GUN FALL 2015
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/5/2015
FINE AMERICAN DRILLING WITH CHIP-CARVED STOCK AND INTERESTING FLORAL ENGRAVING UNDOUBTEDLY BY FRED ADOLPH WITH SCOPE. FRED ADOLPH TOP LEVER DRILLING 2004 12 X 12 X 6.54X54 MANNLICHER MODERN Cal. 12 x 12 x 6.5x54 Mannlicher. Fred Adolph, best known for his custom Springfield rifles, also sold a large line of custom produced double rifles and combination guns, sourced in Germany, and finished in America. This is undoubtedly one of those guns, as it incorporates many of his signature features. Michael Petrov in CUSTOM GUNMAKERS OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY states that most of his pieces were not engraved with his name. That is the case with this interesting drilling which has 30" Krupp steel bbls fitted with full length matted rib. Claw bases are at rear behind a pop-up U-notch rear sight. Rear sight is actuated by rifle cocking slide on top tang. There are 1" triangles of scroll and floral engraving at breech ends of bbls. Bbl flats are stamped with pre WWI German proofs. Rifle extractor has spring loaded peg to engage rimless cartridge groove. French greyed, Blitz, scallop-backed action features Krieghoff style rifle/ cocking slide on tang, pin type cocking indicators, Greener type side safety, crossbolt third fastener, side clips, reinforcing bolsters, and gold-plated double triggers (front set). Action is engraved with near full coverage large open scroll with floral terminations with style and quality of execution matching that found on other guns and rifles signed by Adolph. This interesting floral scroll surrounds vignettes of game on sides of action; a pair of squirrels holding nuts are on left, and a pointer points a hiding rabbit on right. This engraving is quite well done and also matches style and quality of most all engraved Adolph guns. Steel trigger guard is engraved with monogram "DK" (?) surrounded by more large flowers. Very fine smoky marbled European walnut sunburst horn capped pistol grip buttstock measures 14-1/4" over Silver type pad. Side panels and grip are checkered, checkering surrounded by Adolph''s typical floral chip-carving and scrolls. Bore diameter: left -.722, right -.720. Bore restrictions: left -.045 (extra full), right -.045 (extra full). Wall thickness: left -.032, right -.034. Drop at heel: approx 2-7/8", drop at comb: approx 1-5/8". Weight without scope: 8 lbs 4 oz. LOP: 14-1/4". Later claw bases hold Kahlas Helia - Super 2-1/2 power (?) scope with crosshair and post reticle, in Akah claw rings marked "Made in Germany", rear with windage adjustment. CONDITION: Excellent, as partially refinished. Bbls retain nearly all of a fine lustrous rust blue over some scattered light pits. Action retains traces of orig case hardening color, which was never very dark, and is mostly silver to pewter gray. Stock retains nearly all of a nicely done rubbed oil finish, sharp edges preserved, with some light marks. Pad is relatively new. Checkering lightly worn, does not appear to have been re-cut. Carving is very fine, slightly gummed by oil. Shotgun bores are excellent, with one or two light pings in left bbl. Rifle bore is fine, strong rifling throughout, slightly dark and frosted in grooves. Action is tight. Set trigger works. A dynamic combination gun made by America''s preeminent custom maker from before WWI, who made guns for many celebrities including Teddy Roosevelt, Townsend Whelen, and Charles Newton. 49224-11 MGM70 (5,000-10,000)