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LOT 1601
Factory Relief Engraved and Gold Inlaid Franz Sodia Multi-Caliber Over/Under Double Rifle - Serial no. 21016, 7x65R/222 Rem cal., 25 11/16 inch solid rib bbl., blue/coin/gold finish, walnut stock. Franz Sodia was part of the upper echelon of Ferlach gunmakers and built some of the highest quality arms the city hard to offer. The firm was closed in 1988, but the legacy lives on in the many fine pieces that were built over the life of the company. The rifle is built with blued Bohler Rasant steel barrels featuring a beaded blade front sight, fixed rear sight, and a set of German claw mounts on the matted solid rib, import mark under the forend, chambers with a shared extractor, and proofs dating to 1976. The coin finished sideplated boxlock action displays attractive oak leaf engraving over a finely matted darkened background and a set of three gold game scenes. The game scenes consist of a trio of chamois in a mountainous setting on the right, a roe buck with a pair of does in a forest on the left, and a singing capercaillie cock in a forest scene on the underside. While the engraving isn’t signed, it is clear that it was cut by highly skilled hands. The rifle features a pair of single set triggers, bushed firing pins, and a tang mounted manual safety switch. The three-piece forend and Bavarian style pistol grip stock are beautifully figured and feature engraved fittings, a black polymer grip cap, fish scale checkering, and a factory White-Line recoil pad. Length of pull 14 3/8 inches. Weight 7 lbs. 5 oz. CONDITION: Excellent overall, retaining 99% original blue, coin, and gold finishes with minor handling evidence, some fading/color changing to the gold, and sharp fish scale checkering on the stock and forend. Mechanically excellent. Don’t miss this chance to own this elegant piece from one of Ferlach’s most storied makers! Estimate: 9,000 - 14,000