Jeffery (London) .404 Jeffery, Mauser 98, banded, express, quarter rib, drop box, EAW, color case, trap door, 85 percent

W.J. Jeffery (London) .404 Jeffery. Serial 78513 is built around a highly-refined Mauser (Oberndorf) Model 98 action with a 23-inch medium sporter barrel (.735-inch muzzle diameter). Barrel features include a banded front sight assembly with brass-beaded blade, banded color case sling swivel stud and an island rear sight base with express blades (one fixed and two folders, each with sighting lines). The action has been carefully polished and modified to a single square bridge configuration, tapped, and now incorporates a custom bolt shroud with a two-position side safety, Leonard Brownell sweeping bolt handle with hollow knob and custom color case drop box bottom metal with an inside-the-bow release button. STOCK: Shaped from a AAA-grade English blank with stout grain, the stock is properly dimensioned for a dangerous game rifle and comes quick to alignment when shouldered. The balance point is slightly aft of the forward guard screw. Appointments include an ebony forend tip, fine wrap checkering with partial mullered borders, double crossbolts and a color case trapdoor grip cap. Bedding utilizes two metal pillars. MARKINGS: The Jeffery 13 King Street, St. James, London address appears on barrel left, as does caliber. Serial is engraved on the receiver as well as the guard. MOUNTS: An EAW quick detaching system with both 1-inch and 30mm rings is included. DIMENSIONS: Weight (with mounts) is 9.2 pounds and length-of-pull is 14.2 inches. CONDITION: The bore is strong and bright with some small spots of roughness near the muzzle (possible cleaning rod dings). Metal finish is approximately 95 percent with sharp markings. The stock is approximately 85 percent overall with a scattering of rubs and impressions. A fingernail-size wood spice has been added at the tang (within the checkering borders), a small chip is found the top rear of the bolt slot and a repaired chip appears on the right side above the rear crossbolt. The price is firm and layaway is available. $17,500 plus shipping.