October 30 - November 2, 2018 Firearms, Militaria, & Sporting
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2018
Incredibly rare "ghost" of the collectible H & K rifles in America. This is a nearly identical rifle to the one offered in our March 14-15, 2016 auction. These were the very first of the G3 rifles imported into America in March of 1962 for the Santa Fe Division of the Golden State Arms Corporation. This fantastic specimen is one of reportedly only around 20 examples imported in the very first shipment into the United States and uniquely distinguishable from later July and November offerings of the same year. Marked "G3 MK 2088" and "HK 3/62" on left side of magazine housing with corresponding matching numbered lower and buttstock housing, SN "088 on the lower housing and the backplate of the buttstock match the receiver. Consignor has included in addition to the extremely and attractive wooden hand guard the extremely desirable metal handguard w/fold-out bipod legs. This is an extremely rare orig accessory. Also included is an original Shooting Times magazine dated November 1963 which contains an article by Capt. George C. Nonte Jr. on the H & K G-3. Also a copy of the orig 1963 Santa Fe Golden State Arms Corp promotional sales listing as well as a copy of the Golden State Arms Corp. G-3 instruction manual with a photo copy of the orig accessory sheets showing what was available and the prices. These guns were the purposely made semi-automatic "brothers" to the military select fire versions being fielded at the time. Although at first glance safety appears to have three positions, a raised dimple prevents it being moved beyond the 2nd position. Receiver is attractively marked, "MADE IN GERMANY FOR (LOGO) SANTA FE DIVISION GOLDEN STATE ARMS CORPORATION CALIFORNIA – U.S.A. CAL. 7.62 MM NATO". Top of bolt marked, "HK 3/62" and proofed "U". The bolt carrier marked "HK 4/62". Beautiful wooden buttstock and 2 forends, 1 wooden and the other metal w/bipod. Pistol grip is a hard black composite and so is butt plate. Bird cage flash hider at muzzle. This specimen includes one orig 20-rnd magazine marked, "G3 HK 4/62". This early model of the G3 was manufactured on Mauser tooling and is the pathfinder of the modern "modular" weapons concept, where a basic receiver design could be transformed into a specialized application for different kinds of uses, such as straightforward plain battle rifle, or folding stock for paratroop, or armor. Scopes and bipods, were easily fitted to this design in a successful attempt to meet the varying needs of the modern assault rifle. This design provided the framework for the MP5 and nearly all firearm platforms manufactured by Heckler and Koch for more than 3 decades. Included with this lot is an orig November 1963 "Shooting Times" with article by Capt. George C. Nonte Jr. on one of these early guns. CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is extremely fine orig smooth lustrous gray-blue finish on all metal parts. There is some slight loss of finish to bare metal where the charging handle meets the high edges of the charging handle slot and also where the selector moves against the receiver. There is also a couple of other errant blemishes and along the high edges of the magazine well. Magazine has a couple of brown spots, but none of this in any way detracts from the outstanding condition. The wood of forend and stock is exceedingly attractive, w/only the lightest of handling marks. It is interesting to note the early weld/manufacturing techniques used on this rifle. Internal parts and bore of this rifle are near pristine. Bolt face is particularly attractive, as is the grain of the wooden forend and buttstock. Bore is excellent, shiny, and bright. Shooting Times magazine in very fine orig complete condition. Although this rifle has obviously been shot, it must have been very little, and even then immediately cared for. Many of us are used to the later H & K guns and it is an extremely rare and welcome treat to see such an early specimen, particularly in such clean and attractive condition. Specimens such as these almost never surface on the collector market, and it is difficult to imagine a finer specimen. The fact that it is Curio & Relic eligible in addition to its scarcity make this a top prize for the modern rifle enthusiast.
Accessories
Wood forward gaurd
Caliber/Bore
.308 Winchester