Lot 26: Cased 1999 American Custom Gunmakers Guild Three Gun Set

Offered here is a spectacular three gun gentleman's sporting set commissioned by the American Custom Gunmakers Guild (ACGG). The set was originally raffled off at the combined ACGG and Firearms Engravers Guild of America exhibition held on January 24, 1999, at the Silver Legacy Hotel in Reno. The winning raffle ticket was drawn by Desert Storm Commander General Norman Schwarzkopf (see the included Feb. Mar./Apr. 1999 of Gunmaker). The craftspeople commissioned to create this beautiful sportsmen set were Doug Turnbull (metal preparation, restoration and coloring), Toby Leeds (stockmaker), Steve Moeller (metal preparation), James Blair (engraving for Winchester Model 92 and Colt SAA), Rachel Wells (engraving for Parker) and Marvin Huey (casemaker). The set was documented in the August 1999 issue of Guns Magazine (issue included). The expired Double Turnbull FFL originally used to transfer this set is also included. The oak and leather presentation case holds all three guns (Parker "A1 Special" style shotgun, Winchester Model 92 rifle and Colt Single Action Army Revolver) and accessories (chamber brush, oiler, pair of snap caps, brass container, and two screwdrivers). The interior of the case has a ACGG paper label listing the already mentioned craftspeople commissioned to create the set. With the case is a canvas and leather cover. Huey ensured that the case was a manageable size by fitting the two long guns in their takedown configuration. Let's first examine the Parker. Turnbull masterfully modified an original production VHE #0 frame to turn it into an A-1 Special grade, including duplicating Whitworth barrels. Leeds stocked the gun with high grade English walnut using A-1 Special checkering patterns and raised the comb height to be more in line with today's standards. Wells full coverage engraving took 116 hours to complete. She signed her work near the triggers. Other finishes are as noted. The solid matte rib has a single bead sight and the Parker address followed by "WHITWORTH STEEL." The matching numbered barrels have scrollwork at the breech, ejectors and engraved and gold inlaid bands at the muzzles. The receiver has full coverage floral scroll engraving accented with floral blossoms with gold inlaid centers and "PARKER BROS" in flush gold on the underside. The trigger guard is signed "Firearms Engravers & Gunmakers Exhibition." The water table is marked with the 1910 patent date, "A1S," VH," the serial number and "V". The scrollwork extends to the forearm hardware, which has been renumbered to the gun. The double triggers are plated in gold. The action has a manual tang safety and "SAFE" in gold. The highly figured wood features fine fleur-de-lis checkering, Parker grip cap and checkered bare butt with engraved skeletonized buttplate. Barrel and stock measurements: full/improved modified chokes, 2 1/2 inch chambers and length of pull 14 1/2 inches.

Exceptionally fine as created custom built by several master firearms artisans. 99% plus of the custom blue and casehardened finishes remain showing only the slightest handing marks overall. The wood has rich color and crisp checkering. The case is very fine showing some minor handling/storage marks and a minor crack near a hinge. Commissioned by the ACGG for the 1999 Reno exhibition, this is stunning gentleman's sporting set for the serious sporting collector. A grand piece of firearms art showcasing the some of the best talents the custom gun world had to offer in the late 1990s.

Turnbull rebarreled an original 1894 production Winchester Model 1892 takedown action with a full octagon Badger barrel and shortened the magazine tube to 2/3 length. The lower tang and lever were bent to properly fit a deluxe stock. Leeds stocked the rifle with an exhibition grade American black walnut featuring Winchester "D" style checkering with heart shaped tear drops and an ebony pistol grip insert. Blair engraved the rifle with Winchester's no. 3 style pattern consisting of medium to large English scrollwork and game scenes and used 22kt gold wire and 24kt gold and platinum inlays. The game panel scenes, which are outlined in gold, feature an antelope on the bottom, goats on the right side and sheep on the left side. Blair signed his work ahead of the lever. Gold and platinum accents are featured on the receiver, hammer, lever, barrel and takedown collar. Sling eyelets are mounted on the underside of the forend cap and stock. The barrel is signed "Firearms Engravers & Gunmakers Exhibition No. 14" on the top flat, has a Lyman combination Beach front sight and lacks a dovetail slot for a rear sight. A folding peep sight is mounted on the upper tang. The hammer, lever and buttplate are casehardened, leaving the remaining surfaces blue.

Exceptionally fine as created by several master firearms artisans. 99% plus of the custom blue and casehardened finishes remain showing only the slightest handling marks. The wood has rich color and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.

This revolver was specifically ordered from Colt for the ACGG 1999 exhibition and the presentation serial number appears on the underside of the frame. Turnbull executed the final fitting of the grips and finishing. Blair engraved the gun with a small American scroll pattern with light relief background and placed 24kt gold scroll inlays on the butt, barrel, cylinder and hammer. The barrel markings are also in gold. The the back strap is engraved "No." above "14" in gold at the top and is signed "Firearms Engravers & Gunmakers Exhibition" down the length. Blair signed his work on the front of the frame.

Exceptionally fine as created by several master firearms artisans. 99% plus of the custom blue and casehardened finishes remain showing only the slightest handing marks overall. The grips have attractive color and grain pattern. Mechanically excellent.