Offered here is a highly attractive factory engraved Savage Model 99F rifle, manufactured c. 1957-1958 according to approximate serial numbers and correlating lever boss codes shown on the production chart on page 135 of the book "A Collector's Guide to the Savage 99 Rifle" (2016) by David Royal. This example, serial number 928916, is consecutively serialized with the following lot, 928917, which is a nearly identical factory engraved example, although chambered in a different caliber. This exact rifle is depicted in various pictures on pages 265-266 of "Savage Model 1895, 1899 & 99 Rifles Volume 2, Engraved and Special-Feature Models" (2022) by David Royal, in which the factory engraving is noted as performed by Siegfried Rentzschke, and the only .243 Win chambered example known to have been engraved by Rentzschke. The Model 99F was the first Savage rifle to have the model letter designation stamped on the barrel. The included Savage factory letter, dated March 25, 2013 and addressed from John T. Callahan, states in relation to this rifle by serial number, "What I did find in the microfilm records used at that time, is that the rifle was chambered for .243 Win. with a small entry showing 'eng.', indicating it was engraved. It was sold on January 25, 1964 to a W.S. Adams, Westfield, MA." and further states, "Of interest, I checked several of the surrounding serial numbers and find those to have been shipped in late 1957 and early 1958. Your rifle may have been sitting around as just a receiver and completed in 1960 along with 500,001 judging by the inspectors stamp on the lever pivot." and further states, "I have a photo of S/N 500,001 sent by another campfire member and the engraving is identical. Based on that, I firmly feel your Model 99 would have been engraved by Ziggie Rentzke. From past conversations with my friend Roe Clark, Rentzke came from Germany after WWII and gained employment at Savage about 1956 or 1957." The mentioned serial number 500,001 is also pictured in the same book as this gun, on pages 263-264. Features engraved floral scroll patterns on the sides of the receiver. A small lever boss code "11J" in an oval is stamped on the front of the lever pivot area. Fitted with a ramped beaded blade front sight and elevator adjustable rear notch sight, the Savage Arms Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts address marked on top of the barrel with "243 WIN." on the upper left chamber area and "MODEL-99F" on the upper right, jeweled bolt, loaded chamber indicator on top, cartridge counter on the left of the receiver, and right handed thumb safety. Mounted on a checkered forearm and checkered pistol grip stock with a hard rubber grip cap and serrated steel buttplate. Provenance: The David Royal Collection

Exceptionally fine, retains 90% original blue finish, 50% case colors on the lever, strongest in protected areas, with sharp engraving. Wood is very fine with a few light handling marks, crisp, possibly recut checkering and a loosely fit grip cap. Mechanically excellent.