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Just my thoughts: It is a very nice vintage hunting rifle that would still be a very nice hunting rifle today for just about anything in North America. It is not "collectable" in the usual sense however.
If you dispose of it I think, along with everyone else, apparently, that it should be viewed in that light.
Looks like a typical 1960 sporter rifle. Someone a fair amount of money into it. It does look like a very nice western hunter. Long shots at deer, elk. I would not put anymore money into it, just use it as is. Good luck.
Curt,
Listen to your wife! that is a **nice** rifle. Somebody set it up for long shots on elk in open country or cross canyons. It's not meant for carrying, except in a scabbard on your horse. Any signs of use? Maybe someone dreamed about a guided western elk hunt and never made it. If you were looking for that rifle on the used market you would probably have to pay an easy $1,000.
One thing you could do is break it down and look for a gunsmith's or stockmaker's stamp hidden away. If it was made up by someone well-known, it may have some collector value.
The reason the rifle came into your hands is, someone is telling you "Take up hunting!"
good luck
jn
P.S.
At least the rifle has QD swivel attachments. You can sling it if you don't have a horse, although a full-grown mauser with a big scope is a bit of a load going over rough ground.
Another good use for this rifle would be working from a spot where you have a 500-yard view over good elk country.
jn