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Prototype serial #001/100 "One of One Hundred Browning 1885 Elk Hunter Commemorative" lever action rifle by American Historical Foundation
Guns International #: 100572744 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Browning Commemorative Firearms - Rifles - American Historical Foundation Rifles
Seller's Information
When emailing or calling sellers direct, please mention that you saw their listing on GunsInternational.com
Seller: Top Shelf Quality
Member Since: 6/5/15
State: Georgia
Zip: 31903
Country: United States
Number of Active Listings: 0
Total Number of Listings: 3
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: USPS money order preferred checks must clear before shipment
Description:
Original advertisement by AHF is included with this purchase.( see photos) This is an 8 1/2" X 11" color print on card stock ad with full description. What is IMPORTANT TO SEE is the fact that this rifle is the exact rifle seen in the advertising art, # 001/100. This same artwork very likely appeared in a full page ad in American Rifleman during that period of time. Full page ads were a common practice of The American Historical Foundation. Searching the back issues Nov 1994 - early 1995 may turn this up as well.
Do not confuse 001/100 with "One of One Hundred." The serialized register ran from 001/100 to 100/100. This was the first rifle that was custom embellished in this series and it was crafted in advance of all others. Approval for the rest of the production run in this offering from AHF was based on the inspection and assessment of this rifle's finished appearance and quality.
Prototype American Historical Foundation Browning Rifle
"The One Of One Hundred Browning Elk Hunter Commemorative"
Serial #001/100
Browning 1885 Lever Action Rifle .45-70 govt.
DESCRIPTION
This is a Browning 1885 falling block, high wall style, lever action rifle chambered in .45-70 govt. The rifle was manufactured in Japan by Miroku in partnership with Browning Arms. All embellishments were done in the USA by The American Historical Foundation and their associated artisans. This rifle shipped from Browning USA to the AHF in october of 1994. I purchased this from AHF in February of 1995. It was the owner's rifle.
The receiver and action were finished in French Grey, "a stunning and extremely difficult procedure." The finish has a tone similar to precious silver, maybe just a little darker. Although the extreme lighting used to show detail in some photos make this appear to be bright, the tone is much more subdued under normal conditions, more like an aged silver coin.
The receiver is beautifully custom engraved by hand (hammer and chisel work) in very fine detail on both sides and the top with only a simple line border wrapping the edges on the underside.
The barrel is a 28" long, octagonal, and finished in dark blue high gloss. The flatted sides are polished mirror smooth, edges are clean.
The trigger is fully plated in 24k gold
The cocking lever is finished in dark blue and engraved on both upper sides.
Rear sight is buckhorn style adjustable for elevation and is dove tailed to the barrel.
Front sight is a single blade dovetailed to the barrel.
The wood is highly figured walnut (see the face in the stock?), deluxe-finished by Browning with clean crisp custom-chequering on the wrist and fore-grip.
It is equipped with Browning "super swivels" on the lower stock and fore-arm.
The barrel and receiver are tapped for scope rings with filler screws in place.
(be sure to read the description in the original ad seen in the photo as well)
Condition….Astonishing!
This rifle is unfired in perfect NIB condition with the exception of one very small superficial blem on the very rear left side of the stock where butt meets shock cushion (non-presentation side) quite insignificant.
A serial #1 Prototype firearm is something you rarely have an opportunity to buy.
This #001/100 serial is THE prototype for the strictly limited edition of only 100 rifles sold world wide by The American Historical Foundation in 1995 for 2975.00 each. The issue was called the "One of One Hundred Browning 1885 Elk Hunter Commemorative." This rifle was crafted in advance of the other 99 rifles. It was a one of a kind until production was authorized for the rest of the proposed issue.
This rifle is a quite a nice trophy for a Browning collector or any collector. It is suitable for distinguished gentlemen and discerning collectors of the extraordinary. If you wish to own this rifle, contact me immediately. It can be purchased at a very reasonable price. I am not seeking some ridiculous multiple for this rifle.
(If you like this one, be sure to carefully examine my other listings.)
A Word About Prototypes
Prototypes are considered to be the most desirable firearms in any limited register for two reasons.
1) The first is simple. It is the lowest serial number in the register.
2) The second reason is much more important. That reason is the quality. The quality of the basic firearm and the quality of the craftsmanship employed in the embellishment.
Understand, yes, prototypes do provide an initial production time study. But mostly, they are the "fashion models" of the industry. They serve the same function as super models clad in elite designer wear as they promenade down the high fashion runways. Prototypes are created as marketing tools, extra attention is appointed to their aesthetic quality. They are created to be photographed for advertising and displayed at shows.
The basic firearm selected to become the design prototype is not the first gun out of the box. It is "the pick of the litter" as several to a dozen or more guns are examined to find the most attractive wood, metal work, and finish. This provides the best foundation on which to build the prototype.
The craftsmanship employed in embellishing the prototype is meticulous. The engraver puts his best into a prototype because he knows that this work may be viewed by many people in photographic advertising and at major shows where this work may be on display. This is a prestigious commissioned piece for an engraver.
The objective is to create something impressive enough to attract attention, generate sales and secure approval for the production of the entire proposed issue.
The exceptional appearance of this rifle supports the thesis. It is an elegant, sleek, beautiful piece of artisanship. The engraving is spectacular.
About The Engraving
The advertisement states that "The engraving pattern was custom-designed by American Historical Foundation's Master Firearms Engraver, James O'Reilly, and is faithful to the American style of the late 19th century." As this is the prototype rifle , it is likely that James O'Reilly personally engraved it.
The engraving was entirely done in the USA. This rifle is masterfully engraved by hand, hammer and chisel work with some hand pushed fine details. This is a tasteful and beautifully designed work of the highest quality. The basic theme is an autumn motif with oak leaves and acorns for elk season. The left side of the receiver displays a classic Nimschke floral pattern in a cross-hatch background with center points and is adorned with oak clusters. The right side bears a magnificent finely detailed bull elk portrait in a cross-hatch background with center points also adorned with oak clusters. These portraits are displayed with finely detailed borders. A belt of oak leaves and acorns wraps over the top of the receiver with elegant detail. The finesse of detail can be seen in the crowns of the acorns, fur of the elk, and the borders. There is only a hint of scroll in this entire work, very refreshing. This is extremely high quality craftsmanship which invites admiration. The more closely you look at it, the more detail you can see. It is a beautiful piece of art.
Historical Note- Know This!
1) Manufacture of these model 1885 rifles bearing the Browning label was discontinued in 2001.
2) American Historical Foundation is gone. AHF enjoyed decades of high quality products and great success. AHF was sold to America Remembers more than 10 years ago when the owner, Robert Burlein, retired. That's right, no AHF product since that time, and never again. History!
3) This rifle faithfully represents John M. Brownings very first patent.
Your Purchase includes this exquisite rifle in its original box with factory papers. To document the provenance, your purchase also includes the AHF certificate of Authenticity and hangtag, **and as an extra piece of documentation…the original advertisement from American Historical Foundation which displays this very rifle in the photo art is also included.(8 1/2" X 11" color print on card stock ad with full description)
No sale where prohibited.
I am not an FFL holder. I do not collect sales tax. This item is from my personal collection.
Buyer must provide an original signed hard copy of his receiving FFL. This must accompany USPS money order payment in order to expedite prompt shipping from my sending FFL.
Payment
Payment must be received within 5 days.
I prefer to accept USPS money orders only. Certified check may also be acceptable but no shipping until funds clear.
Shipping
Buyer pays 50.00 shipping cost. I will ship fully insured Fedex or UPS ground to lower 48 states. If you want priority that will probably cost double due to weight and size
Standard 3-days non-firing inspection from date delivered to receiving FFL. No dry firing or disassembling allowed. Buyer pays shipping costs if returned.
SOLD