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The greyed receiver features a lone raised relief gold inlaid ram engraved in exacting detail at the center of a mountainous scene on the left and a buck
in a wooded scene on the right ahead of lightly engraved hard rubber panels, the left of which is engraved with a “R” and “H.C. Knowlton”. Both scenes are surrounded by masterfully executed relief floral scrollwork. The stunning scrollwork is found on all surfaces of the receiver, the sides of the lever, and the outward facing lever surface where it is end capped by intertwining line motifs. The top of the action is signed “W. CHURCHILL ENGR.” above the breechblock. Even the most minute details of the rifle, like the screw heads display Churchill’s timeless style. The receiver top tang is fitted with a correct Vernier mid-range tang sight. An included appraisal letter from J. R. La Rue states that this
rifle was completed over a period of time spanning 1971 to 1976. Another included letter from Churchill himself states at this time he was engraving at Abercrombie and Fitch under Austrian Master Engraver Josef Fugger. The
rifle is mounted in an exceptionally well figured multipoint checkered walnut Schnabel tip forend and scroll tip pistol grip buttstock with an inlaid initial escutcheon inscribed “Pete” and nickel plated buttplate. Also included is a set of reloading tools and Winston Churchill engraving related literature.
CONDITION: Excellent as engraved and gold inlaid by Master Engraver Winston Churchill, retaining 99% plus custom blue and 97% greyed finishes with limited handling marks, a couple small spots of discoloration on the receiver, and crisp engraving. The Churchill refinished stock is excellent with a couple small nicks and scratches as well as lightly softened checkering. Mechanically excellent. Accessories are very good with some light discoloration on the exposed metal pieces. It is not often one gets the opportunity to own a master work by one of America’s premier engravers, Winston Churchill!
Estimate: 30,000 - 45,000