Griffin & Howe # 8, Kurz Mauser Action, 250 Sav., Kornbrath Engraved

Description:
Note: Guns International allows a maximum of 15 photos per ad.  I noted later in the description that I had an additonal picture of the bore, as well as the grip cap.  I can easily forward these pictures to you via email if you want to see them.  

You are welcome to call if you have additional questions about the gun,  and I'd be happy to answer them, but, I think everything is put in the ad for a person to make an informed decision on the rifle.  I can be reached in the evenings (Eastern Standard Time).  That is probably the best time of the day to call, but, you can always call and leave a message as well.  

Up for sale is an Griffin & Howe Rifle, # 8, on the Kurz Mauser action, in 250 Savage caliber.  This gun is ULTRA RARE.  This gun was offered in their "Circulars" when they started in business.  The exact gun is pictured therein.  It has the "Plain" rather than the "Deluxe" checkering.  G&H offered (what they referred to as) "Gilt Edge, High Grade Rifles."  Griffin and Howe had begun producing rifles in early 1923 for the purpose of having them already avaliable in the storefront when they opened on June 1, 1923.  Evidence of this appears in ads of the period.  One such ad has the same style stock in a Mauser action in an "Arms and the Man" ad dated May 15, 1923.

The gun was originally from a group of 4 G&H rifles from a Calibornia collector who passed away.  The estate sold the 4 guns.  

In G&H rifles # 1-10, the same number was used for several calibers.  However, not all calibers were made with each serial number.  In my collection (database) of numbers, I have the following numbers being made on a Kurz Mauser Action in 250/3000 Sav.  # 3 (The Emil McConnell gun), # 4 (The Gene Taylor gun), # 6 (Petrov's list--no other identification) and # 8 (This gun).  

Kornbrath in his engravings would utilize similar engraving motifs on different guns, but in a place or pattern different from a previous work.  This gun contains his famous "Fox chasing the Goose" motif.  It is placed on the trigger guard of this gun, because the lever on the floorplace did not allow room for it there.  Subsequently, on G&H # 10 in 35 Whelen, the scene was put on the floorplate of the gun.  In addition, when G&H went to the "Block" numbering system in late 1923, the same scene was utilized on the floorplate of G&H # 251.  See Petrov on vol. 1 (pg. 111).  I have personally seen # 8 and # 251, but not # 10.  All of these guns were made in 1923.  

The gun has about 98 % (Conservatively speaking) plus bluing.  A tiny bit of wear at the muzzle, with a little wear on the front and rear floorplate screws.  There are a couple of marks on the stock.  

Many people don't realize that Griffin & Howe were actually making rifles before their opening on June 1, 1923.  As early as late 1922 in "The American Rifleman," Townsend Whelen actually referred to a gun of his as "his Griffin & Howe rilfe.  He was the person responsible for getting Griffin and Howe to go into business together.  The first guns were marked in a circle on the bottom of the floorplate, then the numbers were assigned starting with with the single digit series, and then the block numbers began in late 1923.  These three types of identification were use from about December of 1922 until about Nov./Dec. of 1923.  

The G&H May flier of 1923 shows the various configurations of G&H guns, including the little Kurz Mauser.  

The bluing on these very early guns is just a touch lighter than the later guns.  It seems to have a tinge of a "Grey" cast to it.  

There is a very insignificent repair to the rear of the tang (very professionally done--years and years ago).  See picture # 13.  There is a tiny little ding in the wood at the top of the comb.  See picture # 4.

The length of pull is 13 1/2."

The barrel length is 22."

The gun weighs 7 pounds, 2 oz.

The bore of the rifle is in superb condition with sharp rifling.

There is a tiny chip out of the horn grip cap at the front of the cap.

The gun has an old Fray Mershon small recoil pad.  These were popular in the 1930's.  They actually served as more of a "Grip Pad" to keep the gun in good contact with the shooter's shoulder.  Mershon got bought out by Pachmayr in the 1950's.  The pad is a little "Squished" toward the bottom.  You could simply leave it alone, or the excess could be very carefully ground off and make it look much better.

Payment arrangements could possibly be arranged for the sale of the gun.

I can supply some copies of the old G&H ads with the gun was well.  Then, you can see first-hand how it was advertised and pictured.  

Call if you have any questions.  Although I can type, it's much easer for me to talk to explain things.  

Shipping for the gun with be a "Double" Hard gun case with much foam padding.  

Thank you,
Jim B.

Curio/Relic: Yes
Rifle Caliber: .250-3000 Savage
Manufacturer: Griffin Howe
Model: Kurz Mauser
Serial Number: 8
Barrel Length: 22

Price: $20,500.00