April 27-30, 2021 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria

All > Firearms > Rifle-Modern > Bolt Action

Bidding

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/29/2021

Rifle and sword grouping which belonged to Charles Maze Simpson III, a career Special Forces officer. Simpson was born in Monmouth, New Jersey on September 11, 1923. His father was in the Army during World War II and this influenced Charles to pursue his interest in the military. In 1943, Simpson entered West Point Military academy and was part of the class of 1946. During his time in the Army, Simpson traveled around the world and served in several command positions including commander of Company K, 17th Infantry, 7th Division in Korea and he became the commander of the 1st Special Forces Group on Okinawa. Simpson also saw combat in Vietnam where he served as the deputy commanding officer of the 5th Special Forces Group. He ended his career at the Army War college when he retired in 1973 after achieving the rank of colonel. During his time in the Army, Simpson was awarded the Silver Star, 3 Bronze Stars for Valor, a Purple Heart, 4 Legions of Merit, 2 Combat Infantry Badges for Korea and Vietnam, along with many other US and foreign awards. After he retired, Simpson stayed active with the military and wrote his book "Inside the Green Berets" in 1983. Shortly after his book was published, Simpson passed away in 1984 of cancer. The lot consists of: (A) Circa 1960-1970 Japanese flintlock rifle that was presented to Simpson by NCO's from the 1st Special Forces Group. 32 - 1/4" octagon to round barrel in .69 caliber with blade front sight. Lock is marked with a crown over a G forward of cock. Barrel is marked "Japan 879" on left barrel flat above wood line. Full length plain hardwood stock complete with iron forearm cap and brass escutcheon on right side of stock. Left side has a plate that reads "Presented to / Colonel Charles M. Simpson III / Commanding Officer / 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) / 1st Special Forces / From his Noncommissioned Officers". CONDITION: Good with iron assemblies covered in light pitting and a yellow patina. Stock is very good with no major signs of distress. The action is well used and worn but appears to work appropriately. Bore is bright and smooth. (B) Mauser Model 98 action built into a custom sporting rifle by JOH. Springers Erben in Vienna circa 1948. 24" barrel chambered in 8mm Mauser with quarter rib rifle rear sight, sling swivel barrel band and ramped blade front 1 . One piece checkered walnut stock complete with German style cheekpiece with shadow line and hard rubber serrated buttplate. Comes with double set trigger. Barrel is marked "CUSTON BUILT FOR C.M. SIMPSON III BY JOH SPRINGERS ERBEN VIENNA 1948". CONDITION: Very good, retaining most of its original bluing throughout with minor handling marks and light pitting. Stock is very good with repair at comb and water damage toward buttplate. There is a repaired crack on the left side of wrist. Action works appropriately when cycled by hand. Bore is bright with sharp rifling. (C) M1902 Pattern Officer's Sword that was presented to Simpson for graduating West Point. The sword features a composite black grip, mounted onto an all nickel back strap and 3 branched guard. The blade exhibits patriotic & laurel leaf etchings on both sides of the blade with US eagle and ‘US’ motto to etching. The blade also exhibits "Charles M. Simpson III" acid etched on the blade. The blade is maker marked on the ricasso and reads "TRADE / SPARTA / MARKED" and "N.S. MEYER INC. / NEW YORK" along with "GERMNAY". The opposite ricasso is star proofed for quality. The scabbard is engraved "C.M.S / 15 June 1946 / C.H.P". CONDITION: Very good. Blade is very clean with little signs of wear. Scabbard shows very little wear with slight blemishes. The sword and scabbard fit tightly. (D) West Point Cadet's sword that was presented to Simpson when he was the senior tactical officer in the 4th Regiment, USCC during 1967-1969. The sword features a silver plated grip with brass guard and pommel. The blade is plain with the exception of the "U.S.M.A." etching and presentation that reads "COL. CHARLES M. SIMPSON III 1967-1969". The blade is maker marked on the ricasso "GERMANY" along with "TRADE MARK HILBORN / HAMBURGER / INC. / NEW YORK" and "MADE IN / SOLINGEN / GERMANY". The scabbard is engraved "C.O. 4th Regt. U.S.C.C. / Strict, Tough, Military Proud". CONDITION: Very good. Blade is very clean with little signs of wear. Scabbard shows very little wear with slight blemishes. The sword and scabbard fit tightly. The lot includes a copy of "Inside the Green Berets" and a bio of Simpson's military career. Overall a very nice group from a reputable Army officer. JLD

Bidding Current Bidding Minimum Bid: $1,300.00 Final prices include buyers premium: $2,400.00 Estimate: $2,500 - $3,500 Number Bids: 10	Auction closed on Friday, April 30, 2021.

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