Lewiston, Idaho– June 2022– Crafted in 1954 by legendary gunmaker Fred Wells for Jack O’Connor and backed with rock-solid provenance, the auction of this important rifle provides an opportunity to own a historic firearm while supporting the Jack O’Connor Hunting Heritage and Education Center.
Based on a recontoured 1946 Mexican Mauser action with a 21-inch barrel, period custom features include a Womack bolt handle, Dayton Traister Mark II trigger, and a lightened or “Swiss cheese” magazine box and bottom metal. The stock wears the contour of a sleek mountain rifle well ahead of its time. Appointments include an ebony forend tip, borderless wrap-around checkering with diamond accents, and a scalloped cheek rest with shadow line.
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The barrel is engraved “Built for Jack O’Connor by Fred F. Wells”. The floor plate is appropriately engraved with the bust of a mountain sheep bust surrounded by a border and scroll.
Provenance includes a three-page research letter from O’Connor historian Eldon “Buck” Buckner. Other inclusions are three O’Connor books and a hand-signed letter from 1976 where O’Connor replied to a reader’s question as to the existence of “Big Foot”.
A significant portion of the proceeds will benefit the Jack O’Connor Hunting Heritage & Education Center in Lewiston, Idaho.
Curated by Sportsman’s Legacy and hosted by GunBroker.com, the auction concludes Sunday, June 19, at 7:00 PM Eastern. A complete description, photo suite and bidding information can be found at https://www.gunbroker.com/item/933521692
Custom Mauser 98 7mm Mauser (7×57) crafted by Fred Wells for Jack O’Connor. Stamped with a barrel date of 2/54 and serial L08803L0 (both under the wood), and based on a recontoured 1946 Mexican Mauser action, this rifle was built by the hands of a legend to be hunted by another. Features include a 21-inch medium sporter barrel, Womack bolt handle with hollow knob, Dayton Traister Mark II trigger, and lightened (“Swiss cheese”) magazine box/bottom metal. With the sleek contour of a mountain rifle, the stock is well ahead of its time. Appointments include an ebony forend tip, fine borderless wrap-around checkering with diamond accents, a steel grip cap, and a scalloped cheek rest with shadow line. The front guard screw beds on a pillar and the barrel channel is carefully free-floated with a pressure point at the forend tip junction. ENGRAVING: The barrel is engraved “Built for Jack O’Connor by Fred F. Wells”, “7 m/m” appears over the chamber and the floor plate features the bust of a grand mountain sheep surrounded by border and scroll. The engraving is unsigned.
PROVENANCE: Per the included three-page research letter prepared by O’Connor historian Eldon “Buck” Buckner, this rifle was likely acquired from O’Connor by his friend and hunting companion, Dr. Elmer Braddock, and then subsequently sold by a Braddock family member.
DIMENSIONS: Weight is 7.2 pounds (with scope) and length-of-pull is 13.9 inches. CONDITION: The bore is strong and bright. The metal finish is approximately 85 percent overall with a silvering ring at the muzzle, spots of tarnish (on and near the receiver), and vivid plum over the bolt release. The secondary locking screw at the point of the floor plate is absent. The stock is also approximately 85 percent, with sharp checkering fields, a goodly number of field impressions, and a dragline at the point of the comb from working the bolt. A Pachmayr Old English recoil pad is a later addition.
OPTIC: A period (steel tube) Weaver K4 is secured in Buehler mounts. A recent professional restoration of the scope ensures viability although the zeroed reticle rests left of center.
INCLUSIONS: Game in the Desert Revisited as reprinted in a limited edition of 950 copies by Amwell Press in 1977 – this being copy number 100 with O’Connor’s signature, leather binding and a slipcase, excellent condition; Jack O’Connor Catalogue of Letters published by Trophy Room Books in 2002 – excellent condition and Sportsman’s Arms and Ammunition Manual published by Outdoor Life in 1952 – good condition. Also included is a wonderful hand-signed letter dated 12/76 from O’Connor responding to a reader’s question about the existence of “Big Foot”.
PROCEEDS: A significant portion of the proceeds of this auction will benefit the Jack O’Connor Hunting Heritage & Education Center in Lewiston, Idaho.
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