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NORRIS MORGAN S# 1, A .308 CARBINE MADE FOR HIS

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,250.00 USD Estimated At:2,500.00 - 4,500.00 USD
NORRIS MORGAN S# 1, A .308 CARBINE MADE FOR HIS
WIFE ARLENE. Cal. 308 Win. S# 1. Bbl. 19". The February 1965 issue of "The Illuminator" (journal of the Hartford Electric Light Company) spotlights the doings & hobbies of their employees. This issue features Norris Morgan in an article he wrote concerning his hobby - - - weapons. In it, he relates that the first rifle he made was for his wife to use. He used a Mexican Mauser action, a Springfield 4-groove bbl. & a fine piece of French walnut. The Springfield bbl. was shortened to 19" at both ends allowing rechambering for the then new (circa 1952) .308 Winchester cartridge. A sleeved on front sight ramp w/ gold bead & sling eye were installed. Top of bbl. is engraved "No. 1 Norris R. Morgan Stamford, Conn." Mexican Mauser action is fitted w/ Lyman 57 receiver sight, receiver ring stipled in usual "G&H" fashion, follower is engine turned. Bolt handle has been neatly turned down w/ knob neatly checkered in two panels. Flag safety is gold inlaid "FIRE" & "SAFE". Bottom metal has had bow nicely thinned & shaped. Nicely stump figured lightly mottled French walnut steel capped pistol grip stock measures 13 3/4" over checkered steel buttplate. Seymour Griffin's influence is evident w/ swept shadowline cheekpiece, ebony? forend tip, classic lines & point pattern checkering w/ mullered borders at grip & around forend. A vacant gold oval & sling eye are on toeline. Bottom of grip cap is nicely scroll engraved. Workmanship is quite good for someone's first custom stock. Grip checkering is quite well done, while checkering on forend has a few minor problems. The pattern he selected is extremely difficult, requiring lines to be kept parallel nearly all the way around the tapered forend; a very daunting task w/out lots of practice. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: a copy of the "Illuminator" and Norris' inventory sheet for this rifle is included. CONDITION: fine to very fine. Metal parts retaining essentially all of their custom hot blue. There are a few minor marks & scratches in hand rubbed oil finish of stock. Bore is excellent, action is smooth. There is a photograph in the "Illuminator" w/ Arlene holding her rifle, copy included. (20-1673/MGM46). CURIO. $2,500-4,500.