1805

Eddystone Model 1917 Rifle with Scarce Experimental "Snabb" Semi-Automatic Conversion

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:4,000.00 USD Estimated At:8,000.00 - 12,000.00 USD
Eddystone Model 1917 Rifle with Scarce Experimental  Snabb  Semi-Automatic Conversion
Buyer's Premium is 20.5% by credit card, reduced to 18% if payment is made by cash, check or wire transfer. Contact Rock Island Auction Company to complete your registration with the auction house.

Estimate: $8000 - 12000
The principles behind the Snabb Alteration make it possible to modify any military Mauser, Springfield, Enfield or Mannlicher into a semi-automatic weapon and was developed by a Swedish engineer in 1938. The Snabb was well balanced, simple and rugged design that was intended as a low cost alternative to replacing large stocks of bolt action rifles with new semi-automatics. Though mechanically successful, the higher than anticipated price, coupled with the outbreak of the Second World War, ruined the Snabb's chances. A long gas trap is fitted to the muzzle, which runs to a gas tube driving an operating rod. The original bolt has been altered to accept this rod, with the handle shortened, a safety screw installed into the firing pin hole, and a dust cover installed on the rear of the receiver, which encloses the bolt and the new mechanisms. An extension has also been installed on the magazine, a safety switch on the right side of the cover, and the trigger mechanism has been fitted with an extended trigger bar and a disconnecting sear for semi-automatic fire. The rifle has a thumbhole American walnut pistol grip stock with sling swivels and a checkered buttplate. The rifle is complete with lengthy copies of the history of the rifle in French.
BBL: 25 1/4 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 30-06
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 1159131
Condition: Fine as period experimental modified, with 50% of the blue finish, mixed with a gray patina. Pin prick type pitting is visible on the receiver, some parts have been left bright and show a brownish gray patina with some minor oxidation, and the buttplate shows moderate to heavy oxidation. The stock is good with exception of a fill repair on the left front of the forearm and on top of the buttstock at the receiver, otherwise a few scattered minor dings, dents and scratches. The original markings are clear. Mechanically fine.