November 17 & 18, 2021 Extraordinary Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/18/2021
Circa 1998. Handcrafted .505 Gibbs takedown bolt magazine rifle by Rausch of Nuremberg built on an action that, according to Hartmann & Weiss records, Rausch purchased 1991. Proof mark date code indicates rifle was finished approximately 7 years later in the year 1998. This exquisite rifle, made on a Hartmann & Weiss manufactured magnum Mauser 98 action with solid side wall, square bridge, receiver ring is fit with a 24" blued round steel barrel with “CAL. .505 GIBBS NR. 9015” inlaid in gold on top. 1 standing, 2 folding leaf express sight with gold lines is marked for 50, 50, and 100 yards and is mounted on a barrel banded island base with matted transitions and checkered top. Longitudinally dovetailed gold bead front sight is mounted on barrel banded long ramp base. Ramp is engraved with foliate scroll engraving. Barrel also with banded sling swivel stud. There are 2 gold bands inlaid around breech. Underside of barrel near the banded sling swivel stud is German proof marks and closer to the forend the importer’s details are stamped “MMBI MYERSVILLE MD”. Rifle takes down by unscrewing the barrel, which is locked in place by a unique and finely checkered push button at bottom of forend. The handsome case color hardened action has beautiful scroll engraved hinged floorplate with button release in trigger guard bow. Action metal, bow, top strap (Holland & Holland Style) and bottom strap all with matched fine scroll engraving. Double square bridge is engraved with fine checkering and with 2 flowers at center. The bolt and handle are case color hardened. Bolt handle shroud is engraved with floral scrolls and handle has three panel checkering and finished with a gold inlaid flower at base. The flag style safe has gold inlaid “F” on top of wing and gold inlaid “S” at bottom. Single case color hardened trigger is smooth. The contrasting and striking smoky marbled figured European walnut stock measures 14 – 3/8" over black Decelerator buttpad with full pistol grip and steel case colored grip cap with trap door for extra front sight is fit with a shadow line cheek piece and stud for sling loop. Checkering on pistol grip and forend is sharp and at approximately 24 lines per inch feels great in hand. Forend tip is exquisitely fit with a dark ebony tip. Rifle resides in a textured chocolate brown canvas case with dark brown leather corners, handle and trim. Matched dark brown leather table reading “TOURBON SINCE 1998 Your best safari companion”. Case lined in ox blood colored cloth with Hartmann & Weiss label paper trade label. Case is nicely kitted with wood-handled turn screw, brass jag, key, and cloth. CONDITION: Excellent. Barrel retains 97% original color with a slight bit of spotting at bottom of barrel band near forend. Rifling is sharp. Action is smooth. Trigger is crisp. Stock handling mark from use on comb and various small/light markings. Forend with light handling marks. Case is in good condition with light to normal markings and wear from use or storage. Great big game safari rifle and great piece for the collector. CP