Page 316 - 88-BOOK3

314
LOT 3531
Exceptional Gold Inlaid and Deluxe Engraved Griffin & Howe/ Springfield Model 1903 Bolt Action Sporting Rifle - Serial no. 594, 30-06 Springfield cal., 24 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Blued steel barrel with ramped beaded blade front sight, swivel stud barrel band, “No 594 GRIFFIN & HOWE, INC. NEW YORK” marked on the top, and attractive scroll engraving around the front sight base and in a wedge at the breech. The U.S. M1903 action features a matted front
bridge, a Lyman rear sight, an attractively knurled bolt handle, and a beautifully scroll engraved Griffin & Howe scope side mount. The bottom metal displays the same beautiful scroll engraving with the floorplate displaying an outstanding three letter gold monogram of the letters “FPD” as well as a small “GRIFFIN & HOWE, INC./NEW YORK” in banners at the front. Nicely figured, multi- point checkered pistol grip stock with horn forend tip, engraved blued grip cap, raised cheekpiece, blank inscription oval, and red rubber recoil pad. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retaining 95% blue finish with light handling evidence, some pitting on the right of the barrel at the band, a few tiny insect holes in the protected areas of horn forend cap, a few tiny areas of minor scattered spotting, and sharp checkering on the stock. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 9,500 - 16,000
LOT 3532
Unique U.S. Springfield Model 1903 National Match Special Style Bolt Action Rifle with Winchester Stainless Steel Barrel - Serial no. 1298476, 30-06 Springfield cal., 24 inch round bbl., Japanned black/parkerized/ blue finish, walnut stock. U.S. Springfield M1903 National Match Special rifles were available for civilian order through the DCM between 1924-1928; they feature a Model 1922 style stock with full forend and pistol grip, not cut with finger grooves, and the buttstock is not factory inletted with a compartment. This rifle has a checkered grip area and wrist along with a casehardened buttplate. It is fitted with a Winchester barrel (Winchester address and stainless steel markings visible with handguard removed) with a ramped hooded blade front sight with gold bead, standard folding ladder rear sight, and Lyman peep sight mounted on top of the receiver. This National Match Special rifle could have possibly been special ordered upon request with a Winchester barrel through the DCM or was fitted in the period, although unconfirmed either way at the time of writing as it appears to have been professionally factory fitted, possibly by Winchester. The receiver ring shows the standard U.S. Springfield Armory markings and serial number. “NS” marked blue finished nickel steel bolt numbered “476” on the lug to match the rifle, and with a headless cocking piece. “S” stamped in the safety cutout, no circled “P” proof on the wrist or evidence of one having been there. Reference pages 203-204 of Lt. Col. William S. Brophy’s book “The Springfield 1903 Rifles” for information related to National Match Special M1903 rifles. Includes M1907 brown leather sling. Winchester is known to have worked with Springfield Armory when they offered the Winchester sniper rifle in the early 1920’s. CONDITION: Extremely fine, retains 98% period factory quality (possibly Winchester) applied parkerized and “Japanned” black painted finishes, and 95% blue finish on the bolt. Stock is very fine with defined edges, a few light handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A truly unique M1903 rifle that may benefit from further research. Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000
LOT 3533 Engraved R. G. (Bob) Owen Model 1903 Bolt Action Sporting Rifle - NSN, 30-06 Springfield cal., 23 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Blued steel barrels with a hooded, ramped, beaded blade front sight, matted rear quarter rib with three leaf folding rear sights, and marked “R. G. OWEN, SAUQUOIT N. Y.” ahead of the rib. The U.S. M1903 action has a matted front bridge interspersed with rosettes, matted rear bridge, and knurled bolt knob. Nicely figured, multi-point checkered pistol grip stock with horn forend tip, scroll engraved casehardened trapdoor grip cap, shadowline cheekpiece, blank inscription oval, and leather faced rubber recoil pad. CONDITION: Very fine as professionally built, retaining 98% blue finish with light handling evidence and scattered minor spotting. There is a small crack at the upper tang, otherwise the wood is also very fine with some minor handling marks, a partially flattened recoil pad, a few small chips in the horn forend tip, and sharp checkering. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 2,500 - 4,000