November 15 & 16, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/16/2022
The P-14 was extremely well regarded rifle for World War I, but by the time that the optic was approved in 1918, the War was a scant 7 months from ending, preventing widespread use of the rifle as a sniper rifle. Classic configuration with 3 piece stock, blade front sight protected by ears, volley sights disk present on left side of stock (actual sight missing, correct) with a "(Crown) / VB/A " proof in the divot. Barrel shank with Broad Arrow, serial number, star proof, "(Crown) / (?)2 / A" proof, correct 17 date, crossed pennants proof, and "(Crown) / G2 / A" proof. Appropriate British proofs on left side of receiver, consisting of the crossed pennants, broad arrow, and encircled star. Aperture rear sight with flip-up adjustable ladder. Matching serial numbers observed on bolt, receiver, and barrel; scope numbered "179835" originally and renumbered to 168063. "PERISCOPE PRISM CO Ltd / MAKERS LONDON" Model 1918 3x scope with broad arrow proof and "1918 / MODEL", mounted in a pair of rings, front with dual claws and rear with single claw, with brass objective bell, elevation knob, and focus ring. Finger groove stock with semi-pistol grip, blank stock disc on right side of stock, stamped "(Broad Arrow) (Star) / IW (encircled) / PATT. '14" on right side ahead of disc, and with matching serial number just ahead of magazine. Buttplate with trap, sling swivels at foreband, mid band, and toe line. Very small import mark on underside of barrel, indistinct. Winchester "W" proofs visible on left side of front sight, stock cap, rear of ladder fine adjust, bolt, and right side of receiver under front scope block. CONDITION: Very good plus, with the rifle retaining the majority (approximately 60%) of the original bluing. Some handling marks throughout, most noticeable on left left of the receiver ear when the scope mounts were installed. Some high edge wear, front sight ears are essentially silver. Stock is very good with some handling marks, impressions, and a few minor chips; no cracks observed. Scope arsenal reworked with a few very minor spots of oxidation visible under the bluing. Visible silver area under the front scope base when the bases were installed. Mechanically fine, bore has strong well defined rifling with frosting in grooves, glass is clear. A good example of a scarce rifle. EMW
