ITEM # 49
serial #85860, 32-40, 30" No. 4 weight part round part octagon factory matted barrel with a bright excellent bore. The barrel bears Pope's number "294" as do the original false muzzle and brass piston bullet starter. The left flat of barrel at center of octagonal section is marked "H. M. POPE. HARTFORD, CONN.". This rifle is completely honest and in the exact configuration it was when it left the Pope shop. The factory record tells the story best, it reads as follows: received April 5, 1900, rifle, 32-40 smoothbore, half octagon 30" #4 barrel, Schuetzen set trigger, checkered pistol grip stock, Helm plate, no rear seat, midrange base and screws, globe front, barrel matted 3 tops, Dutch cheekpiece, spur lever and the rifle shipped on April 6, 1900. The barrel in addition to being shipped smoothbore was shipped without Winchester's address. The midrange base and screw hold the original Pope windage adjustable tang peep sight. In addition to its originality the rifle has condition. The barrel retains 92% evenly thinning original blue finish, the bulk of the loss due to wear on the bottom of the barrel ahead of forearm. The action retains 98% bright original blue finish. The spur lever retains 95% original color casehardened finish which remains mostly quite vivid. The Schuetzen set triggers retain lots of original fire blue. The beautifully figured checkered pistol grip walnut buttstock with cheekpiece retains 95% plus original "extra" finish. The forend shows a little wear on forward section and retains perhaps 70% original finish. The only alteration to the gun are two holes drilled in the bottom of the forend, obviously for a palm rest base which is not with the rifle. Included with the rifle is a Pope mold, Pope lubricating pump, re-de-capper, breech seating tool and several cartridge cases all contained in a wooden shooter's case. It is unusual to find a Pope Schuetzen rifle with this level of originality, condition and showing no attempt to ever add a telescopic sight. A stellar Pope High Wall which has much appeal on many different levels. (1915-2) {C&R} [Ray Day Collection] (25,000/35,000) SOLD FOR $34500.00 |
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