October 30 - November 2, 2018 Firearms, Militaria, & Sporting
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2018
(1928) This fine rifle in caliber 400/ 360 (.365 measured groove diameter) which is the near twin and ballistic equivalent to the 9.3 x 74 R, has 26" chopper lump barrels are fitted with grooved quarter rib holding scope bases and one standing, two folding leaf express rear sight. Long front sight ramp holds seldom seen patented "The Turnover Sight" with silver bead and folding porcelain night bead, visible when central pivot is in forward position, and a simple blade visible when in rear. Tops of barrels are engraved "400/ 360. 2 3/4"" and "40. Grs Smokeless, 300, Gr Bullet", "William Evans" and 63. Pall Mall. St. James's, London." Barrel flats are stamped with London nitro proofs for 40 grains of cordite, and 300 grain bullet. Bottoms of barrels are stamped with serial numbers. A sling eye is soldered to bottom rib. Boxlock PHV-1 action with clover leaf dolls head locked by pivoting third fastener, also features automatic safety, bushed strikers, and double triggers. Action is engraved with 70% coverage well cut shaded scroll. "WILLIAM EVANS" is on each side. Blued top lever, floorplate, trigger plate, and trigger guard are also scroll engraved. Serial number is on trigger guard tang which extends to case hardened and engraved steel grip cap. Lightly figured and marbled European walnut pistol grip buttstock measures 14 - 3/4" over partially checkered steel buttplate. Flat top point pattern checkering is at grip. A sling eye, as well as a vacant silver oval, are on toe line. Matching splinter ejector forend has forward pivoting lever release. Drop at heel: approx. 2 - 1/2". Drop at comb: approx. 1 - 7/8". Cast slightly on. Weight: 9 lbs. 2 oz. Rifle is housed in what appears to be its original leather case with brass corners. Top of case is embossed "COMDr MARION EPPLEY." "U. S. N. R. F." (Chemical engineer who worked on nickel cadmium batteries for the Navy during WWI when supply from Germany was terminated.) Case is lined in green cloth, and has gold embossed black leather makers label in lid, as well as cleaning instruction label. Case contains three mahogany handled turnscrews, cleaning funnel, large steel striker key, snap caps, pull through cleaning kit, lignum vitae striker bottle with strikers and spare sight, and a pair of Talley QD scope rings. There are also notes on loading data. CONDITION: Excellent, as partially and lightly refinished. Barrels retain approximately 95% of what appears to be original blue with some light marks. There is a light spot of pitting on left barrel. Scope bases and grooving of quarter rib appear to be later alterations. Action retains nearly all what appears to be original case hardening color, lightly silvered on sharp edges and fences. Blued parts possibly renewed, as engraving is a bit soft. Trigger guard has subsequent wear and flaking at grip. Stocks lightly oil refinished with a few light marks with some subsequent. Edges of buttplate dressed down a bit to accommodate stock shrinkage over the years. Bores are excellent, bright, sharp and shiny throughout. Action is tight. Barrels are on face. Ejectors are strong and in time. Case leather is very fine with some bumps and rubs. Straps and handle are good. Interior cloth is fine to very fine. Evans label is excellent. Cleaning label is considerably foxed and marked. Accessories are very fine. A fast handling rifle in a caliber suitable for most any medium game, including moose, bear, and hogs, as well as many African species. MGM35
Accessories
Case, Accessories
Manufacturer
William Evans