GUN FALL 2015
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/5/2015
BROWNING GRADE V BAR SEMI-AUTOMATIC RIFLE ENGRAVED BY L. BLEUS AND L. ERNST WITH SCOPE. BROWNING SEMI-AUTO GRADE V 73195M71 30-06 MODERN Cal. 30-06. This top of the Browning line big game rifle has 22" round bbl marked with Browning Morgan Utah and Montreal addresses, and "MADE IN BELGIUM" on left, and with "BAR", caliber, and "BROWNING PATENTS" on right. Blue finished action with hinged magazine and gold plated trigger has sides engraved with well cut semi-relief large open shaded scroll with beaded background surrounding nicely detailed game scenes within gold inlaid line borders in similar style to Midas grade superposed guns. Subjects of the scenes are suitable quarry for rifle of this caliber, and major subjects are semi-relief gold inlaid; a family of three pronghorn antelope race across open ground on left, with another family scene of mule deer buck, doe, and fawn walking onto meadowland on right. Both scenes are signed "L. Ernst", and the signature of "L. Bleus" is in engraving under left scene. Nicely stump figured claro walnut square knob pistol grip buttstock measures 13-3/4" over Browning buttplate. Closely spaced checkering with acanthus carved borders is at grip. Matching large forend is held by combination sling stud and screw. Weight with scope: 8 lbs 8 oz. LOP: 13-3/4". Browning 2x - 7x scope with crosshair reticle is in Redfield type rings in one piece base. CONDITION: Excellent, near new, showing little evidence of having been fired since proof, with only a few minor marks in wood and metal finishes. Carving and checkering very slightly darkened. Gold of trigger is excellent. Scope has a number of scratches on turrets and a small dent on the left side of tube. Optics clear. These truly exceptional Browning rifles were only made for four years, 1971 - 1974. Production ceased because they were very costly to produce, with an estimated total of 500 made. 49033-10 MGM149 (5,500-9,000)