Page 428 - 4094-BOOK2

LOT 1483
Magnificent Factory Signed, Engraved, and Gold Inlaid Left Handed
Karl Hauptmann 8x68 mm Mauser Bolt Action Magazine Rifle with
Swarovski Scope - Serial no. 232999, 8x68 mm cal., 25 inch round bbl., blue/
casehardened/gold finish, walnut stock. Founded in 1939, Karl Hauptmann
has long been at the forefront of Austrian gunmaking. Today, they are one
of the finest makers of fine arms in Austria, delivering only the highest
quality of guns and rifles under the stewardship of the third generation
of Hauptmann to run the family business. Built with a blued steel barrel
featuring a banded foresight with Holland & Holland style flip over moon
sight, island rear sight base with three-leaf (one standing, two folding)
rear sight, and barrel band with front sling swivel all showing beautiful
gold inlaid designs. The barrel is marked with 2003 dated Austrian proof
marks on the left of the chamber area, import mark on underside ahead of
the forend, gold wedges at either side of the breech, “KARL HAUPTMANN
FERLACH” inlaid in gold ahead of the rear sight, and “CAL. 8X68S” and “NR.
232999” in gold inlay behind. The barrel is fitted to the richly casehardened
modern double square bridge Mauser type action with Model 70 type wing
safety and tang mounted sliding “stalking” safety and extended top strap
in a left handed configuration which displays more of the highly attractive
gold inlaid designs which continue onto the bolt handle, ejector box, bolt
sleeve, and the integral scope quick release swing mount which holds a
Swarovski Habicht 4-16x50mm scope in a set of gold inlaid blued rings. The
triggerguard, both tangs, and the straddle floorplate with inside-the-bow
release all show more of the gold inlay with a masterfully cut semi-relief gold
inlaid scene depicting a pair of Mongolian warriors on horseback charging
towards the observer with a subtle mask and a village in the background.
The engraving is signed at the bottom of the scene, though the signature is
illegible by the writer’s eye. The rifle has a gold serial number on the lower
tang and a pair of gold plated set triggers. The rifle is fitted with a stunning,
highly figured and multi-point checkered pistol grip stock with gold inlaid
recoil bars, inletted rear sling stud, and bottom tang extending to the two
screw smooth steel grip cap, which shows a gold monogram, as well as an
ebony forend tip and a factory recoil pad.
CONDITION: Excellent overall, retaining 99% original blue, casehardened,
and gold finishes with minor handling evidence, a few pressure marks in
the wood at the wrist, and sharp checkering on the stock. Mechanically
excellent. The scope optics are sharp and bright. This is a great chance to
own a rifle by one of Austria’s finest makers!
Estimate: 25,000 - 40,000
426