GUN FALL 2017
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2017
SUPERB CUSTOM BROWNING MODEL 78 SINGLE SHOT RIFLE WITH IMPECCABLE RELIEF SCROLL AND INTERESTING GAME SCENE ENGRAVING AND GOLD WIRE INLAY BY MARK HOECHST WITH SCOPE. BROWNING SINGLE SHOT 78 CUSTOM W5730457 22-250 MODERN Cal. 22-250. 24" Tapered octagon bbl and blued Browning Model 78 single shot action, are superbly hand engraved inside of scrolled gold wire inlays. The full coverage of relief cut large scrolling acanthus is exceptionally fine and beautifully shaded, and it has vulture head highlights. This superb work surrounds wonderfully detailed vignettes of varmints suitable for this cartridge. Left side of action depicts a group of prairie dogs in western background, one perched on a buffalo skull and right side has a coyote howling at the full moon. Engravers signature is on bottom left side of action. Well marbled American walnut straight grip stock with gold wire inlaid skeleton buttplate has nicely sculpted shadow line cheekpiece, and nicely cut multi-point pattern checkering. Forend has rosewood tip. Rifle is mounted with Leupold Vari - X III 3.5 x 10 X scope with duplex reticle. PROVENANCE: 3 Ring binder containing catalog of advertising by Mark Hoechst with this rifle pictured on page 2, and voluminous correspondence regarding the building of this rifle, dated between 1986 and 2001. Consignor states stock maker was Larry L. Forster who did the skeleton buttplate and refashioned the opening lever. Mark Hoechst engraved the Sharps rifle presented to Pres. Reagan when he left office. CONDITION: Excellent, essentially as new. Mechanically crisp. Scope is excellent. 52476-1 MGM266 (3,500-7,500)