Premiere Collector's Firearms Auction - November 30 - December 2, 2012
November 30 - December 2, 2012
Premiere Collector's Firearms Auction
| Lot #: 1805 | Estimated Price: $8,000 - $12,000 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Eddystone Model 1917 Rifle with Scarce Experimental "Snabb" Semi-Automatic Conversion | |||
        Click on the image(s) above to view a larger version | |||
| Got one to sell | |||
| LOT SOLD | |||
| Serial #: | 1159131 | Manufacturer: | Eddystone |
| Model: | 1917 | Type: | Rifle |
| Gauge: | 30-06 | Catalog Page: | 322 |
| Barrel Length: | 25 1/4 inch round | Finish: | blue |
| Grip: | N/A | Stock: | walnut |
| Class: | Curio & Relic Long Gun | ||
| Condition Rating: | |||
| Description: | The principles behind the Snabb Alteration make it possible to modify any military Mauser, Springfield, Enfield or Mannlicher into a semi-automatic weapon and was developed by a Swedish engineer in 1938. The Snabb was well balanced, simple and rugged design that was intended as a low cost alternative to replacing large stocks of bolt action rifles with new semi-automatics. Though mechanically successful, the higher than anticipated price, coupled with the outbreak of the Second World War, ruined the Snabb's chances. A long gas trap is fitted to the muzzle, which runs to a gas tube driving an operating rod. The original bolt has been altered to accept this rod, with the handle shortened, a safety screw installed into the firing pin hole, and a dust cover installed on the rear of the receiver, which encloses the bolt and the new mechanisms. An extension has also been installed on the magazine, a safety switch on the right side of the cover, and the trigger mechanism has been fitted with an extended trigger bar and a disconnecting sear for semi-automatic fire. The rifle has a thumbhole American walnut pistol grip stock with sling swivels and a checkered buttplate. The rifle is complete with lengthy copies of the history of the rifle in French. | ||
| Condition: | Fine as period experimental modified, with 50% of the blue finish, mixed with a gray patina. Pin prick type pitting is visible on the receiver, some parts have been left bright and show a brownish gray patina with some minor oxidation, and the buttplate shows moderate to heavy oxidation. The stock is good with exception of a fill repair on the left front of the forearm and on top of the buttstock at the receiver, otherwise a few scattered minor dings, dents and scratches. The original markings are clear. Mechanically fine. | ||
