Hilton Estate Waffenfabrik Mauser / Jules LaBantchni Custom Sporter Rifle

SOLD FOR: $1729.89

This rifle is from the William Barron Hilton Estate

LSB# 21026PM09

Make: Waffenfabrik Mauser Oberndorf A/N – Customized by Jules LaBantchni

Model: Custom Sporter

Serial Number: 1823M

Year of Manufacture: Receiver is roughly 1919-1933 Jules LaBantchni was gunsmithing circa 1950’s – 70’s. The rifle lacks an import mark – C&R OK

Caliber: .270 Winchester

Action Type: Bolt Action with Internal Magazine

Markings: There is no visible import mark. The left side of the receiver is marked with an eagle acceptance proof “K18”. The right side of the receiver is marked with three crowned proofs. The top of the receiver is marked “WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER – OBERNDORF A/N.” The left side of the barrel shank is marked “270” and the right side is marked “1823M”. The top of the barrel is marked “made by Jules LaBantchni Santa Monica Calif.” The top of the bolt release handle is marked “43”. The top of the bolt handle is marked “M1823”, and “G” in a circle.

Barrel Length: about 22”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade on a raised ramp protected by a hood. There is no rear sight. There is a Bushnell Scope Chief 4x Scope mounted to the rifle on vintage Redfield rings and base. The scope has fine crosshairs and the image is clear. There are patches of finish loss scattered throughout the scope body. There is a notable scratch / dent on the top of the objective lens. It does not affect the image and appears cosmetic only.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one piece wood with hand checkered forend and grip with a straight comb and European style cheek piece.  There are numerous scratches though the clear finish, nothing too deep in our opinion. Most of the wear appears to be standard hunting wear from hiking through California sage brush and gun racks. This was not a safe queen, more of a workhorse. The LOP measures 13 ¾” from the trigger to the horn buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition for being previously hunted.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

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

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 80% of its metal finish. There are patches of surface loss and some thinning to the leading edges. Most of the loss is to the bottom of the trigger guard, underside of the barrel in front of the forend and on the top of the barrel just rearward of the front sight. In our opinion the wear is consistent with gun racks from heavy hunting. The screw heads show use, still plenty serviceable. The markings are clear. The engraving to the floorplate and trigger guard are tasteful and clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork& Accessories: The scope mentioned above is included as pictured. The the unmarked leather sing is ?” wide with some scratches, cracking and vertigras from age and previous use. Also included is a letter from the Hilton estate confirming the provenance.

Our Assessment: We truly wish that this gun could talk. The gun was customized by Jules LaBantchni out of Santa Monica. The rifle sports a checkered bolt knob, jeweled bolt and follower, tasteful deer and scroll engraved floorplate, and a popular deer and elk .270 Winchester chambering to top it off. There is notable hunting wear throughout the rifle. So much so that we wish we knew what this gun has seen and where it has been. We could only imagine.