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The rifle is mounted with
a very nicely figured forend
and pistol grip stock with checkering, dark horn
forend cap, iron grip cap, blank silver escutcheon, rubber pad, and a pair
of old inventory labels on the right side. The first label reads “PATRIMONIO NACIONAL/ TESORO ARTISTICO/Serie B.P/No. 1774 Ano 1961/Palacio de [blank]”, and the second, older label reads “Ano 1943/Serie B.P./No. 1.127.” Similar tags are known on other
rifles owned by Alfonso XIII, including Winchester Model 1905 and Model 1910
rifles sold by Rock Island Auction Co. in May of 2019. The labels note the rifle
as “bien privado” or “private good.” The Junta Superior del Tesoro Aristico
National was formed in 1933 to conserve Spanish artistic works, and many
Spanish works of art were placed in protected storage to prevent them from
being looted during the Spanish Civil War.
CONDITION: Excellent with 95% pus original blue and casehardened finish,
some light fading, general mild marks and scratches indicative of actual
field use, and crisp markings and engraving. Aside from the repaired wrist,
the stock and forearm are very fine and have crisp checkering, attractive
figure, mild scratches and dings, and a deteriorated pad. Mechanically
excellent. This is a beautiful example of an outstanding English sporting rifle
made for King Alfonso XIII of Spain.
Provenance: King Alfonso XIII; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 14,000 - 22,500
King Alfonso XIII
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