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By the end of his life in 1916, Hill had a net worth of over $63,000,000
(nearly $2 billion today adjusted for inflation) and had amassed an
incredible private collection of art at his mansion in St. Paul in which this
spectacular rifle would have been right at home.
CONDITION: Excellent with 98% plus original silver plating remaining
with attractive lightly aged patina throughout adding beautiful contrast
to the engraving, 95% plus bright original high polish blue finish
remaining on the barrel and magazine tube, 95% plus bright original
nitre blue on the loading gate, 85% of the original gold remaining on the
hammer with minor wear, 50% original gold with some flaking on the
trigger and lever, and crisp markings, and generally only minor age and
storage related wear. The wood is also excellent with beautiful figure,
nearly all of the original glossy original “piano quality” varnish, and a
few scattered scuffs and marks. Mechanically excellent. The presentation
case is very fine overall and has mild storage wear on the exterior. A truly
outstanding Nimschke masterpiece!
Provenance: James Jerome Hill; The Hill Family; The Creighton
Audette Collection; The Eldon Owens Collection; The Bobby Smith
Collection, The Wes Adams Collection, Private Collection.
Estimate: 325,000 - 475,000
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