Page 247 - 88-BOOK3

LISTED BY SERIAL NUMBER IN THE BOOK DEATH FROM AFAR BY CHANDLER
LOT 3414
Winchester Model 70 “Van Orden Sniper” Bolt Action Rifle Inscribed “WINNER FIRST ARMY TROPHY MATCH” with Shipping Record - Serial no. 411085, 30-06 Springfield cal., 24 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Dubbed the “Van Orden Sniper”, this is a rare, highly sought after variation of the Winchester Model 70 rifle. After World War II, retired Marine Corps Colonel George Van Orden opened
the Evaluators Ltd. gun shop outside the Quantico Marine base. Van Orden’s shop evaluated and sold equipment to police forces and to the military as well as to civilians all over the world. After the Korean War, the company began selling the special ordered Model 70 rifles in his own favorite configuration, which became known as the “Van Orden Sniper”. The U.S.M.C. started using the Winchester Model 70 rifles in across the course and international match competition in the late 1940s up through the late 1960s. Rifles such as this one were refitted with World War II Unertl sniper scopes (not included with this rifle) as originally used on the M1903 Springfield National Match rifles, which had been held in reserve after World War II and Korea. Some key features of a “Van Orden Sniper” rifle such as this example, are a clip slotted receiver, 24” medium heavy target barrel chambered in .30-06 with scope blocks, and a smooth non-checkered sporter stock as special ordered from Winchester, whereas others are seen with a heavy marksman type stock. The rifle shows standard Winchester barrel and receiver markings, including the factory oval proofs. Lyman 77 globe front sight and Lyman 48WH micrometer rear sight mounted on the left rear of the receiver. “WINNER/FIRST ARMY/TROPHY MATCH” inscribed in three lines in bold letters on the bottom of the floorplate. Includes an olive drab green canvas sling, copies of Evaluators Ltd. rifle flyers, and a copy of an invoice/shipping record that lists this rifle “Win Sniper M58 411085” above “24Jan5 8/03253/28Mar58/10A01/4Apr58/Inv#31” and “17Feb59/First Army Welfare Fund,/Headquarters,/First United States Army,/Governors Island,/New York, 4. N.Y./Vo. #123”. CONDITION: Excellent, retains 97% plus original blue finish with some smooth brown patina visible on the bolt handle, a few light scratches on the underside of the barrel, and crisp inscription. Stock is also excellent with a few light handling marks and distinct edges overall. Mechanically excellent. This desirable Winchester Model 70 “Van Orden Sniper” rifle inscribed as the First Army Trophy Match Winner would be a prized addition in any military sniper rifle collection! Estimate: 8,500 - 13,000
LOT 3415
Rare and Important Deluxe Presentation Grade U.S. Remington Model 03-A3 Bolt Action Rifle with Milestone Serial Number “3500000” - Serial no.
3500000, 30-06 cal., 24 inch round bbl., parkerized/blue finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in March of 1943, this U.S. Remington 03-A3 rifle is bearing the one and
only milestone serial number 3500000. It was likely made for presentation to an important individual in the Remington Arms Company. Commencing with serial number 3000000, Remington
Arms Company started production of M1903 rifles under the lend-lease program in October 1941. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, production was redirected back to the U.S for its own wartime use. These Remington Model 03-A3 rifles run in a continuous serial number sequence shared with the Remington Model 1903 rifles manufactured prior, making this the 500,000th production 1903 rifle off the Remington production line! Blade front and adjustable peep rear sights, “RA/3-43” marked barrel, blued “R”
marked bolt, and “U.S./REMINGTON/MODEL 03-A3/3500000” marked on top of the receiver ring. The
stock is unmarked, with notably handpicked highly figured
fancy grain walnut with beautiful colors, and a steel buttplate
with flat square checkering.
CONDITION: Excellent, with 95% of the original parkerized
and blued finish, showing some minor spotting and handling
marks overall. The retention pin is absent from the front sight.
Aside from a deep grain split in the left side of the buttstock
the wood is very fine overall, with distinct edges, some light
dings and dents, fine color and highly attractive grain and
feathering. The bolt hangs up at the rear end of its travel,
otherwise mechanically very good.
Estimate: 6,000 - 9,000
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