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!
RARE AND FINE 505 HOFFMAN (GIBBS) MAGNUM MAUSER SPORTING RIFLE NICELY CARVED AND ENGRAVED
25-2465 | Cal. 505 Gibbs. | S# 129.
The Hoffman Arms Company began operating in June 1923 in Cleveland, Ohio; almost the exact date that Griffin & Howe opened in New York. Whereas G&H specialized in custom Springfield rifles; Hoffman concentrated on rifles mostly built on Mauser barreled actions bought (or consigned) “in the white” from W&C Scott of Birmingham. During the formation of the company Hoffman and his partner Harry Snyder (president) gathered a large force of very skilled gunmakers from Colt, Ross and H&H. The guns they built in the early 20’s are among the finest every crafted. This early rifle S# 129 was built in 1924 according to Michael Petrov. It appears that only four or five Hoffman rifles where built in this huge caliber. It has a 26″ tapered heavy round barrel fitted with sleeved on sling eye and front sight ramp with slip on hood holding white bead. Four folding leaf express rear sights marked for 50, 150, 200 & 300 yards are in quarter rib with stippled top. Top of barrel is engraved “Hoffman Arms Co. Cleveland, Ohio 129”. Left rear of barrel is engraved “505 Hoffman” “for 505 Gibbs Cartg.” Magnum length commercial Mauser action with square bridge is of the largest available size as used for the 416 Rigby and 505 Gibbs. The receiver ring and top of square bridge are stippled and bolt knob is checkered. Bolt body and extractor are Damascened. Drop box bottom metal is fitted with heavy, deep hinged floor plate with release in trigger guard bow. Floor plate is engraved with shaded scroll surrounding relief game scene of silver inlaid trumpeting elephant under trees. Trigger guard bow is silver inlaid with the monogram “CL”. There are feather bursts surrounding mounting screws and it is thought that this fine engraving is by the renowned Rudolph Kornbrath. Pistol grip stock of lightly figured dense European walnut measures 14″ over Silver type pad on 3/8″ hard rubber extension. Stock features shadow line right hand cheekpiece, engraved steel grip cap, horn forend tip, silver oval and sling eye. Checkering is very nicely done with carved accents as attributed to stocker John Wright who was recruited from H&H. The carved accents of scrolls that terminate the grip checkering are exceptionally fine. This rifle is pictured and briefly described on page 253 of “Mauser Original Oberndorf Sporting Rifles” by Jon Speed et. al. It is also pictured in color on page 425. MEASUREMENTS: WEIGHT: 10 lb. 8 oz. STATUS: CURIO.
