GUN SPRING 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/14/2016
EXCEPTIONALLY FINE BOB OWEN CUSTOM '03 RIFLE ENGRAVED BY RUDOLPH KORNBRATH. BOB OWEN BOLT NSN 30-06 MODERN Cal. 30-06. 24" Tapered rnd bbl is fitted with sleeved-on front ramp with knurled sight protector, holding tall white bead front sight. A sling eye is soldered to bottom of bbl. A 5" area of well cut shaded scroll with floral highlights is at rear portion, and more scroll surrounds front ramp. Top of bbl is engraved "Owen" "Sauquoit, N.Y." in Old English script. Standard Springfield action has been fitted with Lyman 48 rear sight, and is engraved with 80% coverage scroll matching that on bbl. Receiver ring depicts a fine portrait of a moose. Body of receiver sight is also scroll engraved matching action. Bolt stop has been partially cut away to clear receiver sight staff. "On" and "Off" are gold inlaid. Bolt with damascened body has scroll engraving on handle with 3 panel checkered knob. Case hardened bolt shroud is engraved en suite with action. "SAFE" and "READY" are gold inlaid on flag safety. Cocking piece knob has been removed, producing "speed lock". Standard military bottom metal is exquisitely engraved with relief, open, shaded scroll with fine beaded shading as background in a style somewhat different than engraving on action and bbl. This truly exceptional scroll flanks very realistic relief engravings of game; a grizzly bear guards a fallen deer on floorplate; a fine portrait of an elk is on trigger guard bow. Bbl and action engraving is in the style of, and undoubtedly done by, Rudolph Kornbrath. Lightly streaked and full fiddle figured European walnut steel trap capped pistol grip buttstock measures 15-7/8" over engraved steel trap buttplate, with space for four cartridges under trap. Stock features a large shadow line right hand cheekpiece with beaded top edge, Owen's signature arrowhead drop points, horn forend tip, and classic point pattern checkering at grip and wrapping around forend. A gold oval on toe line is engraved "RLP". An old 1" sling is in loops. Drop at heel: approx 2-5/8", drop at comb: approx 1-13/16". Weight with sling: 8 lbs 0 oz. LOP: 15-7/8". CONDITION: Excellent, as partially refinished. Bbl and action retain nearly all of a correct type rust blue over some scattered light pitting, some fairly deep at left rear of action, with some light subsequent scratches. Color case hardening is quite strong. Case hardening of bottom metal is slightly silvered on high points. Stock retains most of its fine hand rubbed oil finish with a number of marks, rubs, and scratches. Checkering slightly worn. Bore is excellent, shiny with sharp strong rifling throughout. Action is smooth. A lovely classic era sporting rifle. 49138-1 MGM293 (10,000-15,000)