^Lot 2103 CUSTOM FN 458 WIN. MAG. COMMERCIAL MAUSER BOLT

ACTION RIFLE. Cal. 458 Win. Mag. S# 21077. Bbl. 23" with 1 3/8" long 4 port aluminum muzzle brake plus fitted with 1 piece solid rib having raised sections for sights; Sheard brass bead front and unusual funnel shaped rear sight of deep V style. Belgian Commercial action that is marked on left with FN markings plus "FIERARMS INT'L CORP. WASH, D.C." indicating an imported action that was later completed in the US; possibly by Leonard Mews as the consignor was a friend plus the workmanship and innovations are aligned with his workmanship and abilities. The import mark is of the late 50's to early 60's which is the time period of Mews' work. The exotic hardwood stock and its attributes are simply astounding. Fine borderless checkering with curves and points. Grip cap and long, slant cut forend tip are rosewood. Fitted with bases for detachable sling swivels plus brown ventilated Pachmayr White Line recoil pad; 13 11/16" LOP). Bolt release and ejection port areas are nicely shaped plus stock has 2 rosewood covered reinforcement bolts. Slight Monte Carlo stock shape with raised cheek piece and very slight beginning "roll over". Rear tang of action is cut square with an additional tang shaped reinforcement block behind the action. Matching numbered jeweled bolt (and follower) has a swept back handle with round knob that is flattened plus having fine checkering on its under side. Plain FN style bolt shroud and single stage trigger with slide side safety. Conventionally drilled and tapped for scope bases or receiver sight. Hinged floorplate assembly has smartly styled release of a custom nature along with its sculptured triggerguard; in the white Allen head action screws. Mews was arguably the best stock maker of all time who also designed the modern looking stock for Weatherby. He was also accomplished in metal work, but often subcontracted metal work so he could focus on stock work. This rifle, if by Mews, showcases marvelous workmanship for both wood and metal. CONDITION: very good overall with some slight handling marks on stock set and some small spots of bluing loss on barrel. Recoil pad is just beginning to show its age with some stiffness. Very small (not separated) chip at left rear of tang reinforcement block. Rear sight has a grey case colored tone. Muzzle brake has thin finish and rose colored tone. Not listed as Curio as there is no definitive way to show it was created over 50 years ago. PROVENANCE: From the Buckstix Collection. (25-6425/NW). MODERN. $1,750-2,500.