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LOT 3530
Magnificent
Carl Ennis Master Factory Engraved
and Gold Inlaid Premier “F” Grade Remington Model 740 FDL Semi- Automatic Rifle - Serial no. 57307, 30-06 cal., 22 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. This attractive rifle was manufactured in 1957. Remington’s Premier Grade is the product of their in-house custom shop. Starting with
a full top-to-bottom hand fitting of all
components in the firearm, the Premier
arm would also receive detailed engraving and top rate gold inlay, in addition
to a very fancy walnut stock; the metal work alone could represent 80 man-hours
of work. In addition to the ramp blade front sight, adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight and standard markings, the barrel is decorated with a 3 inch wedge of
punch-dot backed scroll engraving. The receiver coverage is over 95% fine scroll and punch dots, with line and dot accents along the lower edges, hand-engraved
model markings/serial number on the underside, an engraved magazine and an engraved deer on top. Both sides show three woodland scene panels with gold inlaid
animals, the right showing a stag, a moose and a bear, and the left showing a wildcat, elk, and a ram. All six animals are very sharply detailed. Additionally, each side has a
few decorative punch dots along the bottom edge of the middle scene, with one dot replaced with an “E”. The “E” is believed to be the signature of Carl Ennis, a Remington man
who chiefly worked in the Research & Development department and was known to have been the engraver for a number of items presented to retiring executives. The stock is extra-fancy
grain walnut, with a light band of vinework engraving on the forearm tip, sharp hand-checkering, a blank gold inscription panel on the underside and a serrated Remington buttplate.
CONDITION: Excellent plus 99% overall, showing only a few light handling marks overall. Some minor pressure dents are visible on the wood along with some minor disruption of the varnish, with very attractive grain and feathering. Mechanically excellent. This is a magnificent Master Factory Engraved Remington Rifle that would stand out in any sporting arms collection.
Provenance: The Joe Marlin Hilliard Collection.
Estimate: 16,000 - 22,500
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