September 9, 10, & 11, 2025 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/9/2025
Michael Petrov, in his two books on early American custom riflemakers, offers immense insight into this gunsmith. Fred is considered one of the finest gunsmiths of the pre-war era, equal in quality to R.G. Owen. Adolph made guns for all the famous gunnies of that era including one for Teddy Roosevelt. This masterpiece features the take down system, a full Mannlicher type walnut stock that features a straight comb, small left side cheek piece, a period Perkins Shock Absorber patent pad, finely hand checkered pistol grip with an engraved cap, and a checkered forend with a horn tip. The action is a case colored and engraved Mauser with engraved flat bolt handle, double set triggers, claw mounts, and sporting a period Gerard scope. There is also a tang sight that is fitted into the wrist. The intricate engraving on frame is a leaf and vine design. The floor plate, take down lever and trigger guard are profusely engraved with a large elk on plate and intertwined gold initials on trigger guard. The barrel breech is also engraved and sports a single leaf rear sight and a ramp front sight. "FRED ADOLPH GENOA N.Y." is set in gold on barrel. CONDITION: Excellent. Retains the majority of blue on barrel with some minor age freckling. The frame and bolt colors are brilliant. The stock is excellent with some minor impressions, a few age spots with sharp checkering. Mechanically sound. The bore is bright. A stunning early custom rifle built by one of the best makers that ever applied his trade.