Hello,

I bought this of Holts Sealed Bids sale in January, but didn't receive it until now from England (it's been a long wait). And luckily it turned out alright.

It is a Mannlicher-Schoenauer 1903, take-down, in 6,5x54, number 17833. The barrel says "SPECIALLY MADE FOR CHAS. A. HEYER & CO." (just as the Osa Johnson Mauser), so it was originally ordered in Africa, which makes it a bit special (I confess this is one of the reasons I bought it). The stock seems to be typical Mannlicher, but some other details are different. It has an express sight with folding leafs up to 500 yards and an extra long barrel of 27,5". It also features a removable pistol grip cap (in horn) with a replacement front sight wrapped in paper inside (this wasn't mentioned in the auction text BTW). You press the small button and turn the cap 90 degrees and lift it up, I haven't seen this on any other rifle.

It does have british proof marks, probably done when brought to England later.

The only thing I will change about it is to remove the extension and fit a new Silvers to it as it is very, very long now. I did some shooting with it this weekend, and I placed three shots within an inch on 50 yards and no adjustments where needed.

It is in excellent shape, just the correct amount of patina. No trace of renovation or reblueing.

The scope have been fitted later, it is a Zeiss Diatal-DA in 4x32 in swivel mounts. The vendor, James Hepburne Scott, was kind enough to provde the following provenance, which adds to its uniqueness:

"I come from a line of passionate deerstalkers. Edward Ross was my great-grandfather. His father was Horatio. Hence I was thrilled when my uncle, Lord Polwarth, gave me this rifle for my 21st birthday in 1968. He took me to Holland & Holland where I was allowed to choose it. The sight was a gift from the three Miss Robertsons, of Robertson & Baxter whisky renown, who had so kindly invited me to stalk at Cluanie in Wester Ross for the previous five seasons. It was thanks to them that my interest in deer and deer-stalking developed and over the years I made so many wonderful friends in that part of Scotland.

Since the death of these remarkable ladies I have been very fortunate to be invited to stalk at the neighbouring estates of Glen Sheil, Glen Quoich, Barisdale and Druidaig; also, further afield, at Gruinard, Invercauld and Balmoral (as a young army officer).

This sport has given me more pleasure over the years than all others put together, and the sensation experienced as the rifle is drawn out of its sleeve after a long crawl across impossibly open ground is one I will take to Heaven, if I should ever get there."

Pictures:

In good company (a british made M-S 1903, unknown maker):

And even better company (the other two both belonging to my brother):