September 5-7, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/7/2023
Model 71/84 bolt action rifle manufactured at the Royal Arsenal in Spandau in 1887. The faceted breech end of the barrel is stamped "(Crown)/ SPANDAU" over the top flat, with Imperial Spandau arsenal proofs on the right and a "(Crown) / F.W." proof (Friedrich Wilhelm) stamped between 2 additional arsenal proofs on the left. The rear right side of the receiver bears the year of manufacture "1887". The receiver, bolt assembly, stacking rod/magazine cap, and buttplate are properly in-the-white, while the remaining major metal components are blued, and some smaller components are nitre blued. The rear sight base spring and trigger are strawed. The receiver and barrel are housed within a solid 1-piece walnut stock, bearing 2 arsenal proofs stamped on the right side and underside of the butt. Buttplate unit marked "K.A.R./ E.4.108" indicating issue to the Substitute Battalion of the King Alexander Garde Grenadier Regiment, 4th Company, Weapon Number 108. All numbers, either via the full serial number "671" or partial serial number "71", and are matching down to the screws. CONDITION: Extremely fine, with metal components retaining bountiful amounts of their original arsenal finishes, exhibiting a small spot of extremely light and lightly cleaned surface oxidation on the barrel towards the muzzle, few minor marks from handling and storage, as well as some minute losses to the brightly polished barrel bands and trigger guard. In-the-white components are en suite, retaining a bright exterior and exhibiting pinprick evidence of age-related discoloration in a few areas. Buttplate exhibits a few small spots of light-cleaned pitting. Brilliant mirror bore, exhibiting sharp and well-defined lands and grooves throughout. The stock exhibits some minor dings, marks, and impressions from storage and handling overall, with a couple of spots of chattering and a single, more sizeable impression on the right side of the buttstock. Stock stampings are crisp. While many of the Model 71/84 rifles are in very good condition, this specific stands out and is undoubtedly the finest example this cataloger has encountered. With the addition of having a 3-digit serial number and a desirable unit marking, this example is truly of museum quality and would prove, even for the discerning collector, a near-impossible example to upgrade from.