^Lot 2025 VERY EARLY GRIFFIN & HOWE SPRINGFIELD SPORTING

RIFLE. Cal. 30-06. S# 1254932. Griffin & Howe started business in June of 1923. James V. Howe left to work for Hoffman in October of that year. This early rifle with Griffin & Howe markings on bottom metal most likely dates to the few months after the founding of the company as stock bears a strong resemblance in style to rifles known to be built by Howe. This rifle is fitted with its original 24" star gauge barrel that has been slimmed and recontoured. There are no G&H barrel markings or S#'s as is correct for very early rifles. 1923 production Springfield action is unaltered except for installation of Lyman 48 sight and cutting follower so bolt will close on empty magazine. Bolt knob has had bottom flattened and checkered. Bottom metal is also unaltered except for well done scroll engraving most likely by Rudolph Kornbrath. "GRIFFIN & HOWE. INC" "NEW YORK" is in two arches at front of floorplate in early style. Details of engraving around screw holes and on trigger guard bow correctly match sprays of scroll found on rear of barrel, barrel band for sling stud and around base of sleeved on front sight ramp. Pistol grip stock of very fine dark veined and somewhat figured European walnut measures 14" over engraved and checkered steel buttplate with trap. Trap holds bore brush and oiler and has space for cleaning rod. Stock shows Howe's distinctive fluting of comb and slim long forend with horn tip. Checkering is very finely done with seams at top of grip and bottom of forend panels. CONDITION: fine as correctly refinished. Metal parts with sympatric rust blue show silvering on barrel band, trigger guard bow and thinning at front of bottom metal. Stock is very nicely refinished in oil; checkering re-cut. Bore is sharp, bright and shiny. Mechanically fine. (25-5042/MGM). CURIO. $3,000-4,000.