RIFLE WITH FINE STOCK CARVING AND ENGRAVING. Cal. 30-06. S# 77805. Michael Petrov in "Custom Gunmakers of the 20th Century" relates that: "Few 1903 Springfield sporters made by Fred Adolph are signed." This obviously expensive rifle is signed. It has 25 inch, 1/3 octagon 2/3 round ribbed barrel fitted with three folding rear express sights. Integral front ramp holds gold bead front sight. Barrel shows German proofs on left and S# on right sides. Case hardened 1903 Springfield action is unaltered from military and shows rudimentary engraving consisting of swirls, arches and some oak leaves; most likely done by Adolph himself as the style is similar to his stock carvings. Left sidewall is engraved "Fred Adoloh Genoa N.Y." Bolt is also unaltered except for transverse dovetail cut through cocking piece for peep sight (now missing). Bottom metal is also unaltered from military and is stamped with flaming bomb proof and "N.R.A.". It has been very nicely engraved with large, shaded Germanic scrolls surrounding a semi-relief game scene depicting a bull moose standing at the edge of a northern lake. The monogram JHM (?) is semi-relief inlaid in gold on trigger guard bow. This fine engraving is most likely the work of Rudolph Kornbrath. Pistol grip stock of relatively plain but dense American walnut measures 13-7/8" over ribbed and engraved steel trap buttplate. Stock features classic Adolph styling with nicely carved and moulded right hand cheekpiece, very thin comb, schnabled forend tip and sunburst horn grip cap. Checkered panels are at grip, sides of action and around forend. They are offset by Adolph's familiar carved accents consisting of scrolls and sprays of foliage. Some accents are raised carved. Fred Adolph was one of the first gunsmiths in America to build custom rifles and his customer list included many famous people of the day. Research into the owner of the monogram should be interesting. Rifle is fitted with a woven leather sling. MEASUREMENTS: WEIGHT: 7 lb. 6 oz. CONDITION: very fine. Barrel retaining about 70-80% original blue. Case hardening of action which appears to originally been a French gray is nearly all present; surfaces being smooth and engraving remaining sharp. Stock retains most of its original oil finish with some marks and scratches. There is a small crack and missing wood behind action tang. Bore is very good to fine, shiny with strong rifling throughout. Mechanically smooth. An important American classic. (25-3419/MGM) CURIO. $4,500-6,500..