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The blued action still shows nearly all of the original markings, which are only absent where it has been drilled and tapped for the side-mounted German style claw mount which
holds an Aldis Bros. Ltd. scope and the tang has a flip-up peep sight. The front bridge
is marked “PATENT/MANNLICHER/SCHOENAUER/M.1905” and also shows an English “crown/V” proof. The rifle has the aforementioned double set triggers and triggerguard numbered “B6769”. Well-figured, multi-point checkered pistol grip stock with dual sling swivels, removable hard rubber grip cap with small compartment beneath, the previously mentioned inscription overall, and orange rubber recoil pad.
Included with the rifle is a slew of documentation compiled by the consignor as well
as a number of articles, including one in “Sporting Classics” from 2022 and an article in
“Hangfire” the newsletter for the New Zealand Antique Arms Association. Also included is a
shipping box, a DVD copy of the film “Out of Africa”, and copies of the following seven books:
“African Adventures” by Frederick B. Patterson; “Baron Blixen: The Man Whom Women Loved”
by Ulf Aschan; “a Breath from the Veldt” by J. G. Mills; “African Hunter” by Baron Von Blixen-
Finecke; “Too Close to the Sun” by Sara Wheeler; “Isak Dinesen: The Life of Karen Blixen” by
Judith Thurman; “Out of Africa” by Isak Dinesen. The final inclusions are a wood and leather
Gibbs takedown case with a matching coronet/”M” on the lid, cleaning tools, four boxes
of likely 50 each .256 Gibbs Magnum cartridges, five 10 round boxes of .256 Gibbs Magnum, and one 10 round box of 6.5 Mannlicher cartridges.
CONDITION: Fine as used in the bush of Eastern Africa, with 60% plus of the blue finish remaining on the metal surfaces,
a few areas showing spotting and mild oxidation, and mild overall handling evidence. The stock has been repaired with a professionally made plate creating a mechanical hold around a crack off the right side of the action. Otherwise the stock shows numerous mild dings and scratches, high edge wear, and overall sharp checkering. The case is very good. Much of
the ammunition appears to still be factory sealed and the rest appears to be very good. The magazine box is slightly loose, otherwise mechanically fine. Rifles with stories like this one do not often come along, do not pass up the opportunity to own this historic rifle from one of the most famous hunter of the “Golden Age” of safari hunting in Africa!
Provenance: Denys Finch Hatton; Lady Diana Tiarks; J. H. Esmeyer; Property of a Gentlemen.
Estimate: 15,000 - 25,000