This rifle was previously noted as from the Remington Ballistic Lab and sold when the lab closed in 1955, as well as from the David D. Sobel collection. Other Hepburn rifles from the Sobel collection also had notes stating they were from the ballistic lab. These rifles may have been used to test cartridges similar to how Remington used Model 1885s to test cartridges long after the model was discontinued due to the strength of the action. There are advertisements from the first half of the 20th century showing targets shot at the Remington Ballistic Lab to demonstrate the potential of their ammunition. The "Walker-Hepburn" rifles were manufactured in very limited numbers in the early 20th century. Only 23 of the specially handmade rifles are documented to have been sold: 10 in 1904, 1 in 1906, 11 in 1907, and 1 in 1908. This rifle was likely manufactured after the rest and has a Walker style trigger guard that is fixed in place instead of acting as the operating lever, and the rifle still uses the usual Hepburn side lever to open the breech. The barrel has the listed serial number on the bottom at the breech, a windgauge spirit level globe front sight, no provision for a rear sight, a pair of scope mounting blocks, and the Remington Arms Co. address. The action has a Vernier peep sight mounted on the upper tang, the Hepburn patent marking on the left, no visible serial number, and adjustable double set triggers. The Schnabel style forearm is checkered and has a contrasting tip insert. The large Schuetzen style buttstock has a checkered wrist, prominent cheek rest, and nickel plated Swiss buttplate. Provenance: The Milan J. Turk Collection