GUN SPRING 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/14/2016
WILLIAM EVANS SINGLE SHOT TOP LEVER BOXLOCK RIFLE WITH ORIGINAL SCOPE, DIES, AND AMMUNITION. WILLIAM EVANS SINGLE SHOT 8850 .35-30 MODERN (ca 1908) Cal. .35-30 (30-30 case necked up to .35 cal.). 26" Tapered octagon bbl fitted with one standing, two folding leaf express rear sight, original tip-off scope bases, and ivory bead front sight in island base, is engraved "William Evans (From Purdey''s) 63. Pall Mall. St. James''s, London." on top. Owners initials "D.C.W." are gold inlaid on top flat in front of rear sight base. Caliber markings are on top left flat. Bbl flats are stamped with Evans SN; bottom flat with orig black powder proofs, and W. C. Scott production no. "80800". Dainty case hardened boxlock single shot tip down action features non-automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold) and bushed striker. Action has nicely filed fence and is engraved with 60 - 70% coverage well cut varying sized shaded scroll. "William Evans" is on each side. Scroll engraved trigger guard attaches at both ends of trigger plate, tang of which is engraved with SN. Owners initials are also gold inlaid on blued top lever and bottom of forend iron. Well marbled and nicely figured European walnut steel capped pistol grip buttstock measures 14-5/8" over ribbed wood butt, and features classic shadow line right hand cheekpiece, side panels, flat top point pattern checkering, and a vacant silver oval on toe line. Matching splinter forend has horn tip and friction release. Original scope with crosshair and post reticle, in orig claw type tip off rings, is engraved with William Evans name and address, and is complete with brass end caps. Drop at heel: approx 2-7/8", drop at comb: approx 1-15/16". Weight without scope: 5 lbs. 7 oz. LOP: 14-5/8". Also included with rifle are 54 rounds of custom loaded ammunition and a set of Lyman dies, as well as two targets shot with this ammo, showing 50 yard scope and iron sight groups of under 1". PROVENANCE: H&H Gun Room listing of this rifle indicating re-bore was done by Van Patton (iconic bbl borer) about 50 years ago. Also more loading data. CONDITION: Excellent. Bbl retains 85 - 90% orig blue with sharp edge wear on octagonal points. Action retains approx 80 - 85% orig case hardening color, under a generous amount of orig lacquer. Top lever, floorplate, and trigger guard retain most of their orig blue. Stocks retain over 90% of their orig rubbed oil finish with numerous marks, and some light scratches. Bore is excellent, as re-cut to .358 diameter. Action is tight. Ejector strong. Scope is excellent with clear optics. An exceptionally fine lightweight stalking rifle in an ideal whitetail caliber. 49815-2 MGM25 (3,500-5,500)