GUN SPRING 2017
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, April 11, 2017.
FABULOUS STAHL MARTINI SCHUETZEN RIFLE. THEODORE BRAUER MARTINI SCHUETZEN 11058 8.15x46 Cal. 8.15x46. This rifle has to be one of the finest Schuetzen rifles in existence. It is a superlative example of a top-of-the-line rifle made during the Golden Age. (1880-1900). The stock timber is of the very best quality and is extensively carved. The carving must be closely inspected to appreciate the masterful workmanship. A huge panel of deep relief carving is on the right side of the buttstock. It contains a cherub pointing out a hole in a target. The cherub is in an oval panel surrounded by an owl above and fantastically intricate scroll work in deep relief. The left side has a scene of shooters in traditional dress in a country setting. The forearm has a wonderful dogs head at the end and a great carving of a bearded man is on the underside. Several minor handling dents are found in the wood and there is a crack at the wrist. A good stock maker should be able to make these imperfections disappear. The fully engraved action has two large gold inlays on each side of a hunter and his dog. Again, The workmanship shown is so fine that it has to be closely inspected to appreciate it. On the top of the action, inlaid in gold, is the orig owners name "R. Schroeder Halle". The bbl is 28-1/2" long, is browned, not blued and is fluted. It is still in its orig obsolete caliber. The retailers name "Theodor Brauer" is inlaid in gold as well as what appears to be an Indian blowing a signal horn and holding a spear. The Indian inlay is probably platinum while he is surrounded by intricate scroll inlays in gold and platinum. There is "V" stamp present indicating that the rifle was made pre-1891 when the proof laws were instituted. The bbl is also fitted with a cleaning rod which is common on early rifles. The rear and front sight are present and is correct, the bbl sight is missing. PROVENANCE: "Alte Scheibenwaffen" Vol. 2 pgs 154-155; "Classic German Target Arms" pgs 46-49; The Allen Hallock Schuetzen Collection. CONDITION: Excellent condition with minor handling dings & dents. A crack through one side of the wrist. Wood finish is excellent. The bbl browning has minor imperfections. Bore appears excellent. 50900-3 TWR (10,000-15,000)