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Rare Exhibition Grade SN 1 Murata Sgl Shot Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:6,000.00 USD Estimated At:12,000.00 - 18,000.00 USD
Rare Exhibition Grade SN 1 Murata Sgl Shot Rifle
Auction Location:

16600 Aston Street
Irvine, CA 92606
Rare and Desirable Exhibition Grade Serial no. 1 Murata Single Shot Bolt Action Rifle, 11mm Japanese Centerfire (.43-83), 30'' stepped round barrel, Japanese engraved silver-plated frame and triggerguard, horn pistol-grip and forend cap, course checkered oak stock, double set trigger, and early type Winchester vernier tang sight specially modified to fit Murata tang in a flush manner. Large aperture rear sight very similar to the Winchester Model 1876 sight, as well as hooded front bead sight. Bolt handle faintly engraved ''.43-83'' indicating Americanization of caliber. Bolt serialized ''1'' beneath the extractor. This rifle was purportedly displayed at the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition and sold afterward as an exotic sporting arm from the Orient. Many of these original prototype components fitted to this rifle were mfg'd by Winchester Repeating Arms of New Haven, Conn., under the supervision of William Hotchkiss, making for a very unique and important museum quality collector's piece. Condition is excellent retaining approx. 97% lightly thinning and mildly toning rust type blue to barrel. Frame shows even patination to silver-plated components. Stock retains sharp checkering with only mild flattening, with small repaired crack to left side top edge just beneath safety switch. Buttplate is an old period replacement that fits slightly large. Action remains crisp, set trigger works perfectly, bore is bright. Est.: $12,000-$18,000. (Antique)