Arms, Armor and Militaria

7x57mmR. 22" barrel length. SN: 17274. Blued finish to barrel and small parts with the frame components case colored mounting a walnut semi pistol grip stock with fine multipoint checkering to the wrist and forend. Single shot falling block Farquharson action rifle featuring a fully hooded front bead sight on a matted ramp paired with three position folding rear notch with gold lines set in a matted barrel rib. Semi pistol grip cap and buttplate are skeletonized and enclose checkered ebony inserts beautifully inlet along the edges. Stock additionally mounts a cheek pad to left comb. Original markings include the GEORGE GIBBS/BRISTOL banner to the left frame, and British firing proofs to the rear of the breechblock and the left frame near breech. Left barrel displays an engraved caliber mark reading 7 X 57 R. Barrel further marked below the handguard S.R.H. 93, indicating it was restored by renowned gunsmith Stephen Heilmann. The lack of British firing proofs indicate the barrel was replaced, and the combination of integral quarter rib, barrel band, and front sight ramp are typical of Heilmann's work. Frame, buttplate, and semi pistol grip caps feature best quality English rose and scroll engraving including wheat chaff engraving on the edges enclosing spiral scroll engraving enclosing floral bouquets. Screw heads display sunburst engraving. Stock displays the "Double Ogee" technique favored by stockmaker Darwin Hensley, who repeatedly collaborated with Heilmann on other rifles in this collection. The superb inletting of the stock, coupled with the scalloped borders surrounding the checkering and details, are all classic indicators of Hensley's work. Though built on an original George Gibbs frame, possibly from a target rifle given its lack of a stalking safety, this rifle constitutes nothing less than a fully realized custom rifle created by two of the most respected modern gunmakers.

Stephen R. Heilmann began his gunmaking career in 1970, as a student at the Colorado School of Trades. In 1973, he opened his first business called simply The Gunworks, in Grass Valley, California. He quickly established his excellence in the field, so much so, that by 1980 it became necessary to establish a larger business to keep up with demand. In 1985, he joined the American Custom Gunmakers Guild, and continued to repair, rebuild, and produce custom guns until his passing on September 15, 2024. As a collaborative effort, this rifle demonstrated Heilmann's ability to fabricate and finish metal components that would blend seamlessly with the originally English manufactured frame and components. At the same time, the understated yet refined details of his metalwork reflect the tone of English gunmaking with regard to barrel finishing.

Darwin Hensley's work, both as a stockmaker and gunmaker, commands deep respect in the gunmaking community. He was a member of the American Custom Gunmakers Guild, and founded Hensley and Hensley, which still persists after his retirement. While there were other competing stockmakers willing to use elaborately figured walnut, and who eagerly displayed their skills by working sumptuous carved designs into their work, Hensley's stocks bear a subtle grace exemplified in this lot. The clean scalloped borders without overruns, precise inletting, and the organic sweeping curves of the counterpanes make for elegant work that only grows more impressive with further viewing. Though the forend has not been removed to verify Hensley's mark, the rifle bears the classic indicators of his work, and other custom rifles ordered by Jeffrey Sanner were stocked by Hensley. {MODERN}