Fall 2023 Premier Firearms & Militaria Auction
November 3rd, 4th, 5th, & 6th, 2023
This auction will feature an outstanding collection of items spanning multiple categories including Modern, Military, Sporting, & Antique firearms & militaria! Below is just a small grouping of select highlights from the massive offering to be featured in this upcoming sale!
EXTEMELY RARE U.S. MODEL 1928 SWISS HAEMMERLI MARTINI SINGLE SHOT FREE RIFLE
23-1233
Cal. 30-06
S# 499 matches on bbl. and receiver.
Bbl. 31 1/2″ (80.01 centimeters). In 1928 Springfield Armory purchased from Haemmerli 10 complete “Free Rifles” & 30 rifles complete but w/out bbls for International competition. This rifle is 1 of the 10 complete models making it an extremely rare piece. These rifles were purchased because it was felt by members of the 1927 shooting team that the fast lock time, longer bbl. & better balance of the Martini Rifles used by the Swiss team put the U.S. team at a slight disadvantage. These rifles featured a 4-lever, Swiss trigger & a special trigger guard and 2 adj. buttplates each hand fitted to the individual rifle. The palm rest is fully adj. The receiver is marked on right side “RUDOLPH HAEMMERLI & CIE / LENZBOURG (SUISSE)”. Receiver ring marked on top w/ logo resembling a hammer at the center of a 4 pointed star. Original bbl. is marked on top over chamber “SPECIAL RIFLE”. Bbl. is marked on bottom “R.H.CIE” plus 2 tiny acceptance marks, “N”, “519.2” & “W.S.0”, “35” over “4” (similar to fraction), “7.6” also has hand scribed “1-14″ TWIST”. Bbl. is fitted w/ scope blocks approx. 6 3/8″ on center. Lyman 48 rear sight w/ tall elevation knob & target type windage knob. Fitted w/ 1″ sighting disk. Sight has mismatched numbers. Approx. 5/8″ in diameter globe front sight fitted for interchangeable inserts, mounted on heavy windage adj. base. 2 piece walnut stock set. Forend is retained by wedge & has recess inside for spare firing pin and spring. Matching numbered firing pin is present however the spring is not present. Buttstock is equipped w/ raised dished cheek piece & scroll on right side of butt. Integral thumb rest has stippled surface. European style butt swivel. Adj. buttplate base marked on bottom left w/ Swiss Cross & “101632”. Top left of base & buttplate numbered “1345”. Top buttplate tang is numbered to match rifle. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES : Reprinted internet research which shows period photo of a Martini match rifle in the hands of World Champion match shooter Morris Fisher. PROVANANCE: from the Estate Collection of Thomas J. Mulligan.
STATUS: CURIO
