Page 184 - Auction84-Book3
P. 184

   Collector’s Fact
Only 23 meticulously crafted Remington-Walker Hepburn rifles were produced, with this example passing through the hands of noted gunsmith, George Schoyen.
      182
LOT 3333
Schoyen Denver, Colorado Barreled Remington-Walker Style Hepburn No.
3 Schuetzen Rifle - NSN, 38-55 cal., 28 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened/ nickel finish, walnut stock. Only 23 of the specially handmade Remington-Walker- Hepburn rifles are documented to have been sold: 10 in 1904, 1 in 1906, 11 in 1907, and 1 in 1908. The only marking visible on this rifle is “GEO. C. SCHOYEN DENVER. COLO.” on the top of the barrel between the scope mounting blocks indicating the rifle passed through the hands of renown western gunsmith George C. Schoyen (1845-1916) in his Denver shop. It has a recessed crown. The barrel is fitted with a globe front sight and scope target blocks. There is no provision for a rear sight on the barrel, and a mid-range Vernier peep sight with calibrated elevation and windgauge adjustments is fitted to the upper tang. The action has the distinctive Walker finger lever that replaces the usual side lever on the regular Hepburn No. 3 rifles. There are no markings on the frame. It is equipped with adjustable double set triggers. The checkered forearm has a contrasting insert in the Schnabel forend tip, and the pistol grip buttstock has ornate checkering, a contrasting inlay in the grip, a high comb,
a large cheek rest, an ornate silver inlay on the right engraved with a design of an arrow passing through a bulls-eye, and a nickeled Swiss buttplate. This rifle was previously noted as having been sold by Norm Flayderman and as having been speculated
to have been owned by noted marksman Dr. Walter G. Hudson (1870-1920) when it was sold as part of the Warren Greatbatch Collection. “Doc Hudson” set records shooting a Remington Walker with a Schoyen barrel.
CONDITION: Fine with 75% finish remaining on the barrel fading to mostly
an even plum brown, over 50% of the lightly fading original case colors on the frame, strong blue finish on the hammer and some of the small parts, attractive aged patina on the silver stock inlay, and 95% plus of the nickel plating remaining on the lever and buttplate. The wood is also fine and has crisp checkering, some tiny flakes at the edges, a small round filled spot on the bottom of the buttstock, and light scratches and dings. Mechanically fine. This is a beautiful and rare rifle combining work and design by some of the eras biggest names in target rifles.
Provenance: The Milan J. Turk Collection.
Estimate: 7,500 - 12,000
 






















































































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