EXCEPTIONAL JOHANN SPRINGER SHORT BOLT ACTION FULL STOCK RIFLE PROBABLY MADE FOR KAISER WILHELM I.

Revised: 3/1/2013

Additional Information Rifle bears the cover of Kaiser Wilhelm II on the front receiver ring. It is unquestionably one of Kaiser Wilhelm II’s personal rifles. See illustration in the catalog.

EXCEPTIONAL JOHANN SPRINGER SHORT BOLT ACTION FULL STOCK RIFLE PROBABLY MADE FOR KAISER WILHELM I. SN 6453. Cal. 10.5mm. .430 Groove diameter. 24″ Swamped octagonal bbl has file cut top flat with one standing, one folding leaf V-notch rear sight, and silver bead front, dovetailed through. Top right and top left flats are engraved “Joh Springer” and “Erben in Wien”. Unusual early case hardened short bolt action (chamber is for 2″ straight cartridge) is similar to that used in the French Chassepot, but differs in that there is no separate bolt head. This action has floating extractor actuated when bolt is pulled to rear, which performs only primary extraction, case must be removed digitally. Action is also fitted with a tubular magazine with cartridge lifter actuated by rearward movement of bolt, tripping spring loaded follower, so new cartridge can feed. Bolt has sharply down-turned handle with round checkered knob. A sliding magazine cutoff is in locking lug of bolt, being pushed forward it allows action to operate as single shot. Action is engraved with exceptionally well cut medium open flowing scroll with foliate borders. A large “W” surmounted by sovereigns crown is relief engraved on receiver ring. (Wilhelm I ?) Case hardened trigger plate is mounted with double set triggers. Trigger guard bow is of engraved steel and has carved horn grip with scroll at rear. Exceptional, beautifully streaked, and nicely fiddle figured European walnut straight grip full length stock measures 14″ over steel buttplate with floral engraving around screws and with Springer’s “NO 6453” at center, and rack no. “24” at heel. Stock features swept shadow line right hand cheekpiece, raised side panels on each side of action, point pattern checkering with mullered borders, schnabeled horn tip, and large bail type sling loop at rear with standard loop on toe line. CONDITION: Excellent, retaining nearly all of its fine finishes, with only a hint of silvering on sharp edges of bbl. There is some slight silvering on edges of action, trigger guard bow from wear, and on top of bolt locking boss, from cleaning. Buttplate retains most of its orig blue with considerable browning and light pitting at heel. Stock retains nearly all of its orig rubbed oil finish, with a number of minor nicks, scratches, and small dents, and is a bit dry. Checkering is slightly worn. Horn grip and forend tip retain their high polish. Bore is excellent, bright and shiny. Action is crisp. A very fine rifle of royal quality, as are most firearms from this revered Viennese firm. 4-48171 MGM198 (20,000-30,000)

Auction: Firearms - Spring 2013

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	2223	$0.00	Revised: 3/1/2013 Additional Information Rifle bears the cover of Kaiser Wilhelm II on the front receiver ring. It is unquestionably one of Kaiser Wilhelm II’s personal rifles. See illustration in the catalog. EXCEPTIONAL JOHANN SPRINGER SHORT BOLT ACTION FULL STOCK RIFLE PROBABLY MADE FOR KAISER WILHELM I. SN 6453. Cal. 10.5mm. .430 Groove diameter. 24″ Swamped octagonal bbl has file cut top flat with one standing, one folding leaf V-notch rear sight, and silver bead front, dovetailed through. Top right and top left flats are engraved “Joh Springer” and “Erben in Wien”. Unusual early case hardened short bolt action (chamber is for 2″ straight cartridge) is similar to that used in the French Chassepot, but differs in that there is no separate bolt head. This action has floating extractor actuated when bolt is pulled to rear, which performs only primary extraction, case must be removed digitally. Action is also fitted with a tubular magazine with cartridge lifter actuated by rearward movement of bolt, tripping spring loaded follower, so new cartridge can feed. Bolt has sharply down-turned handle with round checkered knob. A sliding magazine cutoff is in locking lug of bolt, being pushed forward it allows action to operate as single shot. Action is engraved with exceptionally well cut medium open flowing scroll with foliate borders. A large “W” surmounted by sovereigns crown is relief engraved on receiver ring. (Wilhelm I ?) Case hardened trigger plate is mounted with double set triggers. Trigger guard bow is of engraved steel and has carved horn grip with scroll at rear. Exceptional, beautifully streaked, and nicely fiddle figured European walnut straight grip full length stock measures 14″ over steel buttplate with floral engraving around screws and with Springer’s “NO 6453” at center, and rack no. “24” at heel. Stock features swept shadow line right hand cheekpiece, raised side panels on each side of action, point pattern checkering with mullered borders, schnabeled horn tip, and large bail type sling loop at rear with standard loop on toe line. CONDITION: Excellent, retaining nearly all of its fine finishes, with only a hint of silvering on sharp edges of bbl. There is some slight silvering on edges of action, trigger guard bow from wear, and on top of bolt locking boss, from cleaning. Buttplate retains most of its orig blue with considerable browning and light pitting at heel. Stock retains nearly all of its orig rubbed oil finish, with a number of minor nicks, scratches, and small dents, and is a bit dry. Checkering is slightly worn. Horn grip and forend tip retain their high polish. Bore is excellent, bright and shiny. Action is crisp. A very fine rifle of royal quality, as are most firearms from this revered Viennese firm. 4-48171 MGM198 (20,000-30,000) Auction: Firearms - Spring 2013 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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