April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/25/2019
Stevens 44-1/2 action marked 52 with a Pope model buttstock and buttplate. The action shows traces of case color, is marked 52 on action face, and shows typical engraving for the model. It is fitted with double set triggers. Fitted with a Pope lever. Action is serial number 001 - could this be the first 44-1/2 or the first Pope Special? We don't know. The walnut buttstock is a Pope Special model checkered in a most unusual pattern. Buttstock shows extraordinary figure and is fitted with a Pope buttplate. Forearm is not serial numbered and is a Stevens pattern one screw with a tip rest that has had a palm rest fitted to it, which is now missing. Forearm tip rest is a separate piece of wood that has been attached to the forearm but the quality appears to be factory work. The 30" No. 4 full octagon barrel has an unusual engraving pattern at the breech and at the forearm end. Barrel is drilled and tapped for scope blocks, has three extra dovetails, and one extra set of holes for other scope blocks which are now plugged. Barrel is marked Geo. C. Schoyen, Denver, Colorado. Sights are a globe front and a Winchester tang rear. Most unusual Stevens scope is marked Patent Pending, but has not been given a Stevens scope number and has a most unusual post and bead reticle. One screw on scope mount is missing. Scope has been fitted with a Pope rib. There is a false muzzle which is present but needs cleaning to seat correctly. The original starter is also with the rifle. CONDITION: Action is good, bore appears excellent. Action shows traces of original colors. Otherwise, shows a lot of shooting wear. Checkering has been worn down. Finish is slightly crazed from age and a masterfully inset piece of wood has been fitted to the comb to repair what is believed to fix the loss of a knot in the highly figured walnut the filler where tip rest was fitted to forearm is now gone. Blue has worn off on the sharp edges of the octagon barrel. TR