Reference Thread - Poulins and James Julia Auctions (March 7-11, 2008)

[Badger]

How about a Long Branch sniper in the James Julia auction that looked fabulous from the pics, but one of our Advisory Panel members Lance was there and got the opportunity to handle it.

He said: "Lot #277--LB No. 4 T sniper with REL Mk 3 scope. Remarks: Appears to of been at least issued or inspected as there is a 1950's British Broad arrow mark below safety. Forend s/n'd as British T's are. ***Scope can is a 1945 BE Ltd British can, it is s/n'd to the rifle but is a heavly painted, possible force match. Transit chest is also British that has the rifle s/n written in pencil on the end tag but is also painted on the chest (most likely a garage paint job, as most of the sniper chests there have the rifle s/n painted on the chest)."

As a result of his feedback, I cancelled my own bidding on it, as it's not a completely "all correct" piece and I think it went way over priced.

CANADIAN NUMBER IV MARK I (T) SNIPER RIFLE. SN 90L8122. Cal. 303. These rifles, as with the British, were converted by Holland & Holland and used various telescopes. This one is fitted with a No. 32 marked for MK3 manufactured by R.E.L. in Canada. Gun is in magnificent all around condition, matching with the exception of possibly the buttstock, which has the number 1090 stamped in the top but is in identical fit and finish to the rest of the rifle. It is fitted with a Enfield web sling and Number 9 Mark I blade bayonet. Rifle comes with transit chest. PROVENANCE: Stern Collection. CONDITION: Rifle is in magnificent condition overall, showing almost no use. Receiver and scope base retain better than 98% of orig dark gray Parkerizing. Telescope shows 95% blue with just a little enamel flaking around the knobs and on the sunshade. Optics are as good as they could possibly be, showing no fading, no dust and no dirt, just a picture perfect view. Bolt retains 85% orig blue showing scuffing on the body from being actuated. Bbl bands and front sight assembly show approximately 99% orig blue with the bbl showing 98% with just a little wear from the bayonet being installed. Upper handguards show no wear at all with just a couple of very light scuffs on the light one from being set in a rack. Lower handguard assembly (numbered to gun) shows just a couple of very light bruises with no finish loss what so ever. Triggerguard assembly shows 98% original blue with the magazine showing 80%. Buttstock is also in magnificent condition with light finish showing just a couple of nicks at the rear of the pistol grip and one or two slight bruises on the cheekpiece. Action is crisp and clean and the bore shows bright and shiny with almost no wear at all. blued buttplate has approximately 95% orig finish with just a little high edge wear and a pull-through in the butt trap. Sling shows just a little mildew, otherwise shows excellent. This long branch sniper rifle would be nearly impossible to upgrade. Transit chest in good condition. 4-34065 BK125 (3,750-5,250)

A side note. Although it refers to 1090 in the description, it was actually correctly marked on the wrist as 109C. Someone mistook the "C" for a "0".

Sold for $6,325 U.S.

Price includes auction house Buyer's Premium of 15-17%

Regards,
Badger

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