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LOT 1526
Outstanding Factory Master Game Scene Engraved and Gold Inlaid Karl Hauptmann African Big Five Themed Sidelock Dangerous Game Ejector Double Rifle in 470 Nitro Express with Case - Serial no. 233092, 470 Nitro Express cal., 24 1/4 inch solid rib bbl., blue/coin/gold finish, walnut stock. The Karl Hauptmann company has been producing fine hunting arms such as this exquisite piece since 1939. Today the company is operated by the third generation of the Hauptmann family who continues the legacy building a full range of stunningly beautiful guns and rifles, including the famous Hauptmann Triple Rifle. This rifle, completed in 2007, is built with blued steel chopperlump barrels which feature a ramped beaded blade front sight with a flip-up moon bead and a three leaf (two folding, one standing) rear sight with gold inlaid centerlines on the raised rear quarter rib. The sunken portion of the rib is inlaid “KARL HAUPTMANN - FERLACH” in gold and flanked by tight scroll engraving, the quarter rib is engraved with more fine tight scroll and inlaid “CAL. .470 N.E.” in gold, and the breech has a pair of gold bands and flourishes of scroll. The barrels flats are marked with standard 2005 dated Austrian proofs along with an import mark on the right barrel beneath the forend. The barrels are fitted to a gorgeous, highly embellished, coin finished, bolstered sidelock action which displays tight scrollwork with gold inlaid borders and lattice work surrounding game scenes depicting African dangerous game. The scenes consist of a pair of rhinoceros and a pair of egrets taking flight on the left lockplate, the underside of the action shows a bull elephant staring down the viewer along with a roaring lion, the right lockplate shows four cape buffalo bulls and a trio of fleeing impala, the triggerguard has a roaring cheetah, and finally there is a leopard on the toplever mirrored on both sides. All of the scenes are
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cut in outstanding detail giving great depth. The rifle features bushed firing pins, a right hand rolled triggerguard, double gold triggers (front articulated), and a tang mounted manual safety with gold inlaid “S”. The rifle is mounted with a brilliant highly figured and multi-point checkered beavertail forend with engraved and gold inlaid fittings and a pistol grip stock with coin finished trapdoor grip cap, shadowline cheekpiece, gold inscription oval marked “HK”, and a black leather wrapped recoil pad. Includes an oak & leather takedown case with canvas cover, factory label, oiler, snap caps, and cleaning tools. Length of pull 15 3/16 inches. Weight 11 lbs.