ITEM # 46
serial #103301, 32-40, 30" round H. M. Pope barrel with a bright excellent bore. The Pope barrel is number 458 (dated 8/22/15), matching numbers can be found on false muzzle and piston bullet starter. This lovely American target rifle has a lot of character and is purported to have originally been owned by Harry Ross, a very well-known and highly regarded target shooter during the first quarter of the 20th century. In addition to the Pope barrel, other period custom features include a Pope three finger opening lever, O.A. Bremer adjustable double set triggers and a modified Winchester palm rest. The barrel retains about 85% evenly thinning original blue finish. The action retains about 90% original blue finish with most loss on top of action and on high edges. The original checkered pistol grip walnut buttstock features large Schuetzen cheekpiece and a Helm buttplate. The stock and forend show nice figure and retain most of an old quality refinish. There is an old repaired crack at right rear of top tang and a small area has been relieved just behind checkering. Factory records indicate this rifle shipped originally as a 32-40, 30" No. 4 octagon barrel, Schuetzen set trigger, checkered stock with pistol grip, midrange and windgauge sights, no rear seat, Schuetzen cheek, Helm plate, spur lever and palm rest. The forend is original, being inletted for an octagon barrel, yet fitting this round barrel quite nicely. The rifle is equipped with a Lyman Super Targetspot 15 power scope. Accessories include the previously mentioned false muzzle and bullet starter, loading rod, Pope marked lubricating pump, rare Pope universal bullet mold, O.A. BREMER marked re-de-capper, two bullet seating tools along with some cast bullets and unprimed cases. There is a small quantity of correspondence included between Mr. Day and the Law office of Allen and Kimball of Santa Barbara California whom we assume was the firm that employed Harry Ross. A photocopied newspaper clipping from an unidentified 1940 newspaper outlines some of Ross' success in shooting and speaks of one gun in his possession that he values more than all the others combined. It was a Pope rifle which he used for the first time in a match at San Francisco in 1915, his aim was so accurate that he practically ran out all competition on the opening day of the meet. In all likelihood this is the rifle that this article refers to. Also included is a small notebook with Mr. Day's notes outlining what history and provenance he knew along with loading data and several targets shot by Ray Day. A wonderful Pope High Wall shooting outfit with lots of character and interesting history. (1915-3) [Ray Day Collection] (8000/12,000) |
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