GUN FALL 2017
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, October 31, 2017.
HUGE HOFFMAN ARMS MAGNUM SQUARE BRIDGE MAUSER DANGEROUS GAME RIFLE IN .505 GIBBS, ENGRAVED BY RUDOLF KORNBRATH. HOFFMAN BOLT RIFLE 129 505 GIBBS MODERN; C&R; ESA Cal. 505 Gibbs. 26-1/2" Heavy round bbl has integral stippled quarter rib, holding four folding leaf U-notch rear sight marked for 50, 150, 200, and 300 yards. Matching sleeved-on front ramp holds ivory bead, and has sight protector with knurled end. A wide sling eye is partially sleeved-on. Top of bbl is engraved "Hoffman Arms Co. Cleveland Ohio 129". Left rear is engraved "505 Hoffman" "For 505 Gibbs Cart'g". Magnum length square bridge Mauser action, with sidewall unmarked, has receiver ring and top of bridge stippled within beaded borders matching quarter rib. Damascened bolt with long cocking piece and standard flag safety retains orig pear shaped bolt handle which has two checkered panels. Trigger is of double pull type. Extreme drop box bottom metal with largest hinged floorplate for .416 and larger cartridges, has release in trigger guard bow. Front of bottom metal and trigger guard bow are engraved with feather borders and sprays of scroll surrounding stippled oval on bow, gold inlaid "CL". Floorplate has scroll matching that on trigger guard bow, surrounding large vignette of gold inlaid trumpeting elephant and well detailed background of trees and mountains. This well cut and executed embellishment is most likely by the famed Rudolf Kornbrath who did the bulk of Hoffman's engraving. Somewhat figured red-toned European walnut stock measures 13-1/2" over 1-1/2" dark brown leather covered pad, and features right hand shadow line cheekpiece, engraved steel grip cap (engraving at center is classic Kornbrath feather burst), and horn forend tip. There is a vacant silver oval and sling eye on toe line. Checkering at grip and forend is nicely cut and has acanthus carving at sides and ends which have stippled background. Drop at heel: approx 2-11/16", drop at comb: approx 1-3/4". Cast: Neutral. Weight: 10 lbs. 7 oz. LOP: 13-1/2". CONDITION: Excellent, as partially refinished. Metal parts retain most of a very light refinish with correct rust blue, which is over a few scattered light pits, engraving remains sharp and clear. Bolt damascening remains strong, with portions of bolt shroud and safety, as well as bolt handle somewhat browned. Wood retains nearly all of an old oil refinish over a few minor marks. Carving is very slightly softened. Checkering lightly worn, and has not been re-cut. Pad is a relatively new replacement. A receiver sight has been removed from right side of bridge, mounting holes are welded and small piece of wood installed. Restoration is difficult to see. Bore is excellent, bright, sharp and shiny throughout. Action is smooth. An ultimate classic Hoffman rifle; this rifle is pictured in ORIGINAL OBERNDORF SPORTING RIFLES by John Speed et al, as figure 963 on p. 425, and described and pictured again as figure 566, 567, and 569 on p. 253. 52263-1 MGM151 (12,500-15,000)