Rare Hoffman .416 rifle....... Part 2
Thanks Nononsense, I am not sure what kind of pictures you would like to see when you say the "action". I did take the bolt out and I didnt notice any type of markings that caught my eye. On the opposite side of the bolt, there is an engraved signature that I didnt notice last night. Thanks for your help.......
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Well since my last post I have learned alittle more information. My Grandad spoke with Mrs. Hoffman tonight and we learned that George Hoffman had passed away several years ago from cancer. Also she did confirm that he in fact did build only 5 of these rifles, she did say that he never got any compensation from the maunfacture that took over building the .416.
I beleive that this rifle was built to George's spec by a company in Belguim called "E Dumoulin Deleye Herstal". This was also stamped into the barrel, but I am not sure what it means "Import from M.G.S Verona Wisc" maybe the city it came from?
She was not aware where the other 4 rifles are, but did say this should be worth alot.
Does anyone know where I could get some more information or a value on this rifle? Thanks for any help.0 -
The true value of an item is a price that can be agreed to between an informed seller and buyer without duress on either side.
Rarity does not necessarily equate to value and the uniqueness of an item may appeal to such a very small audience that its true value may possibly be based only on its function as a shooter. Given the uniqueness of the caliber, this may also may affect the value as it is almost too much for any north american game.
If there are no other rifles of this type that have sold recently in an open market, it may be impossible to estimate its value prior to offering it for sale and the market it is presented.0 -
spider_1968,
This is the contact information for the Dumoulin gunmakers:
Dumoulin, Ernest S.P.R.L.
B-4041 Vottem-Herstal, Belgio
http://www.dumoulin-herstal.com
contact@dumoulin-herstal.be
Use their website for the complete mailing address.
You can certainly use e-mail and it might be a better way to start since they would automatically have someone respond to your request in English. Then get one of the calling cards that has the low calling rates around 2 - 3 cents a minute to use for a long distance call if required. The rate doubles for international but it's still cheaper than trying to dial direct, by a huge amount. A few minutes will amount to a couple of dollars.
'M.G.S Verona Wisc' is the importer of the rifle once located in Verona, WI.
The term 'action' is the same as 'receiver' which is the part of the rifle that contains the bolt in this situation. It is also the part of the rifle that manufacturers stamp with most of the viable information especially if they are imported.
If you remove the two action screws for the bottom of the action carefully so as not to mar the screw heads (gunsmiths use special screwdrivers), you should see some proof marks and makers marks that can give us more information. If you aren't confident that you have the right screwdrivers for this task, you could ask a gunsmith for some assistance.
I think the statements of value above are a good generic assessment of potential value. The underlying idea here is that rifles like this are not valued highly in the common, everyday shooters market but can have significant value in a very small, selective, collectors market. This also implies that a quick sale for a large amount of money is not eminent. In fact, if you sell this rifle, it might take a year or more to locate the right buyer who will compensate you in the amount you determine to be acceptable. A desire for a quick sale and profit will result in lost value.
Once again, I will state that a person's word for this rifle to be '1 of 5' is not good enough for proper corroboration of information and value. Most buyers will want to see it in written form from a qualified source such as Dumoulin.
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Thanks for information NoNonsense! I have left my grandads house and wont be able to get a look into the action part until I return to see him in a few weeks. I did send all of the information that I have to the manufacture so I'll wait and see if they can help. I'll keep you guys posted. Thanks again! 0 -
I just got my hands on a rifle with the same inscription. Mine is a "Mod Sniper Cal 7mm Rem. Here are a few pics. Like you, I would like to get some info and a value. This is also listed on Gunbroker under my name. Auction #156105156. 
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