Bastogne Commemorative Dumoulin-Herstal FN Mauser .300 Winchester Magnum
SOLD FOR: $4602
LSB#: 200301AB01
Make: Dumoulin-Herstal, FN Mauser Action
Model: Custom Bastogne 60th Anniversary Commemorative
Serial Number: 1234
Year of Manufacture: Made 1980 (s date code), customized 2004.
Caliber: .300 Winchester Magnum
Action Type: Bolt Action Hinged Floorplate Internal Magazine Fed
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “Armes Fines E. Dumoulin Armurier a Herstal Made in Belgium” in front of the rear sight, the left is marked “.300 WIN MAGNUM” in gold and with Belgian proofs, the right is marked with the serial number. The shoulder of the receiver has “1944-2004” in gold and the left of the receiver is marked “60eme Anniversaire”. The top of the barrel at the chamber has sculpted gold foliate scroll with “BATTLE OF BASTOGNE” in white gold on banner. The receiver has sculpted gold foliate scroll with an American Eagle on the chamber ring and torch with “LIBERTY” on banner on the bridge, both done in gold and white gold. The right-rear of the receiver is engraved “JEAN H DIET / SAROLAY”. The bolt body has a 10th Armored Division, 101st Airborne Division, and 82nd Airborne Division logos in gold and white gold and has engraved oak leaves. The handle has sculpted gold foliate scroll, the knob is marked “JUNO UTAH GOLD OMAHA SWORD 6 JUIN 1944” in gold with white gold transports and parachutes, the end of the knob has a recessed star. The bolt sleeve is marked “27 BASTOGNE XII 1944” at the front, “G.PATTON” behind and with the 4th Armored Division logo at the rear, all in gold, with sculpted gold foliate scroll surrounding. The rear of the striker has a gold star. The floorplate is marked “1944 / 2004”, crowned shield with Lady Liberty, the Mardasson Memorial with “60”, “Bastogne” and with foliate scroll in gold and white gold. The trigger guard has a star over a dove, the Borne of Libery Road over “VOIE / DE LA / LIBERTE” on banner, helmet and foliate engraving in gold and white gold.
Barrel Length: 26″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to a serrated, ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel. The base is grooved for a hood which is not present. The rear sight is a fixed square notch with gold triangle aiming reference and taller folding square notch leaf dovetailed to a finely checkered base fixed to the rear of the barrel. There is no provision for mounting a scope.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is checkered walnut with capped semi-beavertail forend, capped pistol grip, monte carlo comb, and ventilated brown rubber FN Herstal recoil pad. The stock has a few scattered light compressions and handling marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14 5/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the recoil pad, 13 1/2″ to the back of the wood. The pad has hardened slightly with age and shows light wear. Overall, the stock is in about Fine-Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Gold
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The bolt body has light operational wear. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Excellent condition as customized.
Mechanics: The action works 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: None.
Our Assessment: This is a beautiful rifle built to commemorate the Battle of Bastogne. Following the successful D-Day landings, Allied forces had begun advancing across France and into Belgium, taking the vital port-city of Antwerp. Unknown to the Allies, the Germans had been amassing forces for an offensive to re-take Antwerp which would become known as the “Battle of the Bulge”. While the launch of the offensive achieved total surprise, the U.S. forces in the Belgian town of Bastogne proved to be a major problem, surviving being besieged by the German forces until the siege was broken by Patton’s 3rd Army which rushed to the town along “Liberty Road”. This rifle has gorgeous engraving and gold work from Belgian Master Engravers Angelo Bee and Jean Diet with representations of various units and memorials associated with the Battle of Bastogne. This is a wonderful work of Belgian art commemorating one of the most famous battles in Belgium of the 2nd World War. Please see our photos and good luck!