Rare Leonard & Hyde Custom Mauser Blue 26″ Target Rifle Unertl Target Scope MFD 1935-1936 C&R
LSB#: 150708EB28
Make: Leonard & Hyde
Model: Mauser
Serial Number: 1937
Year of Manufacture: 1935 to 1936
Caliber: .257 Roberts
Action Type: Bolt Action Internal Magazine
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “No 1937 LEONARD & HYDE, NEW YORK”. The underside of the bolt handle and the extractor are marked with a “crowned letter”. The bolt handle is also marked with an “eagle”. The rear of the scope is marked “J.UNERTL / OPT. CO. / 59727”. The top of the rear scope ring is marked “J. UNERTL”.
Barrel Length: Approximately 26 Inches
Sights / Optics: The rifle was made specifically for the use of a scope. The scope is a J. Unertl 1 ½ inch target scope with a calibrated head. The top of the barrel has two reverse dovetail scope bases attached to it. Two Unertl dovetail rings are mounted and secured with one screw each. The screws have oversized heads. The front ring has a compression adjustment screw at the top and it is a guide for the integral rail at the top of the scope tube. The rear ring has windage and elevation knobs that are each marked “0 5 10 15 20”. The rear ring also houses a spring loaded tension bar. The scopes recoil spring is mounted to the rear of the front ring and is held in place by one of two compression rings that limit the scopes travel along the integral rail. The calibrated head is marked “0” and from “1 – 9”. The scope has fine duplex cross hairs. The glass appears clear. There is a small spec of black at the top left edge of the view. The front edge of the scope tube shows scrapes. The tube shows scrapes from the adjustment knobs and tension bar. The scope and rings are in about Fine condition.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The hardwood stock has a pistol grip, raised cheek piece, decorative checkering, two sling studs, a decorative metal insert under the buttstock, a hardwood grip base and a custom buttplate. The buttplate is made up of metal caps on the top and bottom with checkering on the buttstock wood in between the caps. The wood shows light scrapes and compression marks. The LOP measures 13 1/4 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttstock. The stock rates in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is well defined. There is light erosion near the muzzle.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 94% of its metal finish. The top of the barrel shows a small amount of light pitting. The barrel also shows areas of thinning and discoloration from oxidation. The front of the bottom metal shows a small spot of frosting. The buttplate caps are scraped. The balance of the finish shows a light scrapes and small scratches. The screw heads are intact. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good to Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork& Accessories: The rifle comes with a Unertl scope; see above.
Our Assessment: This is a rare Leonard & Hyde Mauser that was built between 1935 and 1936. It is topped with a Fine J. Unertl 1 ½ inch target scope and looks great with its custom metal & custom wood work. According to Michael Petrov’s book, Custom Gunmakers of the 20th Century (pages 53 -54), George J. Hyde worked for Griffin & Howe prior to going into business with Samuel A Leonard. Metal work was done by Hyde and stocking was done by Leonard. Rifles made by them are marked “N0 XXX Leonard & Hyde New York”. During their short partnership Leonard & Hyde also made guns for the Roberts & Kimball Company which were marked “Roberts & Kimball “. It is also likely that rifles marked “No. 219 S. A. Leonard New York” were made by both Leonard & Hyde.
