2041A MAJOR TOWNSEND WHELEN'S LUDWIG WUNDHAMMER

Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 2,500.00 USD
Estimated at 5,000.00 - 12,000.00 USD
SPRINGFIELD RIFLE. Cal. 30-06. S# 369038. This historically significant rifle came to light in recent years when, during an online search, Michael Petrov (author of "Custom Gunmakers of the 20th Century") found this old rifle listed for sale. In the second volume of his books, he relates the history of his buying this rifle and the research he undertook to tell its story. In chapter 3, he identifies, pictures, & describes this particular rifle and its history, from identification of the Whelen family crest found on the bbl. to Whelen's picturing the rifle in his book "The American Rifle" (1918), as well as his 1922 Alberta hunt when the rifle was given to Whelen's guide and friend, Stanley Clark. The rifle is based on a Springfield Armory 1903 action made in 1909, which saw little alteration. The original bbl. was recontoured, and the military rear sight was removed. Bbl. date "6-09" still remains. Whelen's family crest is engraved at the top of the breech end. At one time, the rifle was drilled & tapped for scope blocks. The bottom of the bolt knob is flattened & checkered, and the right side of the action bridge is fitted with a prototype Lyman 48 receiver sight with the bottom of the long slide graduated to "30" and marked "Patent Pending". Sight appears to be mostly hand finished and is stamped "4" on the inside of the slide. Petrov relates that "it is believed that no more than 6 of these were made. One went to Crossman, and one went to Whelen. With their input, the final sight as we know it today was built." Magazine follower remains unaltered. Trigger blade is checkered, and the trigger is still double-pull, but the second pull is light, crisp, & clean. Bottom metal is plain & unaltered from the standard issue. As described & pictured by Whelen, the rifle originally had the bottom metal heavily engraved, and this engraving included the insignia of the Campfire Club of America. Petrov speculates that the bottom metal was removed by Whelen around 1922 when he gave the rifle to Stanley Clark during a hunting expedition in Alberta, Canada (Petrov also relates that the rifle was sent to him from northern Alberta). The pistol grip stock is made of dense European walnut, with a stump figure and a bit of marbling. Trap steel buttplate is serrated. The right-hand cheekpiece is of the style that would later become synonymous with Whelen's name. Checkering is of a semi-fancy pattern. The steel gripcap gives an idea of the extent of the engraving found on the original bottom metal with its geomtric bands. The stock itself is known to have been made by Ludwig Wundhammer (1853–1919), who was one of the earliest makers of custom bolt-action rifle stocks in America. It exhibits his early style with Germanic sidepanels and a small schnabled tip. His shop was in Los Angeles, California, and in his working time, he produced perhaps a couple hundred very fine sporting rifles. Today, his rifles are highly regarded and eagerly sought after. CONDITION: fair to good, metal parts retaining about 20% custom blue, considerably silvered in action area and bottom metal from hand wear. Stock also shows considerable use and a possible old light refinish with sharp edges that are a bit rounded; the checkering is considerably worn & dirty and has not been recut. There is a 4" crack on the left side of the action area running from the bolt stop down and forward through the side panel, with another light 2" crack running around the center of the side panel down towards the trigger. Bore is still good, shiny with light frosting throughout and considerable throat erosion. Mechanically good. PROVENANCE: Collection of Michael Petrov - Amoskeag Auction #104. (22-2223/MGM). CURIO. $5,000-12,000.