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LOT 1548
Gorgeous Factory Master Metschiunig Signed, Engraved, and
Gold Inlaid Karl Hauptmann Sidelever Single Shot Rifle (Kipplauf) in .375 H&H Magnum
with Zeiss Scope - Serial no. 233151, 375 H&H magnum cal., 25 inch fluted octagon bbl., blue/
casehardened 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) was built with a blued steel barrel featuring a beaded
bladed island front sight, two leaf (one standing, one folding)
rear sight on the rear quarter rib, front sling stud, and a set of
claw mounts holding a Zeiss Diavari M 2.5-10x50mm T* scope
which has a beautifully scroll engraved front scope ring around
the objective housing. The caliber is marked on the top barrel flat “-.375 HOLLAND & HOLLAND-” in gold, the chamber area
is outlined by a gold inlaid line, “KARL HAUPTMANN FERLACH” inlaid in gold under the forend, 2006 dated Austrian proofs,
and an import mark under the forend. The barrel is fitted to a bolstered casehardened sidelock action which is operated by
a sidelever along the right side of the gun. The action displays outstanding extensive scroll engraving covering nearly the
entire surface and surrounding the gold inlaid makers mark
“KARL/HAUPTMANN/FERLACH” on the underside before extending onto the triggerguard, both tangs, and the sidelever. The
triggerplate is signed “Metschiunig” for the engraver. The rifle features a bushed firing pin, a gold arrow cocking indicator, and a tang mounted manual safety with gold inlaid “SAFE” marking. The rifle is mounted with an outstanding highly figured
and multi-point checkered forend with an ebony tip and casehardened and engraved fittings including a
lever release catch and a rotating switch which turns the ejector system on and off, and with a
pistol grip stock featuring a casehardened and engraved grip cap with “HK” monogram inlaid in gold, gold inscription oval marked “2”, a shadowline cheekpiece, rear sling
stud, and a Pachmayr recoil pad. Includes a metal takedown case, snap cap, and the factory test target. Length of pull 14 13/16 inches. Weight 10 lbs. 6 oz. (with scope).
CONDITION: Excellent overall, retaining 99% original blue, casehardened, and gold finishes with minor handling evidence and sharp checkering on the stock and forend. The scope has sharp optics. Mechanically excellent. A great chance to buy a rifle from one of Ferlach’s top makers! Provenance: The Harro Kniffka Collection, esteemed European collector of fine sporting guns and rifles and Founder of Hanseatic Lloyd Schiffahrt.
Estimate: 11,000 - 16,000