April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/25/2019
This rifle, actually made for Dr. Mann, early ballistics experimenter and author of "The Bullets Flight", (consignors notes indicate the presence of the bill of sale for this rifle from Niedner to Mann) was a collaboration of the two, which grew from their earlier Model 1912 action which had two large opposed locking lugs. This newer action used an interrupted square screw thread design. It has seven double locking lugs. Case hardened bolt with turned down handle and small knob is fitted with Springfield shroud. Left side of receiver ring is marked "MANN - NIEDNER" "1913" "MALDEN, MASS." "U. S. A." The serial number "2" is on bottom of action. Michael Petrov in "Custom Gunmakers of the 20th Century" illustrates a tool room model of this action (serial number "1" (?)). This single shot action also features double set triggers. 30" Round barrel is marked "A. O. NIEDNER MALDEN MASS". There is no barrel number on bottom. Barrel and top of action are fitted with Mann-Niedner tapered scope blocks. Lightly figured American walnut capped pistol grip off hand perch belly stock has swept right hand cheekpiece, and measures 13 - 3/8" over Swiss buttplate. Point pattern checkering is at grip, and modified point pattern checkering with rounded rear borders wraps around schnabeled forend. It is interesting to note that Model 1912 Mann-Niedner rifle, serial number "2" (?) (one of only two ever made) sold at the disposition of Michael Petrov's collection by Amoskeag Auction Company. It is possible that this rifle was the noted "Hamburg rifle.", nearly vaporizing a woodchuck at 220 yards. Weight: 12 lbs. 1 oz. CONDITION: Excellent, showing limited use. Metal parts retain over 90% original blue, silvered on sharp edges, and considerably thinned and browned on trigger guard. Bolt retains most of its original case hardening color. Stock retains nearly all of its original hand rubbed oil finish with some light marks. Bore is very fine to excellent, a bit dark. Action is smooth. A very important piece of American rifle making history. PROVENANCE: Estate Collection of Francis Brown. MGM 107.