J. Smets Engraved Dumoulin-Herstal Safari .375 H&H Magnum Bolt action Rifle

SOLD FOR: $5,925

LSB#: 201010SD16

Make: Dumoulin-Herstal

Model: Safari

Serial Number: 2031

Year of Manufacture: Based on available records of Belgian Controllers’ marks (or rather the records which are not available to us), we believe that this rifle was made between 1998 and 2012.

Caliber: .375 Holland & Holland

Action Type: Bolt Action, Hinged Floorplate Internal Magazine, Controlled Round Feed Rifle

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “Dumoulin – Herstal. SA. Belgium / IMPORTED BY EMPIRE RIFLES, MERIDEN, NH.” in front of the rear sight and “CAL. .375 HH-MAG” behind, the left is marked “.375 H.H MAGNUM” and with Belgian proof marks, the right is marked “2301” and with a Dumoulin trademark. There are Perron tower marks on the left of the chamber ring and the top of the bolt handle. The receiver, bolt handle, bolt sleeve, floorplate and guard have foliate scroll relief engraving which cleverly incorporates the proof marks and there is an Elephant engraving on the floorplate with gold accents. The engraving motif continues on the rear of the barrel, the sight bases and the front sling band. The grip cap is engraved with a gold “MCB” monogram. The engraver, Jean Marie Smets, signed the front of the trigger guard “Jm Smets”

Barrel Length: 24″

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade in-line dovetailed to a ramped, banded base at the muzzle. There is a folding arm which can be rotated to cover the fixed blade with a larger white bead, marked “ERA” on the left. The rear sight has a fixed “V”-notch with a taller folding “V”-notch, each having a vertical gold line aiming reference. The fixed blade is marked “60”, the folding blade “100”. The notch assembly is dovetailed to a raised base fixed to the rear of the barrel. The chamber ring and bridge have integral grooved bases and are also drilled, tapped and filled for mounting a scope (none included).

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece beautifully figured checkered walnut with ebony forend tip, coin-finished grip cap, two recoil lugs, straight comb with cheekpiece, black rubber Decelerator buttpad and a sling mount in the belly (the other is integral to a band on the barrel forward of the forend). The stock has some light drag-lines and scuffs on the left between the receiver and trigger guard. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The pad has no notable wear, just some shaping around the edges. Overall, the stock is in about Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blue & Coin

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. The floorplate has infrequent minor discoloration from oxidation. The action has minor operational wear. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Fine-plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger is crisp. The bolt sleeve has a Mauser-style three-position safety. 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: None

Our Assessment: Ernest Dumoulin is a second generation fine rifle maker located in Herstal, Belgium. The son of Henri Dumoulin, the family has been making custom Mauser-based hunting rifles since the 1950s and this is a wonderful example. With gorgeous engraving from Jean Marie Smets, a beautifully figured walnut stock, express-style sights and a nicely contrasting blue and coin finish, this is a rifle that is not only beautiful, but also ready to hunt just about any animal on the planet. Chambered for the venerable .375 Holland & Holland magnum cartridge, the rifle is as powerful as it is beautiful. If you need a safari rifle, look no further. Please see our photos and good luck!