^Lot 105 Hartford Pope No. 200 Rifle Originally Owned by John D. Kelley

This rifle is one of the premier rifles of its day, owned by "Rockstar" shooter of the day, John D. Kelley of Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Rifle started as a Marlin/Ballard Union Hill No. 9 and was originally barreled by A. O. Zischang of Syracuse, New York, whose name still appears on the barrel. The 32" blued No. 4 weight half octagon barrel was re-rifled and rebored by Pope to 33-47 caliber with "21/1.41" Pope rifling code stamped under forearm. Barrel is floral engraved at muzzle with missing dovetail sight and has a Hartford false muzzle and brass bullet starter numbered "200". Barrel is fitted with Carolyn scope in Winchester mounts. Action is blued with floral engraving with deer and bear scene, which does not match Ballard engraving. Action has Schuetzen double set triggers with full four finger loop lever, Zischang style checkered butt stock and forearm with nicely figured walnut. Butt stock is fitted with Zischang style floral engraved Schuetzen butt plate made from German silver. Rifle is pictured in Warren Greatbatch's book "H. M. Pope Hartford 1887-1901 Volume I", on pages 198 and 199. Rifle is accompanied by an abundance of provenance giving a history of the rifle and Kelley. J.T. Livengood Collection. CALIBER: 33-47. S/N: 27981. FFL STATUS: Antique.
CONDITION
Overall good with 90% fading blue with barrel drilled on underside for a steady-rest. Action has sharp engraving with blue fading to brown. Stock has poorly repaired wrist crack with handling marks and dings. Good bore and mechanics with scope needing professional cleaning. False muzzle slightly bent.