GUN SPRING 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/14/2016
EXTREMELY RARE JOHN BROWNING PROTOTYPE RIFLE THAT RESEMBLES A WINCHESTER MODEL 1895 MUSKET.WINCHESTERPROTOTYPE130-40 KRAGCal. 30-40 KRAG. Most unusual concept by Mr. Browning, utilizing a Model 1895 musket with standard 28" bbl, pedestal blade front sight & 1800 yard musket ladder rear sight. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with full length forestock that has grasping grooves and upper handguard with straight stock and musket buttplate with trap. Forestock has a split front band/bayonet lug with stacking swivel & middle band with sling swivel and a corresponding sling swivel on the buttstock. Receiver is in the white and is somewhat in the shape of a Model 1895 action with fixed magazine & stripper slots in the top. In place of the bolt & hammer is a 9/16" thick x 1-1/4" high breech block that is striker fired. The lever is solid with integral trigger. Left side of lever is marked with a "1". The bolt, when the lever is actuated, rises in the back similar to the action of a Ross or Winchester Lee straight pull bolt before rearward travel begins. Bolt has double extractors and it has a machined follower. On closing, the bolt again rises at the back and articulates forward locking in place with a spring loaded detent with part of the lever rising to act as a block in the back. There is a small lever on the left side which appears to be the method to disassemble the action, which was not undertaken. The entire receiver, bolt, lever assembly & bbl are in the white, never having been finished. It is readily apparent that this design was never produced or further developed. There is no visible safety. CONDITION: Extremely fine. The receiver, breech block, lever assembly & bbl are a dull grey metal patina covered in old dried oil. The wood is sound with a few light nicks & scratches and retains virtually all of its fine, orig oil finish. Mechanics are crisp. Strong bright bore, a little frosty in the grooves. 50186-7 JR211 (8,000-15,000)