2169

GRIFFIN & HOWE SQUARE BRIDGE MAGNUM MAUSER

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:4,000.00 USD Estimated At:8,000.00 - 16,000.00 USD
GRIFFIN & HOWE SQUARE BRIDGE MAGNUM MAUSER

SPORTING RIFLE WITH PROVENANCE TO MARTIN & OSA JOHNSON & RAYMOND GUEST. Cal. 375 H&H Mag. S# 744 (1928). Abercrombie & Fitch records show that this rifle was consigned by Mrs. M. Johnson on May 25, 1932 (Osa Johnson, wife of Martin). This corresponds to the time when these noted world travelers, authors and cinematographers had returned from their fourth safari and were purchasing their two Sikorsky amphibious planes in preparation for their fifth African trip. This rifle has 24" medium weight sporter bbl. fitted w/ stipled quarter rib holding one standing, two folding leaf express rear sight. Unstipled portion of rib is engraved "No. 744 GRIFFIN & HOWE, inc. NEW YORK". Bbl. fitted w/ stipled front ramp holding silver bead sight under knurled protector. A partially banded on sling eye is fitted. Cal. engraved at left side of breech end. Commercial, magnum length, square bridge Model 98 Mauser action has checkered receiver ring & top of bridge & is mounted with G&H side scope base. It's interesting to note that bridge is not drilled & tapped for receiver sight. Bolt with engine turned body & extractor has usual commercial handle w/ knob checkered in two panels. Usual flag safety is silver inlaid "SAFE" & "READY". Original two stage trigger has checkered finger blade. Drop box bottom metal has hinged floorplate retained by button in trigger guard bow. Steel capped pistol grip stock of attractively figured & marbled European walnut measures 14 5/8" over "Silver" type pad & features shadowline right hand cheekpiece, point pattern checkering w/ mullered borders, ebony forend tip & recoil bolt w/ engraved heads. A sling stud on toeline matches that on bbl. Rifle fitted w/ Hensoldt Ziel-Dialite 4x scope w/ crosshair & post reticle in G&H base w/ windage adjustment. CONDITION: very fine as refinished, possibly by factory. Metal parts retain nearly all factory type rust blue w/ some light subsequent silvering and a few handling marks. Wood retains nearly all of a hand rubbed oil finish. Checkering recut. Bore is bright & shiny w/ sharp, strong rifling, perhaps a bit soft at throat. Mechanically fine. Scope also appears to be refinished on exterior. Optically clear. PROVENANCE: Abercrombie & Fitch records also indicate this rifle was later purchased by Raymond Guest, ambassador to Ireland & brother of Winston Guest, noted sportsman & Hemingway companion. (22-1891/MGM). CURIO. $8,000-16,000.