Page 243 - Demo

LOT 337 Attractive Triple Signed, Relief Game Scene Engraved, and Gold Inlaid BRNO VZ24 Bolt Action Sporting Rifle with Scope, Case, and Painting - NSN, 280 Rem cal., 22 inch round bbl., blue/coin/gold finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1985 as a collaborative effort by members of the American Custom Gunmakers Guild to be raffled off at the Second National Custom Gun Show in 1986. Blued steel barrel with ramped blade front sight which is beautifully engraved with floral scroll designs, sling swivel with the same floral scroll, and yet more matching scroll at the base of the barrels. The barrel is gold inlaid with a single band at the muzzle, simple “280” (Remington) caliber designation, and a pair of gold bands at the base of the barrel. The blued action displays the same scroll pattern on both the front and rear bridges, a jewelled bolt, and engraved bolt handle and bolt sleeve. The action is topped with a set of engraved bases which are signed “J. FISHER” for the stock maker Jerry Fisher and “D. TALLEY” for the metalsmith Dave Talley, the rings are engraved and both have a gold inlaid line design and hold a Leupold M8-4X scope. The bottom metal is coin greyed with floral scroll engraving on and around the action screws and the pierced triggerguard. The floorplate has the same scroll surrounding a masterfully executed game scene showing a trio of Dall sheep in a mountain scene with “VALLEY OF THE DALLS” engraved underneath. The floorplate is signed “KAYE” for Master Engraver Tommy Kaye. Beautifully figured, multi-point checkered stock with contrasting forend tip elaborately engraved coin finished grip cap, blank gold inscription oval, engraved rear sling swivel, and checkered blue steel buttplate. Included with the gun is a Marvin Huey trunk style case with canvas cover containing a three-piece cleaning rod, oiler, two turnscrews, and a brush as well as a framed painting by Hayden Lamson which depicts the same scene from the floorplate. Also included is a copy of “The Complete Sportsman Hunting, Volume 1, Number 3” in which a complete article is written on this gun titled “The Finest Rifle Ever Built? .280 Classic” as well as a copy of “Rifle” number 102 which features this rifle on the cover and advertises its upcoming raffle. CONDITION: Excellent overall as professionally built by members of the American Custom Gunmakers Guild, retaining 99% blue, gold, and coin finishes with limited handling evidence and sharp checkering on the stock. The case has a broken handle, otherwise it is excellent. The accessories and painting are all excellent with minor storage type wear. The scope optics are clear. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 9,000 - 15,000 241