GUN SPRING 2018
The live portion of this session begins on Wednesday, March 21, 2018.
VERY EARLY HOFFMAN ARMS COMPANY (NO. 7) MAUSER BOLT ACTION DANGEROUS GAME RIFLE MADE FOR CHAS A. MIDELBURG, WITH FINE GOLD INLAY AND ENGRAVING BY RUDOLPH KORNBRATH.HOFFMANbolt action NO 7577375 H&H MagnumMODERN; C&R(stamped on sidewall of action, bolt root, bottom of bbl, bottom of action, and on inside of bottom metal in front of magazine box) .375 H&H Magnum. 26" Tapered round bbl is fitted with quarter rib holding four folding leaf express rear sight, and sleeved-on long front ramp holding faux ivory bead. Ramp is fitted with slip-on sight protector. Top of bbl is engraved "No 7" "Hoffman Arms Co, Cleveland, Ohio". Caliber is at left rear. Top surfaces of bbl reinforce, quarter rib, and front ramp nicely matted, and there are sprays of shaded scroll engraving on sling band and around front sight base. Standard length Model 98 action has had Hoffman folding peep sight dovetailed through rear bridge. Bolt with Damascened body has had knob and handle altered and lowered in Holland & Holland fashion. Flag safety is stamped "SAFE" and "READY". Drop box magnum length bottom metal has hinged floorplate which is engraved with well cut shaded scroll surrounding central oval of classic Kornbrath style side-on portrait of snarling grizzly bear inlaid in gold. A banner under this portrait is gold inlaid "CHAS. A. MIDELBURG" (A brief google search shows only one entry for this name who was an architect in Charleston WV.) This engraving matches that found on the rest of the magazine and trigger guard, with initials "CAM" in gold on trigger guard bow. Classically styled pistol grip stock of somewhat dense American walnut measures 14" over collapsed Jostam pad. Stock features well done point pattern checkering, right hand shadow line cheekpiece, hard rubber forend tip, and steel grip cap with trap (Spare front sight in trap). Drop at heel: approx 2-15/16", drop at comb: approx 1-13/16". Cast: neutral. Weight: 9 lbs. 0 oz. LOP: 14". Rifle is accompanied by an old sling, with Super Grade Model 70 type loops. CONDITION: Excellent, as partially refinished. Bbl, action, and bottom metal appear to have been re-colored with little or no previous polishing, preserving all engraving and shading. Stock retains nearly all of its orig finish with some very light marks. Some small parts not re-blued including express sight, rear peep sight, grip cap, and front take down type guard screw, which are considerably silvered. Bore is excellent. Action is smooth. A very interesting classic American rifle. 53146-1 mgm96 (6,000-10,000)