Posting for Dave Wesbrook:

"Cal .275 Rigby. Mere words cannot describe the quality of Ralf's metalwork. Suffice it to say that it is the finest metal that I have ever had the pleasure to stock. The stock is finished and the rifle is at the engravers, Bob Strosin. I will post pictures of the completed rifle when I get it back from Bob."

A true work of art... even the inside of the bases are worked! Wow...

quote:

Originally posted by bwanamrm:
A true work of art...Wow...

+1

Beautiful metal work and can't wait to see the stock Mike.

It certainly is a beauty!

Lucky fellow whoever that is intended for . . .

Beautiful - attention to detail is overwhelming.

Can only imagine what the piece of wood that this is going in, will look like.

Mr. Martini is surely at the top of his game, rifles like this, and the association with Heym, and their express bolt rifle, sure looks like he understands what we like!

michaelj and MikeE, I stocked this rifle with a very dense piece of "old growth"European walnut out of Pennsylvania. The quarter-sawed blank had perfect grain-flow and was the best example of paralleled grain fiddle-back that I have ever seen in European walnut. Stylewise it looks much like the other G33/40 stock posted earlier. ...Dave Wesbrook

Well don't be a tease, where are the pics of the finished rifle dammit.

Mike, The engraving will be finished in about a month or so and I'll photograph it then and post. I've seen the sketches and I'm as anxious as you are. Believe me,it will be worth the wait. Several feet of gold wire outlining Bob's "English Classic"scroll and also surrounding the ovals on the floorplate and on the buttplate which have African game scenes in some of the finest Bolino engraving that I have ever seen, and I have seen, handled and photographed over one thousand of the most embellished firearms created over the last four centuries. ...How's that for a tease? You'll just have to wait, and so will I. ...Dave

. . . someone is a lucky son of a gun (pun intended).

That's going to be a lovely rifle. Looking forward to progress photos.

Cheers, Chris

Absolutely fantastic. I hope my metalwork is someday half as good as Mr. Martini's.

I truly love his octagon barrels.

Excellent metal work. With Dave Westbrook's reputation for wood work, this rifle should be a top-of-the-line rifle worthy of the title "custom".

I am ever amazed at just how true the words uttered years ago by a man I trust/admire: It is better to do something simple well than something complicated poorly. Ralf has taken the simple and made it elegantly wonderful. This metalwork exemplifies the meaning of the word "CUSTOM".

jcb01us, In my other thread you ask whether Warren Smith had engraved the Ballard rifle. No,(see other thread),Warren Smith did however do the engraving,stipling and gold lettering on the top of Ralfs' G33/40. Inlayed in gold are 275 Rigby on the rib and D. Wesbrook and R. Martini on the top center of the barrel. ...Dave

Lovely

It is going to be a masterpiece, can´t wait to see the final product. Congratulations

Bump for Ralf's work

world class, nuff said.

BTT

About the only thing better than Ralph's metal work is his wood work.

Looking forward to seeing it as I have a G33/40 with the identical 9.3x62 Sauer barrel that belongs to one of my guides laying on my bench.

Absolutely amazing, can´t wait to see the finished rifle. Congratulations

This to go along with the finished rifle post.

One thing for sure...Ralf never disappoints! Always enjoy seeing his work.

Not much else to be said....If Ralf has his name on it, I want it. Paul

I must have one!

I keep checking this thread hoping to see the finished rifle.

Frank,
The finished rifle is posted under Martini Wesbrook G33/40 lower on this page.
Dave