GUN SPRING 2017
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, April 11, 2017.
CLASSIC VON SCHATZL MARTINI SCHUETZEN RIFLE WITH UNUSUAL FEATURES. C. BARTELS MARTINI SCHUETZEN 187675 8.15x46 Cal. 8.15x46R. An unusual example of a Von Schatzl Martini. The rifle's action has full coverage of engraving with a very intricate design in leaves, vines and flowers-masterfully done. The bbl is fluted and 32" long which is unusually long for a Schuetzen rifle. It is marked "C. Bartels Konigl: Hofbuchsenmacher N Wiesbaden & Zella". Bartels was a famous maker, Hofbuchsenmacher is a superior gun maker. There is a complex pattern of inlays on the barrel, just in front of the action, probably in platinum as well as a odd series of numbers from 1 to 18, which are probably sight settings. The buttstock is carved using the same foliate pattern that was used on the action's engraving. The orig owner's name is on a German silver plate inset into the wood. Notice how much simpler the design of the buttstock is compared to some of the other examples and is typical for early rifles. Close inspection shows a large section of the cheek piece different where a section of wood has been grafted on to change the shape of the cheek piece. The buttstock shows an unusual fiddle back pattern in the wood. The forearm is nicely checkered and carved. The end is finished with a great dog's head with glass eyes. PROVENANCE: "Classic German Target Arms" pgs. 104-106; The Allen Hallock Schuetzen Collection. CONDITION: The front and bbl sights are missing. The rear sight is a replacement. A couple of significant dents are in the buttstock. A small chip is missing at the top of the cheek piece. The forearm is excellent with minor handling marks. The blue on the bbl shows slight wear. Bore is excellent. 50900-21 TWR (1,800-3,000)