GUN SPRING 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/14/2016
EXCEPTIONALLY FINE DIMINUTIVE 22 LONG RIFLE SIDELOCK EJECTOR DOUBLE RIFLE BY MARCEL THYS. M. THYS SXS DBL RIFLE 0124 22 LR MODERN Cal. 22LR. 24" Chopper lump bbls are fitted with matted, quarter rib holding single standing leaf express rear sight, and single bead front longitudinally dovetailed into matching ramp. Unmatted portion of quarter rib is gold inlaid "M. Thys & Sons. Belgium" in Old English script. Small sized, case hardened, full sidelock action has reinforcing bolsters and top strap which extends over comb. Action features non-automatic safety, bushed strikers, raised rib tumbler end cocking indicators, and double triggers (front articulated lest one bumps ones trigger finger during the massive recoil developed by this cartridge). Action and locks are engraved with 80% coverage well cut scroll surrounding interesting vignettes of birds and animals, possible targets for this caliber rifle, rendered in interesting poses. A hawk perches on a branch on main portion of left lockplate, with a dead rabbit on front portion. A large quartering raccoon is on right lockplate with smaller raccoon toward front. A lynx looking over its shoulder is perched on tree stump on bottom of action, and a squirrel sits on a branch on trigger guard bow. Engravers signature "C. Thys" is on right side of trigger plate. Trigger guard has tang which extends to engraved steel grip cap with trap. European walnut capped pistol grip buttstock with interesting dark vertical striping and light stump figure measures 15-5/8" over skip line checkered wood butt. Stock features small right hand cheekpiece, fluted drop points, and point pattern checkering with line borders. Matching semi-beavertail ejector forend has Anson release. Drop at heel: approx 2-5/8", drop at comb: approx 1-9/16". Weight: 6 lbs. 9 oz. LOP: 15-5/8". PROVENANCE: Ex Robert Petersen Collection. CONDITION: Excellent, near new, with only high edge wear on beads of action, with some thinning and silvering of color on top and trigger guard tangs. There are a few very light marks in wood. Bores are excellent. Action is tight. Mechanically excellent. Few double rifles have been made in 22 LR, this interesting and well made example has all the features expected in a big bore. 50232-1 MGM274 (28,000-35,000)