 142 of 1138)
!!! NOTICE: This lot has a discrepancy. Please CLICK HERE for the discrepancy list.
257 Roberts, 22" barrel with a bright excellent bore. The metal surfaces retain about 98% plus original maker-applied blue. The bolt body and extractor remain bright with only some light operational wear and a couple very minor oxidation spots on the extractor itself. The rifle is stocked classic style with a nice flared left-side shadowline cheekpiece. The stock is American black walnut and shows some very nice grain and rates very good plus to near excellent with all its original varnish but overall very light dings and handling marks consistent with a hunted arm. The grip shows flawlessly executed borderless checkered panels with a nice wrap-around pattern at the forearm. The inside of the barrel channel is maker-marked "Al Biesen Spokane WA" and the length of pull to the steel buttplate is 13 1/4". Amenities include a blued steel pistolgrip cap, blued Niedner-style buttplate and QD sling swivels. The rifle is sighted with a gold bead atop a sporting ramp front with no provision for rear, however the 1953 FN commercial Mauser action is factory drilled and tapped for scope mounts and both bolt handle and safety factory low-swept for scope clearance. Al Biesen of Lacrosse Wisconsin was born in 1918 and started building custom guns in the 1940's. He built rifles for many famous and influential people, not the least of which was Mr. Jack O'Connor, a pre-64 Model 70 Winchester which Jack considered his favorite rifle. O'Connor's writings helped make Al Biesen one of the most famous gun makers in the world, his name recognized alongside any of the top makers. Sadly, Al Biesen has just passed away, on April 14, 2016 at 98 years of age. Overall a very lovely rifle built on one of the finest actions ever made, in an absolutely top-notch caliber for deer right down to varmints. (37685-3) {C&R}(2000/3000)
257 Roberts, 22" barrel with a bright excellent bore. The metal surfaces retain about 98% plus original maker-applied blue. The bolt body and extractor remain bright with only some light operational wear and a couple very minor oxidation spots on the extractor itself. The rifle is stocked classic style with a nice flared left-side shadowline cheekpiece. The stock is American black walnut and shows some very nice grain and rates very good plus to near excellent with all its original varnish but overall very light dings and handling marks consistent with a hunted arm. The grip shows flawlessly executed borderless checkered panels with a nice wrap-around pattern at the forearm. The inside of the barrel channel is maker-marked "Al Biesen Spokane WA" and the length of pull to the steel buttplate is 13 1/4". Amenities include a blued steel pistolgrip cap, blued Niedner-style buttplate and QD sling swivels. The rifle is sighted with a gold bead atop a sporting ramp front with no provision for rear, however the 1953 FN commercial Mauser action is factory drilled and tapped for scope mounts and both bolt handle and safety factory low-swept for scope clearance. Al Biesen of Lacrosse Wisconsin was born in 1918 and started building custom guns in the 1940's. He built rifles for many famous and influential people, not the least of which was Mr. Jack O'Connor, a pre-64 Model 70 Winchester which Jack considered his favorite rifle. O'Connor's writings helped make Al Biesen one of the most famous gun makers in the world, his name recognized alongside any of the top makers. Sadly, Al Biesen has just passed away, on April 14, 2016 at 98 years of age. Overall a very lovely rifle built on one of the finest actions ever made, in an absolutely top-notch caliber for deer right down to varmints. (37685-3) {C&R}(2000/3000)
Smith & Wesson Model 3 Russian First Model Revolver
Lot # 143 (Sale Order: 143 of 1138)
serial #26714, 44 Russian, 8" ribbed round barrel with an about very good bore which shows strong rifling but with scattered minor pitting nearly its full-length, a couple spots which may be slightly more moderate. The metal surfaces are an overall silvery gunmetal patina having been lightly cleaned. There is near overall light pinprick pitting remaining in the cleaning was not over-done with the barrel markings still remaining completely legible. The sideplate slightly "under" in areas but overall the gun still retains a pleasing look. The smooth walnut grips rate very good, also showing an older light cleaning, retaining the minor dings and dents from the years; they are stamp-numbered to the gun and still fit very well. Barrel, latch and cylinder are all numbered "670", that assembly number cannot be located on frame. Barrel-to-frame fit is still good with only the slightest hint of play and the mechanism seems to function for the most part, however the cylinder over-times. Overall a good to near very good "Old Old Model Russian". (37678-7) {ANTIQUE}(1200/1800)
Mauser Model B Magazine Sporting Rifle
Lot # 144 (Sale Order: 144 of 1138)
serial #125888, 8x57S (standard 8mm Mauser), 24" part octagon part round barrel with a full-length integral rib and a bright excellent bore. The metal surfaces retain about 85 to perhaps near 90% original rust blue, the loss due primarily to fading and light handling wear, more prominent on the bottom metal. The bolt body and extractor are mostly bright with some light oxidation staining and lightly worn engine turning on both. The checkered walnut capped pistolgrip stock with a rounded left-side cheekpiece rates very good plus, showing some light dings and handling marks from the years, primarily now devoid of varnish, also with the very beginning of a very light crack at the rear of the tang. The rifle features double set triggers, lever-release floorplate, factory swivels and is sighted with a simple bead front and three-leaf rear sight (two standing-one folding). The rifle has been fitted during the period of use, possibly by the factory, with a Skopar 5 telescopic sight by Voigtlander & Son of Braunschweig. The scope rates very good with a fading original blue finish, rubber eyepiece and quick focus ocular lens. The scope is equipped with a heavy European reticle with dot crosshair showing bright excellent optics which are remarkably clear, the objective lens showing some light delamination in the ocular lens with some light hazing. The rifle exhibits both Eagle N and staghorn proofs and was proofed in December 1942. A very nice, likely very usable model B, with some very nice amenities, in the factory No. 121 pattern. (37657-165) {C&R}(2000/3000)
Rare Colt New Model 1896 Navy Revolver
Lot # 145 (Sale Order: 145 of 1138)
serial #96359 (naval No. 282), 38 Colt, 6" barrel with a bright excellent bore. The metal surfaces retain about 98% original blue, the only loss is very light muzzle wear and scattered light minute scratches with some very light butt wear. There are one or two spots of light oxidation but they are very unobtrusive. The trigger and spine of hammer retain excellent pale fire temper blue with the white-polished sides of the hammer still remaining brilliant with a tiny speck of rust at the left side spur. The checkered hard rubber Colt logo grips rate excellent and are scratch-numbered to the gun. The bottom of the butt is marked with the Naval Trident and the aforementioned naval property number. The gun seems to time well and lockup as tightly as the day it left Colt in 1898. A superb example overall. (37715-9) {ANTIQUE} (1200/1800)
Smith & Wesson Second Model Double Action Safety Hammerless Revolver
Lot # 146 (Sale Order: 146 of 1138)
serial #16687, 38 S&W, 3 1/4" lightly oxidized and pitted bore. This lovely revolver has about 80% coverage of New York style scroll engraving with punchdot shading. The sides of the frame and barrel have full coverage scroll with tastefully added wedges over each chamber. The metal surfaces retain about 98% re-applied nickel with minor flaking and bubbling, a few oxidation blemishes and pinprick pitting on and under the finish. The beautiful unmarked mother-of-pearl grips are in excellent condition. All appropriate parts are correctly numbered to the gun; and the barrel-to-frame fit is tight with excellent timing and lockup. A wonderful second model revolver with non factory engraving by an unknown artisan. (87535-60) {ANTIQUE}(1000/1500)
Rare Smith & Wesson Model 27 Revolver
Lot # 147 (Sale Order: 147 of 1138)
serial #S208698, 357 Magnum, rare 5 1/2" pinned barrel custom ordered from the factory with an excellent bore. This 1961 made revolver retains beautiful condition with about 99% original blue exhibiting a light turn ring on the recessed cylinder. The .500" target hammer and .500" target trigger retain full-bodied case-hardened colors with no visible operational marks. The revolver is fitted with beautifully executed rosewood target grips with silver S&W medallions. The diamond fine checkered grips have scalloped border at the base of the checkering pattern and a gracefully pointed border at the top. The diamond around the escutcheon has small flared accents cut into them giving adding a touch of understated elegance. The revolver features white outline micro adjustable factory rear sight and red insert ramp front sight. The factory records will indicate this fine piece was special ordered with a 5 1/2" barrel and extra features. It was shipped to Arthur Cook Co. of Laurel, Maryland on August 31, 1961. This rare gun is in wonderful condition with a set of breathtaking grips. (87675-26) {MODERN}(2000/3000)
Winchester Model 1892 Lever Action Rifle
Lot # 148 (Sale Order: 148 of 1138)
serial #61533, 32 W.C.F., 24" octagon barrel with a bright near excellent bore with very minor frosting in the grooves. The barrel and full length magazine tube retain 92% original blue with scattered loss, tiny specks of oxidation and light silvering on the edges of the octagon barrel. The frame retains 75% original blue with the majority of the loss at the carry point with more light specks of oxidation staining here and there. The lever and hammer show strong traces of case-hardened colors with the balance toned to a dark mottled case-hardened patina. The straight grip walnut buttstock and forend rate excellent showing added finish and minor dings and dents from the years. Rifle is sighted with a Beach combination front sight however the hood has broken off, a semi-buckhorn rear sight with missing notch insert and a Lyman No. 1 tang sight is affixed. Overall a nice antique 1892 with lots of finish left on her. (157714-39) {ANTIQUE}(2000/3000)
Winchester Model 1892 Lever Action Rifle
Lot # 149 (Sale Order: 149 of 1138)
serial #601631, 38 W.C.F., 24" barrel with a bright excellent bore with perhaps the faintest amount of frosting here and there. This is a fine 1892 rifle. The barrel and full length magazine retain 98% original blue with a couple of light tool marks and a bit of silvering at the muzzle. The frame retains 70% original blue with a moderate patch of wear to pewter on the left side of the frame as well as a bit of loss on the lower tang and light oxidation staining. The lever and hammer are a mottled case-hardened patina with perhaps a light trace or two of original colors. The straight grip walnut buttstock and forend rate near excellent showing perhaps a light amount of added finish and scattered handling marks from the years; there is a tiny 1/2" sliver missing from the bottom right corner of the grip nearest the frame. Rifle is sighted with a blade front sight, a buckhorn rear sight and a modern tang aperture sight. A very nice 1892 with a killer bore and a great caliber. (157714-40) {C&R}(1800/2200)
Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle
Lot # 150 (Sale Order: 150 of 1138)
serial #71884, 38-56 W.C.F., 24" shortened barrel with a bright near excellent bore with a few lightly scattered pits here and there. The barrel and shortened magazine tube retain 97% original blue toning brown in some areas, showing light specks of oxidation here and there and and a light tool mark or two. The frame, forend nosecap and action retain 75-80% original case-hardened colors which have softened nicely with time, giving the arm an aged look, with the balance toned to a light brown-gray patina with tiny specks of oxidation staining here and there and a couple of tiny pinprick pits on the lever; the bolt retains nearly all of its original blue. The straight grip walnut buttstock and forend rate very good plus to near excellent showing a light layer of added finish over a few dings and dents, the forend showing slightly more wear, however both buttstock and forend fit tightly to the metal. Rifle is sighted with a Marbles-Sheard gold bead front sight, a Marbles semi-buckhorn rear sight and a Lyman No. 1 second variation tang sight. A pair of sling swivels have been installed on the arm. If it weren't for the shortened barrel and magazine, this 1886 would be a fine addition to an established Winchester collection. Nevertheless a classic, aged arm with lovely case colors. (157708-18) {ANTIQUE}(1500/2000)
