Spring 2026 Premier Firearms & Militaria Auction
February 26th, February 27th, February 28th, and March 1st, 2026
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!
SUPERBLY ENGRAVED MAUSER MODEL 96 COMMERCIAL BOLT RIFLE RETAILED BY ARMY & NAVY CSL
01-27278
Cal. 7×57.
S# 53.
This rare commercially proofed 1896 Mauser rifle was first retailed by Army & Navy CSL of London. It has 24″ round barrel fitted with island rear base holding unusual three leaf express rear sight; silver bead with flip up night sight is in sleeved on front ramp. Top of barrel is engraved “Shot and Regulated by Army & Navy C.S.L. London. Model 1896 Mauser action is marked with Mauser name and address on receiver ring and dated “1896”. Bolt has handle turned down. Bottom metal remains in military configuration. Round knob pistol grip stock is neatly checkered. This basic rifle has been dramatically enhanced with superb engraving and some careful stock detailing.
This rifle’s description was featured in 1993 “Guns Australia” magazine. The description of the embellishment is as follows: “This gun has a unique history. Previous owner Colin King of Australia commissioned master engraver Bruce Dean to rework the gun with the artfully done reminders of Australia. The trigger guard and floor plate are relief engraved with two of Australia’s favorite game animals, a wild boar and Sambar stag. These are surrounded by Australian flannel flower in intertwined deep relief scroll with a stippled background. A Neidner style steel buttplate was deep relief chiseled and pierced wtih the same flannel flower motif. A toe-line cartridge trap was added and engraved “7×57” and “Mauser”. Finally, to top it all off, the bolt handle was chiseled into a feral goat head with stippled surface and a ring of flannel flowers. The English walnut stock is excellent as professionally re-finished and features a swept pistol grip and shell-lip forearm. Generous, wrap around checkering with mullered borders covers the grip and forearm.”
To further refine the description it should be pointed out that there is a black Morocco leather lining behind the superb work on the buttplate. The buttplate and cartridge trap are neatly outlined with incised mouldings. The lettering on the cartridge trap cover is in full relief and is exquisitely done. Other well engraved accents are found on sides of trigger guard bow and more flannel flowers are found on bolt stop. Action screws and cartridge trap screws are also relief carved with flannel flowers. The quality of this work can not be overstated. MEASUREMENTS: WEIGHT: 6 lb. 12 oz.
STATUS: ANTIQUE.
