2505 STUNNING ANTIQUE MARTINI TYPE TILTING BLOCK SINGLE

Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 3,500.00 USD
Estimated at 7,000.00 - 12,000.00 USD
SHOT OFF HAND TARGET RIFLE BY G. WILCKE OF STUTTGART. Cal. 41 Long Colt. NSN. The browned 35 1/2" octagon barrel is fitted with wide rear top flat to accommodate open rear sights. In front of this area, all flats are fluted to within 4" of muzzle. A fine bead front sight set in protective ears is adjustable for windage and is dovetailed through a slightly raised integral base. A sling loop is attached and top flat is stamped with a crowned "V" proof at rear indicating that this rifle was "in stock" in 1891 with the institution of Germany's first proof law. A matching "V" is also on the case hardened Martini type action fitted with fancy opening lever having finger spur. Action is also fitted with double set triggers and aperture rear sight which is adjustable for windage but not for elevation, except roughly with positioning of mounting post. Action is of Swiss type with cleaning hole through rear and breech block. Action engraved with about 50% coverage exceptionally well cut shaded scroll within geometric borders. Scroll engraved areas are superimposed with long banners gold inlaid "G. WILCKE. STUTTGART." and "KONIGL. HOFBUCHSENMACHER" (Gunmaker to the King). Scroll engraving extends to bottom tang. Straight grip buttstock of finely veined and lightly figured European walnut measures 14 5/8" over heavy case hardened steel hook buttplate with acorn top finial. Stock features backward swept right hand cheekpiece and semi fancy pattern checkering. Matching forend with schnabeled horn tip attaches to barrels witih side bolt through shaped and engraved case hardened steel escutcheons. CONDITION: exceptionally fine as professionally augmented by a master gunsmith . The action appears to retain nearly all of its original case hardening color which has been relaquered over some darkening on bottom and cleaned light pitted on receiver ring. The stocks also appear to be original, not refinished and have a few handling marks. Case hardening on buttplate also appears to be original. Barrel has been rebrowned and retains nearly all of that brown. Operating lever has had its charcoal blue restored. Bright temper blue on minor screws, trigger blades, sling loops and front sight has most likely been refreshed. Chamber appears to have been bushed and consignor states caliber is 41 Long Colt. Groove diameter of barrel is .366 which corresponds to 9.3mm. Nominal bullet diameter for the 41 Colt is .386, so rifle should shoot very well. Bore is bright and shiny throughout. Rear sight appears to have been sourced from another rifle and although prongs for micrometer adjustment are present there is no provision for same on action. A very attractive long barreled target rifle. (01-24228/MGM). ANTIQUE. $7,000-12,000.