(A) STEYR MANNLICHER 1890 STRAIGHT PULL SPORTING RIFLE INSCRIBED FOR

(A) STEYR MANNLICHER 1890 STRAIGHT PULL SPORTING RIFLE INSCRIBED FOR W. ASTOR CHANLER'S 1892-94 AFRICAN EXPEDITION. This handy sporing rifle is built on the smooth Austrian Mannlicher straight pull action, which is marked "OE / WG / STEYR" along with an Austrian eagle proof. Barrel has corresponding serial number and Austrian proof, although no military proof date. Rifle is fitted with a later Redfield ramped and hooded front sight, and Redfield receiver mounted rear sight. The custom European profile sporting stock has a checkered forend, checkered pistol grip with steel cap, large cheekpiece, and checkered steel butt plate. Sling swivels are mounted to a boss on the barrel and on the grip cap. A silver escutcheon with script "LH" initials is inlaid on the underside of the forend. Right side also has a large silver oval reading "1892 - 1894 / W. ASTOR CHANLERS / EXPEDITION IN EAST AFRICA / THIS RIFLE WAS ONE OF THREE / WHICH WERE THE FIRST / HIGH VELOCITY SMALL BORES / USED SUCCESSFULLY / AGAINST BIG GAME". William Astor Chanler was born in 1867 into the wealth of the Astor family. He grew up seeking the wild things in life, wrestling with alligators, horse racing, making friends with Butch Cassidy and Teddy Roosevelt, and going on safari. Beginning in 1892 he set off on a 20 month long scientific and hunting expedition through the then largely unexplored areas of East Africa with George Galvin and Ludwig von Hoehnel. The expedition is described in detail in his 1896 book "Through Jungle and Desert" written under the pseudonym John Brent. His party encountered many battles with man, beast, and disease. They made many new discoveries and sent back numerous specimens to the Smithsonian and Museum of Natural History in New York. In addition to classic big bore express rifles, the party was recorded as carrying Winchesters and Mannlichers. On page 396 of "Through Jungle and Desert" he notes "judging from the variety and quantity of game he succeeded in killing, one is tempted to come to the conclusion that the Mannlicher can achieve more satisfactory results than any other rifle." He armed many in the party with the rifles. Ludwig von Hoehnel is recorded as taking rhinos and an elephant with a Mannlicher. The author also took an Elephant with one of the party's Mannlicher rifles. Von Hoehnel and his Mannlicher are credited with saving the party from "bands of warriors" at 500 yards. Von Hoehnel was gored by a rhino in 1893 and was forced to return to Austria but remained in correspondence. It is very possible this rifle originally belonged to Ludwig von Hoehnel, as is monogramed "LH". After returning from the expedition, Chanler took up the cause of the Cuban rebels, smuggling arms and later formed "Chanler's Rough Riders", a volunteer cavalry. In 1898, he was commissioned Captain and Assistant Adjutant General under Major General Wheeler, going on to serve at major battles including the Battle of San Juan Hill, and receiving commendation for "gallantry in battle". He was elected to Congress in 1899, serving until 1901. In 1902, he helped raise a mercenary army to overthrow the President of Venezuela and continued to support other global fights for freedom. A thoroughly fascinating figure. CONDITION: Very Good. Rifle retains the vast majority of its current commercial blue finish with some areas of thinning and toning. Stock has some scattered dings and nicks, along with a sliver loss along the tang. Some staining present around the butt plate. Silver has a mellow patina with some darkened spots. Well defined, frosted bore. Fine mechanics.Name Value Barrel Length 20" Caliber/Bore 8x52mm FFL Status Antique Manufacturer Steyr Model 1890 Serial Number 89H, Name, Value, Barrel Length, 20", Caliber/Bore, 8x52mm, FFL Status, Antique, Manufacturer, Steyr, Model, 1890, Serial Number, 89H

Schätzpreis:1.814,30€

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