Rare Early Experimental Factory Engraved Mannlicher Sporter Semi-Automatic Rifle with Off-Set Scope and Mount This is an example of a very rare and unusual early Mannlicher-Schoenauer experimental semi-automatic sporting rifle probably manufactured around 1901/02 using the internal rotating spool type magazine developed in 1900, and it predates the later Model 1903 rifles. This rifle is very unique in that it is a blowback, recoil assisted type action where the entire barrel and barrel extension recoils slightly to the rear when fired. This rearward movement helps unlock the bolt and cycles the action and is almost identical to the system used on the Johnson M1941 semi-automatic rifle. The rifle is fully engraved in a non-standard small English scroll engraving on various areas of the rifle intermixed with geometric type decorative border engraving. The underside of the magazine is also engraved with a pair of deer,(a buck and doe). The left side of the receiver is fitted with a long, double claw-type scope base, and the rifles comes with its original double claw type mount/ring set. The mount is fitted with an early commercial Ajack 1 1/2 inch power scope. It is roll marked "Ajack" on the rear of the tube and it is numbered "16447" on the side of the elevation base. The rifle is void of any maker's marks, but it does have "double Crown/N" proofmarks on the barrel followed by the bore diameter of "8,7mm" indicating a 9 mm cartridge of some type, that appears to be very short in length. It has a full length milled rib with a matted top. The rib is fitted with a two-position folding rear sight and a bead front sight mount on a barrel ramp. It has a two piece stock design with the rear half made in an early pre-WWI style with the small oval cheekpiece, narrow/thin checkered pistol grip, and a steel grip cap and a serrated horn buttplate. The underside of the stock has the small storage area for extra cartridges. Manufacturer: Mannlicher Model: Experimental BBL: 20 inch round Stock: walnut Gauge: 9 mm Finish: blue Grips: Serial Number: NSN Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun Condition: Fine with 85% of the blue finish remaining overall with the balance a dark brown patina. The stock is also in very good condition with a slightly dull oiled finish overall, a small crack on the right rear side of the forend and a larger chipped piece on the left upper rear edge of the stock next to the side of the receiver. There are also several small age cracks directly in front of the edge of the buttplate. The scope and mount also retain 90% of their blued finish overall with the scope showing some areas of light erosion/pitting on the side of the tube intermixed with some minor oxidation. The optics are somewhat clear, but cloudy.

  • Condition: See Description

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by Rock Island Auction Company
December 3, 2016 9:00 AM CST
7819 42nd Street West
Rock Island, IL, US 61201

Rock Island Auction Company

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$200 $499 $25
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$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
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