Page 453 - 4091-BOOK1

Rifle “A” is signed by two of Browning’s engravers on the left side of the action with “VRACKEN” signed beneath the game scene for Master Engraver Louis Vracken and “J. BAERTEN” in the scroll
for Master Engraver Jose
Baerten. The “B” rifle is
signed on the right side
of the action “R. BEE” for
factory Master Engraver
Rosa Bee. Both of the
rifles are mounted with
exceptionally well-figured
and multi-point checkered forends with blued fittings and straight grip stocks with blued steel crescent buttplates.
Included is a full length leather bound case that houses both rifles and a pair of numbered coins with a brass plaque marked “PRESENTED/TO/ PRESIDENT/GERALD R. FORD/BY THE/REPUBLICAN/ NAT’L COMMITTEE” on the lid along with the canvas cover which is marked “PRESIDENT/GERALD R. FORD/UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”.
CONDITION: Excellent overall, retaining 99% original blue and gold finishes, 95% plus original coin finish, some minor thinning and slight oxidation on the action in the coin primarily on the left side, and overall light handling evidence. There are a few
flakes of varnish absent from the edges of the wood to metal fit, otherwise the wood is excellent with a few minor scratches and sharp checkering. The case is very fine. Mechanically excellent.
B) Browning Model 1885 Rifle - Serial no. 1776#0002, 45-70 Government cal., 24 inch octagon bbl., blue/coin finish, walnut stock. As described in “A”.
CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 99% original
blue and coin finishes with only minor handling evidence and a slight spot of oxidation on the action lever. There are a few tiny chips at the receiver to stock junction, otherwise the wood is also excellent with a few tiny scratches and sharp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A rare chance to own a pair of presidential firearms presented to President Gerald Ford by the Republican
National Convention!
Estimate: 75,000 - 130,000
451