Product Details
** GUNTER RETZ (SUHL)
A 7X65R SINGLE-BARRELLED BOXLOCK NON-EJECTOR SPORTING RIFLE, serial no. 1437,
26 3/4in. nitro barrel with solid raised matt rib, open sights and ramped bead fore-sight, the breech end mounted with a Swarovski Z6i 1,7-10x42 telescopic sight, serial no. R784747829, in quickly-detachable mounts, the mount bases and fore-sight ramp with engraved details, the breech end carved with oak leaves and engraved 'GUNTER RETZ - SUHL. BUHAG - HANDWERKSARBEIT', quadruple-grip scroll-back action with side bolsters, manual safety, set triggers, the whole carved in high relief with oak leaves and acorns and with depictions of wild boar, roe deer and chamois, all on a finely matted background, 14 3/8in. figured pistolgrip stock (including 1 1/8in. wooden extension) with cheekpiece, sling swivels, the pistolgrip-cap inset with an oval escutcheon, finely engraved with the cape and head of a red deer stag and signed 'Y Le Baillif M.O.F.', fore-end with Deeley & Edge patent release catch, weight 6lb. 12oz. (unscoped) and 8lb. 4oz. (with scope)
Provenance: Yann Le Baillif (M.O.F.) was awarded his Meilleur Ouvrier de France status in 2000 and specialises in engraving on guns, knives, watches and jewellery.
The MOF (Meilleur Ouvrier de France) qualification represents the very highest standard of craftsmanship in a given field, and grants the status of 'Best Craftsman of France'. Created in 1924 the accolade is very hard to achieve, and to date less than 10,000 people have won the right to call themselves one of the Best Craftsman of France - across range of over two hundred professions and sixteen industries. A knowledge of modern and traditional techniques, dexterity and creativity all play a part in achieving the qualification. Together with the title (which is for life) a medal and a state diploma are also awarded, with the prerogative to join the National Society of Meilleur Ouvrier de France. The qualification is held in such high esteem that to fraudulently claim it is a crime punishable by prison time
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Estimate £2,200-2,600
S1 - Sold as a Section 1 Firearm under the 1968 Firearms Act