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  • Auction Catalog #76
  • Lot #3547
Lot #3546
Lot #3548

Lot 3547: Al Freeland Family BSA Martini MKII Target Rifle

Scarce Original Al Freeland Family BSA Martini MKII Target Rifle with Custom Forend "Mariah #5"

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: May 5, 2019

Lot 3547: Al Freeland Family BSA Martini MKII Target Rifle

Scarce Original Al Freeland Family BSA Martini MKII Target Rifle with Custom Forend "Mariah #5"

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: May 5, 2019

Estimated Price: $2,500 - $3,500
Price Realized:
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Scarce Original Al Freeland Family BSA Martini MKII Target Rifle with Custom Forend "Mariah #5"

Manufacturer: BSA
Model: MKII
Type: Rifle
Gauge: 22 LR
Barrel: 29 inch round
Finish: blue
Grip:
Stock: walnut
Item Views: 4458
Item Interest: Average
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 239
Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun
Description:

This is another very rare example of an original BSA Martini MK II International target rifle that was owned/customized by the legendary Al Freeland. This example was supposedly named as the Mariah # 5 and that rifle is discussed in the autobiography book, "Uncle Al" (The Life and Times Of Inventor/Marksman Albin Freeland) on pages 129-131. This rifle is a standard BSA MKII in all respects except for a custom deluxe fancy forend, as installed by Al. There is a small paper tag attached to the rifle that reads "Not For Sale, Personal Property of Ted Freeland Mark II", who was Al's oldest son. This forend is fitted with one of his custom forend bedding/barrel tuner assemblies, along with a handstop rail on the underside and then it was hand checkered the sides. This example is correctly marked on the right "B.S.A. MARTINI-INTERNATIONAL" and on the left side "MADE IN ENGLAND". It is fitted with a standard BSA rifle buttstock that has been fitted with one of Al's patented aluminum buttplate adapters and buttplates. It is fitted with a medium/heavy barrel that is 29 inches long that measures .875 at the muzzle. The barrel is marked "THE BIRMINGHAM SMALL ARMS Co. Ltd ENGLAND" and the right rear side is stamped with the standard British firing proofs over serial number "UE123". As we know from history the original BSA series of rifles (MK, II thru Vs) were developed based on numerous recommendations and meetings between Al Freeland and the engineers from the BSA Company starting in the mid-1950s. This cooperative efforts garnered Al Freelands the sole importer rights for all the BSA type target rifles during that time up until Al passed away in the early 1980s. Shortly there after the BSA factory ceased manufacturing these types of target rifles.

Rating Definition:

Very fine with 90% of the original blue finish overall with edge and high spot wear overall showing signs of shooting and range use. The forend as noted is also in very fine condition with 80% of its varnish also showing handling marks and flaking of the varnish. The buttstock retains 80% of its original factory varnish with some minor sanding/sanding on the sides/behind the pistol grip where it was altered to fit Ted. A very nice looking rifle with actually Freeland family history.



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