November 5th & 6th 2016 Premier Firearms Sale
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/5/2016
The Weatherby Empire rose from humble beginnings when Roy opened his shop in 1946. While developing his own line of cartridges and custom rifles, a large part of his early business was converting customer’s actions and stocking with the distinctive Weatherby style. You will find prices for custom work in his 1951 catalog. These services continued to be offered through the 1960’s but are no longer listed for custom gun work as of 1970. He specifically speaks to the 1903 action in his 1951 catalog that all serial numbers must be above 800000, so this is an early example of his work. Features Springfield 1903 action, a new Weatherby MK barrel in the hot .220 Rocket caliber, which, at the time, was the fastest centerfire available. The rifle was made without sights. The custom Weatherby stock features contrasting pistol grip cap and forend. Stock is made of walnut with a decorative inlay mid-forearm, roll over cheek piece, and checkered Winchester Model 70-style buttplate. The action is basically a standard 03 including bolt. Receiver is drilled and tapped for a scope. The floorplate, trigger guard, and bolt have been nickel plated. Fine bore and action. Metal retains virtually all of the custom Weatherby reapplied finish. Near mint stock with a few minor impressions. The .220 Rocket was a very short-lived cartridge and was no longer listed in the 1961 catalog, making this a classic 1950’s short-lived cartridge of the bygone Wildcat era. The earliest Weatherby custom we have seen. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this firearm will be given to Ducks Unlimited Canada.