This fantastic double master engraved, double square bridge Mauser rifle is from the collection of the late Jim Wilkinson of Prescott, Arizona. Wilkinson grew up spending his summers working the family Granite Dells Ranch in Arizona and returning to his native Illinois for school in the fall. Wilkinson attended the University of Illinois and began his career in his families Central Illinois lumberyards. In 1946 he permanently moved to Arizona to work his own ranch in Granite Dells, and establish the Rifle Ranch a gun store specializing in custom rifles, hand loading, and shooting supplies. Wilkinson was an avid hunter with expeditions to Canada, and Alaska as well as more exciting destinations such as Africa, Afghanistan, India, and Nepal, all in the pursuit of mountain sheep. Wilkinson would become the 10th person in the world to achieve the "Super Slam" which is a collection of 16 different types of wild sheep found on four separate continents. Wilkinson passed away in 2001. Features an Austrian manufactured barrel with a full length, matte, solid rib marked "MADE IN FERLACH AUSTRIA", ramped hooded blade front and five leaf (one standing, four folding) express notch rear sight graduated from 100 to 500 meters, standard Austrian proofs and caliber marking at the breech. The double square bridge action is proof dated "68" with the standard Oberndorf address on the left side, polished bolt body and extractor, standard Mauser safety, double set triggers, and serrated butterknife bolt handle. The trigger guard assembly, floorplate, grip cap, and buttplate are incredibly embellished with a highly detailed, fine line scene of three stacked big horn sheep busts on the floorplate with borders of leafy acanthus scroll. This stunning scene is signed at the lower edge by Belgian Master Engraver Louis Vranken of Fabrique Nationale fame. The casehardened trigger guard is engraved with a detailed mesa with a gold inlaid, stylized "JWS" monogram. The steel grip cap is casehardened with a flip open cap and engraved with a gold inlaid big horn sheep bust surrounded by matching acanthus scroll. Finally the bright coin finished buttplate is engraved with matching acanthus scroll, detailed bust of a sheep at the heel, and a standing sheep in a mountain scene on the butt trap. The inside of the trap is signed "FM/Austria" for Ferlach Master Engraver Franz Mack. The checkered pistol grip stock is highly figured walnut with a ebony forend tip, and intense, dark mineral lines.

Excellent overall with 99% original blue finish, some light handling marks, sharp, detailed engraving, and bold gold inlays. The stock is also excellent with crisp checkering, just a few small scattered dings visible, and attractive figure. Mechanically excellent.