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Exceptional Savage Model 1899-D Lever Action Military Musket

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:3,000.00 USD Estimated At:9,000.00 - 12,000.00 USD
Exceptional Savage Model 1899-D Lever Action Military Musket
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Estimate: $9000 - 12000
Manufacturer: Savage Model: 99
This is an exceptional, original example of one of the Savage Model 1899-D Military Muskets sent to Canada on contract during World War I to arm the Montreal Home Guard. It's believed that all of the production was shipped to Canada. The rifles in "musket" form incorporated a bayonet lug and military style stock with a handguard. They were chambered in the 303 Savage cartridge so as not to delay delivery which would have resulted if the design was altered for the standard Canadian 303 British Mk II cartridge. The Guardsmen were responsible for purchasing their own rifles and had the option of having their names stamped on the stock. Many also chose to have their names engraved on the left side of the receiver, (not the case with this rifle). The top of the barrel is marked with the two line address/patent dates, which the majority is covered by the hand guard and the serial number is marked on the bottom of the receiver ahead of the trigger guard. Blade front sight and folding leaf rear sight graduated to 1,300 yards. The front barrel band is fitted with a bayonet lug. Blue finish with casehardened lever and mounted with a smooth full length walnut forearm with grasping grooves, matching hand guard, sling swivel on the rear barrel band and a straight grip perch belly stock with a steel carbine buttplate and sling swivel. The buttplate tang is marked with the rack number "328" and the top of the stock is stamped "F.A. STEVENSON" and "MHG/1914".
BBL: 26 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 303 savage
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 164935
Condition:
Excellent. The rifle retains 97% plus bright original high polish blue finish showing some edge wear, minor thinning and some minor scratches and dings. The lever retains 75% plus original slightly darkened case colors with some areas fading to gray. There is some discoloration on top of the bolt. The wood is excellent with almost all of the original varnish remaining, showing a thin crack at the butt, mild corrosion on the buttplate, some scattered minor storage dings and scratches. The markings are crisp and clear. The action is excellent. Writer cannot recall ever offering a finer example at auction!