GUN SPRING 2017
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, April 11, 2017.
SPECTACULAR SWISS MARTINI SCHUETZEN RIFLE. CHR. HOFFACKER MARTINI SCHUETZEN 27941 8.15x46 MODERN; C&R; ESA Cal. 8.15x46R. Another variant of the Martini action which is quite similar to the Stiegele. It was retailed by Chr. Hoffacher of Munich who was known as a supplier of top-of-the-line firearms and probably was a direct competitor of Stiegele's. The rifle exhibits just fabulous engraving and carving. Words don't adequately describe the level of skill exhibited on this rifle. The action is engraved on the left side with a stag in flight, obviously at the end of his tether. On the right side are two boars. More life-like images would be hard to replicate, even with a photograph. The boars look like they could walk off the action's side. This action has post 1891 proof marks stamped on it and was subject to proof January 1901. The buttstock is totally carved with one side showing a couple in traditional Bavarian dress with a country house in the background. The other side has almost total coverage with an oval with 2 roebucks surrounded by foliate carving by a true master. The rear stock swivel has small ivory inserts in the buttstock surrounding it. The forearm is finely carved in deep relief and has a dog's head with glass eyes at the front, one of which is missing. Again, the carving is of the very best quality. The bbl is 32-1/4" long with the top flat fully matted and gold inlays at the muzzle. The design of the fluting is complex and the very best style. The bbl has Hoffacher's name ornately inlaid in gold and is surrounded by an incredible assortment of figures and scrolls in different colors of gold and platinum. A figure of Diana the Huntress in platinum is also included in the inlays. This is truly an exhibition grade rifle in fine condition. It was owned at one by John Amber, editor of the Gun Digest and was sold at his estate auction. This is another rifle that would be a centerpiece in any collection. PROVENANCE: "Alte Scheibenwaffen" Vol. 2 pgs 216-217; "Classic German Target Arms" pgs. 96-99; The Allen Hallock Schuetzen Collection. CONDITION: Incredibly fine with a couple of small handling marks on the cheek piece. One of the dogs glass eyes is missing. The bbl blue is almost all there. No apparent chips or major dents found in the stock wood. The front sight on this rifle appears correct but the rear is a replacement of the correct style. The bbl sight is missing. 50900-19 TWR (8,000-12,000)