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The left side of the action displays a hare, a pair of
dragonflies, a chipmunk on a branch, and a butterfly,
the top of the action shows a pair of butterflies and a
dragonfly on the base of the toplever, the right shows
a porcupine in a tree, a dragonfly, two butterflies, and
a gopher, the underside shows a red squirrel, a skunk,
two song birds, and a butterfly, and the triggerguard
has a bull frog in a tree. This is a an outstanding display
of the engraver’s art that could only be achieved by the
hands of an incredibly skilled master engraver. The work was
done by Master Engraver Rocco Capece who has signed his
work with a simple “CAPECE” on the triggerplate to the right of the trigger. The rifle features a single selective gold plated trigger and a tang
mounted automatic safety with a gold inlaid “S” indicator. The rifle is fitted with a fantastic highly figured and fancy gold bordered fleur-de-lis checkered and scroll carved forend with engraved and gold wire inlaid casehardened fittings along with a straight grip stock showing the same wood work, shadowline cheekpiece, blank gold inscription oval, and gold inlaid heel and toe plates with a butterfly and dragonfly inlay respectively. That is a total of 20 gold inlaid figures, a truly staggering amount and very much driving home this rifle’s position as a functional piece of art of the finest quality. Length of pull 14 9/16 inches. Weight 5 lbs. 4 oz. CONDITION: Excellent overall, retaining 99% original blue, multi-colored gold, and casehardened finishes with limited handling evidence and sharp checkering and carving on the stock and forend. Mechanically excellent. An incredible opportunity to own a very rare rifle engraved by a true master!
Estimate: 25,000 - 40,000