Factory Engraved Savage Model 1899 Rival Grade F Deluxe Lever Action Rifle

Offered here is a rare and highly attractive factory engraved Savage Model 1899 rifle, manufactured in 1902 according to the production chart on page 134 of the book "A Collector's Guide to the Savage 99 Rifle" (2016) by David Royal, although the included factory letter indicates it was more likely manufactured in 1901. This exact rifle is described and depicted in various pictures on pages 195-198 of "Savage Model 1895, 1899 & 99 Rifles Volume 2, Engraved and Special-Feature Models" (2022) by David Royal. The included Savage factory letter, dated October 4, 2001 and addressed from John T. Callahan, states in relation to this rifle by serial number, "The record books yield that this Model 1899 was originally built in caliber .30-30 WCF with a half octagon barrel. The record shows the original caliber scratched out and a full octagon barrel re-written and the caliber omitted. The rifle may have left the factory as caliber .303 Savage. The rifle was accepted from the Savage factory to the warehouse on April 25, 1901. It was forwarded by the shipping department after the above changes were made, on June 1, 1906 to the original consignee entered as Luke M. Allen. No address or location was provided for the consignee. Also listed as part of the entries, are notations showing that this rifle is a factory engraved firearm. The entry shows that it was completed with fancy 'Rival' grade engraving and checkering." The left side of the receiver of this exact rifle is pictured in figure 3-27 on page 38 of David Royal's aforementioned book. Performed by the hand of Savage's skilled in-house engraver Enoch Tue, this rifle features high quality engraving, covering most of surfaces of the receiver, consisting of floral scroll patterns surrounding scenes of a dog chasing deer on the left, a buck and a doe on the right, and the bottom of the receiver is neatly inscribed "Luke M. Allen" surrounded by flourishes of floral scroll. No further information has been located in relation to this individual at the time of writing. Relevant information about these engraved rifles can be found on page 33 of Royal's aforementioned book, with a nearly identical example pictured on page 38 (Figure 3-27) which is referred to as Grade F engraving. Dovetail mounted beaded blade front sight and dovetail mounted Lyman patent two-leaf rear sight on the barrel with Savage Arms Co. Utica, N.Y. address, 1893 and 1899 patent dates, "MODEL 1899" and "SAV .303" markings, a flip-up adjustable peep sight mounted on top of the receiver, cartridge counter on the left of the receiver, right hand thumb safety, deluxe American walnut forearm and buttstock with fancy checkered panels, with a blank crescent steel buttplate.

Condition: Fine, retains 50% faded original blue finish with flaking concentrated on the receiver exhibiting smooth gray patina, 30% original case colors on the lever, with absolutely sharp engraving overall. Wood is also fine with distinct edges, attractive grain, some fading of the outer varnish finish on the forearm from handling, a few light handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.