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LOT 1427
Outstanding Factory “EH” Signed, Master Game Scene Engraved, and
Gold Inlaid Hartmann & Weiss Bolt Action Takedown Rifle Three Barrel
Set with Stunning Vincent Rickards Case - Serial no. 8547, 35 WHELEN
cal., 23 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Founded
in 1965 by Gerhard Hartmann and Otto Weiss, Hartmann & Weiss quickly
gained a reputation for building fine guns and rifles with no compromises.
This rifle was built in 1989-1990, and with its three different chamberings in
three separate barrels, this rifle is capable of taking any game on the North
American continent from moose to varmints, all while looking like a show
piece. This rifle is ready for action in the field and would make a perfect
companion for your next hunting adventure.
Built with a blued steel interrupted thread quick detachable barrel featuring
a banded ramp beaded blade fore sight with flip-up moon bead, a mid-
barrel band holding the front sling swivel, and a three leaf (one standing,
two folding) rear sight regulated for 50, 100, and 150 yards with gold
centerlines on the raised matted rear quarter rib which is marked “CAL. 35
WHE”. The barrel display dual gold inlaid bands
at both the muzzle and breech along with
the “”HARTMANN & WEISS - HAMBURG”
signature inlaid in gold between the rear
sight and barrel band accompanied by
three gold dots ahead of the band.
The barrel is fitted to what appears to be an original standard length Mauser
takedown action which is vibrantly case colored and features a Model
70 type three-position safety on the bolt shroud with gold inlaid “SAFE”
indicator, a nitre blue extractor on the casehardened bolt, a gold inlaid
band around the base of the bolt handle just above the knurling, and a
pair of dovetail scope blocks which are fitted with a Zeiss Diavari-C 3-9x36
mm scope with front ring marked “CAL./.35 WHE”. The action displays near
full coverage expertly executed traditional small English scroll engraving.
The bottom metal shows matching engraving along with the inside-the-
bow release trigger guard. The scroll surrounds a masterfully executed
game scene depicting a pronghorn antelope in tall prairie grass. The scene
is signed “EH” in the grass for the master engraver that carried out this
outstanding engraving.
The rifle is fitted with a gorgeous highly figured and multi-point checkered
two piece stock with ebony forend tip, gold inlaid “HUNTING/WORLD”
around an elephant on the recoil bolt, engraved casehardened trapdoor grip
cap. shadowline cheekpiece, blank gold inscription oval, rear sling swivel,
and a leather covered recoil pad. Hunting World was a clothing/luggage
company established in 1965 by Robert M. Lee.
Included are two extra matching numbered barrels, each with its own
Zeiss Diavari-3-9x36 mm scope with their respective calibers engraved on
the rings, matching walnut forend, sling swivel, gold inlaid bands at the
muzzle and breech, and gold signature. The first extra barrel is chambered
in 5.6x57 with no open sights and measures 23 inches. The other extra
barrel is chambered in .270 Winchester with no open sights and measures
22 inches. The makers have kindly confirmed that the above was the original
configuration of the rifle when it left their shop. Also included is a nickel
snap cap for each cartridge, a set of ebony handle turnscrews, nickeled
canisters marked for each cartridge, and a full compliment of cleaning tools
for the set. The entire set is fitted in an outstanding black leather flat case
with brass fittings by Master Casemaker Vincent Rickards. The case is lined
with red leather and shows gilded lettering and borders as well as ebony
marquetry in the corners. The lid is engraved with “RML” on a brass plaque
at the center. The case is protected by a leather trimmed vinyl padded outer
slip. This is a case truly worthy of the rifle which it safeguards.
CONDITION: Excellent overall, retaining 99% original blue and casehardened
finishes with minor handling evidence, slight rub on the extractor, some
areas of thinning varnish in the dramatically figured areas, and sharp
checkering on the wood. Mechanically excellent. The case, tools, and extra
barrels are all excellent. The scopes all have sharp optics. This rifle would
make a stellar addition to even the most advanced sporting collections!
Provenance: The Robert M. Lee Collection.
Estimate: 95,000 - 150,000
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