^Lot 1210 BEAUTIFUL, POSSIBLY ONE OF A KIND, "THE IRON

MISTRESS" GERMAN GrB-39 .50 CALIBER CONVERSION SINGLE SHOT SPORTING RIFLE. Cal. 50 BMG. S# 16469. Bbl. 24". An iteration of the PzB-38 anti-tank rifle, the Pzb-39 was a further attempt at a developing a small arm chambered in a special 8mm cartridge to counter enemy armor vehicles. By 1942, advancements in armor had made the Pzb-39's obsolescence quite apparent, with remaining Pzb-39 rifles being converted to the GrB-39 configuration, which utilized a grenade cup and grenades with a special cartridge and wood projectile. This example mfg. as a Pzb-39 in 1941, was converted to the GrB-39 configuration during WWII, and was later beautifully converted into a .50 caliber single shot "sporting" rifle. Top of the receiver exhibits a wartime added riveted plate (partially obscuring Gustloff Werke's "dlb" mfg. code above "1941") that is marked "GrB39/ 16469" above Eagle/4 proofs, with an Eagle/623 proof, Eagle/4 proof, and an eagle firing proof marked on the left side. Left side of the receiver exhibits a polished in-the-white metal plate (previously for the rear sight assembly) that is engraved "DIE EISERNE MAITRESSE/ VON B.V.MACK" (THE IRON MISTRESS/ BY B.V.MACK"). Metal components exhibit a lustrous high polish blue finish overall, which has been reapplied on the receiver and other original parts/components. Massive 10 7/8" X 3" X 2" custom wood handguard retained via 2 hex screws features 3 checkered panels around the circumference. 4-piece custom grip panels, consisting of 2 plain wood upper panels and 2 checkered wood finger grooved panels present on the lower pivoting section. Absolutely massive Schuetzen style buttstock with enormous cheek relief and Schuetzen style alloy buttplate. Toeline of stock and underside of forearm feature inletted sling swivels. Custom perforated blued steel shroud, with custom heavy tapered bbl. terminating in custom brake featuring 4-transverse ports. Right side of the receiver is drilled and tapped with 3-holes in an inverse triangular orientation for a custom steel scope mount fitted with a desirable L&S Inc. Ultra 10X-M3A scope (S#: 87 0603). Left side of receiver exhibits 2 concentrated areas of porosity from removal of the apparent original sling swivel. Weight: approx. 25.5-26 lbs. CONDITION: near excellent, with metal components retaining the vast majority of their lustrous blue finish, exhibiting some superficial handling marks and some small spots of wear, with some light edge wear present overall. Muzzle brake exhibits some areas of wear and light pitting. Receiver exhibits some areas of light to mild pitting beneath the finish (most notably on right side), with original arsenal markings remaining mostly intact and legible. Very bright bore, exhibiting scattered spots of mild pitting, while retaining well defined rifling throughout. Proper manual mechanics, with the action automatically ejecting the empty .50 BMG casing upon opening of the breech. Wood furniture shows scattered marks and impressions from handling and storage, but otherwise presents very nicely. Underside of forearm exhibits a crack that stems from the rear hex screw and runs along the rear flat. Right side of buttstock exhibits an approx. 1 1/4" crack stemming from the forward plate. Scope retains a clear and sharp optic. An extremely attractive, notably high quality, and undoubtedly unique GrB-39 .50 BMG conversion single shot sporting rifle that is certain to stand out in one's collection and at the range. (25-5267/MLW). MODERN. $3,000-5,000.