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LOT 3504
Exceptional J. Lowe Signed, Gold Inlaid, and Relief Engraved French MAS Model 45 .22
LR Bolt Action Rifle with Scope - NSN, 22 LR cal., 19 1/4 inch round bbl., blue/French grey/gold finish, walnut stock. Originally manufactured as
a training rifle, later gold inlaid and engraved by Master Engraver J. Lowe, who was employed by New York City based luxury jewelry and specialty
retailer Tiffany & Co. as late as 2013. Other known J. Lowe work of the same high caliber craftsmanship has been seen on Winchester and Marlin lever action rifles.
Features a ramped brass bead blade front and rib mounted fixed notch with additional folding leaf rear sights fitted on the blued barrel marked “cal5,5-22 long rifle” on the left side, with
oak leaf pattern engraving at the chamber and on the barrel band. The French grey receiver is further embellished with oak leaf pattern relief engravings, along with a gold inlaid rabbit on the
left and squirrel on the right, with the chamber retaining the original “MAS/Mod.45” marking. The bolt is multi-checkered and blued, while the French grey trigger housing follows a similar relief pattern
to the receiver with additional checkerboard patterns, “J LOWE 2015” signed just ahead of the magazine well, and a gold inlaid crow roosted on the bottom of the trigger guard. Fitted in a finely figured walnut Mannlicher pattern stock with engraved French grey tip, French grey forend sling swivel, multi-point checkering, skeletonized casehardened steel grip cap and buttplate with niter screws, and Monte Carlo pattern cheek rest. Topped off with a Leupold 1-4x
scope with French grey rings embellished to match the
receiver. Includes four extra magazines.
CONDITION: Excellent as professionally custom
embellished by Master Engraver J. Lowe, retaining
97% plus blue and French grey finishes with minor
discoloration on the receiver and rings, but otherwise
limited handling evidence. The stock is also excellent
with attractive contrasting figure and crisp checkering.
Mechanically excellent. The scope is also excellent with
mostly clear optics.
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,000
LOT 3505
Upgraded Gold Inlaid and Engraved French MAS Model 45 .22 LR Bolt Action Rifle with Scope - Serial no. F21711, 22 LR cal., 22 inch round bbl., blue/silver/gold finish, walnut stock. Originally manufactured as a training rifle, subsequently gold inlaid, engraved, and upgraded to current configuration. Features no iron sight provisions, with oak leaf pattern engraving at the chamber and muzzle. The blued receiver is embellished with floral pattern engravings, with the original serial number “F 21711” retained on the right side, topped off with a Burris mount and Redfield 3-9x scope. The bolt is electro penciled on the underside with a matching serial number, with the bolt handle turned down and extended flag safety installed. A hound is engraved on the bottom of the trigger guard, with blue highlighted engraving on the bottom plate. Fitted in a finely figured walnut Mannlicher pattern stock with blued steel tip, multi-point checkering, Monte Carlo pattern cheek rest, and a silver plated and gold inlaid steel buttplate with a game scene of two gold rabbits running through a forest. CONDITION: Excellent overall as upgraded and embellished, retaining 98% blue finish with limited handling marks, minor spotting on the bolt, and crisp engravings. The stock is also excellent with crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. Scope is also excellent with clear optics. Estimate: 3,000 - 5,500
LOT 3506 Dietrich Apel Upgraded Mauser Bolt Action Rimfire Sporting Rifle - Serial no. 216693, 22 LR cal., 23 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in Germany and subsequently upgraded by Master Gunsmith Dietrich Apel. Apel made a name for himself in the gunsmithing industry after working for years with famous gunsmith Paul Jaeger, who happened to be his uncle, and upgraded countless rifles until his passing in 2016. He was also keen on keeping the history of the sporting arms of his homeland alive and well, working with the German Guns Collectors Association The rifle is fitted with ramped blade front and elevation adjustable rear sights, a central sling loop, and marked with the caliber on the left and the serial number and proofs on the chamber. The action is fitted with an engraved casehardened bottom metal, and double set triggers. Mounted in a nicely figured and contrasted walnut stock with wrap around checkering on the Schnabel forend, and pistol grip, shadowline cheekpiece, and casehardened and engraved grip cap and buttplate. Included are letters and invoices pertaining to the rifle and making sure the stock is exactly right for the original customer and three photos of the rifle. CONDITION: Excellent as professionally upgraded by Master Gunsmith Dietrich Apel, retaining 99% plus blue finish, minimal handling marks, and light softening of the barrel markings. Wood is very fine with a few minor dings and scratches, and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000