September 10-12, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/10/2024
In 2009, on the hundredth anniversary of Theodore Roosevelt's African Safari for the Smithsonian Institution and his subsequent book "African Game Trails", the idea was hatched to replicate the Springfield sporting rifle built for Teddy in 1904 at the Springfield Armory and the gun that now resides in Sagamore Hill. The idea was floated past Paul Chapman of Griffin and Howe. He was quite reluctant to make a special rifle not of the usual Griffin and Howe profile. Enough of the rifle had to be built by them to earn the G&H moniker but it was finally agreed upon that they would take the challenge. An order was placed for two identical rifles to be made using the drawings and specs from the rifle now residing at Sagamore Hill. Once everything was secured, the process began. First, there would be several small changes from the original. Roosevelt's rifle was chambered for the old .30-03 but the .30-06 made more practical sense. Second, his rifle had a horn butt plate with a teat. To do this, you would need a 3/4" piece of horn, which is very fragile, so a steel Neidner was chosen. Lastly, his gun was a low number standard Springfield 1903 receiver but for this project, a high number was chosen. Taking liberties on these three details was the only departure from the original. The drawings of the original barrel were sent to the Krieger company of Milwaukee to replicate to the tiniest degree, with exception to chambering. A correct Winchester style flat top sporting sight was selected along with an original 1896 Krag saddle ring carbine barrel band. Since no front sight existed to match Teddy's rifle, one was custom milled per specs by noted gunsmith Dan Stone of the Chicago area. The compete barreled action, butt plate, sights, and barrel band were then sent to Griffin and Howe along with a copy of the drawings and measurements of the original rifle. It was there that they replicated the straight grain walnut stock and checkering, finished in hand rubbed oil, and perfectly fitted to all metal parts. They hand engraved "30 Govt 06" on the left side of barrel. Top of barrel is stamped "Griffin & Howe Inc New York, NY". The ejector, barrel band spring. and all screws were finished in peacock nitre blue. Balance of metal done in rust blue. Griffin and Howe was going through some internal turmoil during this era and the project, from start to finish, took almost 10 years to complete It was not until much later that it was discovered after having moved the operation to New Jersey, the pair of rifles (one of which is offered here) were the last two guns ever stamped with the legendary Griffin & Howe, New York barrel address and the only two such rifles ever made by them. So they are the last guns made of the famous original custom rifle builders. The rifle comes cased with an original 1909 period map of Africa, period box of Winchester Gun Grease, period Hoppes box of solvent & patches, nickel plated oil bottle, period bagged Marbles cleaning rod, brass brushes, two ebony turn screws and a vintage box of .30-06 ammunition. The canvas and leather case wears the familiar Griffin & Howe New York trade label. CONDITION: Near new, never fired since built with only some minor wear on bolt from working the smooth as silk action. Like all Griffin and Howe custom rifles, it is a work of the gunmaker's art.
Accessories
Case, Accessories
Manufacturer
Springfield / Griffin & Howe