Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Africa Osa Johnson's Oberndorf Mauser Type A 9.3x62

Thanks for that. It, quite frankly, surprises me that this thread is still getting some attention after several years!





From earlier in 2011 from the Chanute, Kansas newspaper:



Cheers!
-Bob F.

Why? It is the way most of us remember being introduced to Africa in our youths. They really were quite a remarkable coule.

Thing of beauty!

Oh well.... You know how it is.... Things on the Internet have a way of being very temporary and transient. Quite frankly, it warms my old heart to see that some folks here are still interested in this thread and its topic.

Small update: Osa's Mauser rifle is still safely in my possession but, sadly, I haven't shot it yet even after all this time. I've just had other things on my mind such as the sorry economy and worries about my job. Such is life....

Most sincerely,
-Bob F.

SEPTEMBER 2011 WATER LEAK/FLOODING & COLLECTION RESTORATION PROJECT

"On Sept 24th the Safari Museum suffered water damage and flooding from the Santa Fe Depot's third floor humidification system. The first store-bought dress Osa ever owned, and the one that was purchased 100 years ago on her honeymoon with Martin Johnson, was damaged in this incident. Molly Winder, a Chanute native and gifted seamstress, had been making fine repairs to the dress. The plan had been that after Molly finished, the dress would be sent away for an archival cleaning and additional lace restoration. The dress has undergone archival cleaning now and has been assessed sound enough for Molly to continue her restoration efforts.

Funds for this initial restoration project and now for the cleaning of the artifact are provided by the interest from our museum endowment. Thank you to all the many donors and sponsors who have contributed to the operations of the museum to help us conserve the life story and legacy of Martin and Osa Johnson. Also thank you to all the volunteers who helped move artifacts and books out of harms way during this water leak and the subsequent flooding that followed it."





http://www.safarimuseum.com/


Folks, please try to support the museum.... Thanks.

Most sincerely,
-Bob F.

Wow, first time I've seen this thread, also first time I've heard anything about the Johnson's; read through all 35 pages in one sitting. All I can say is very interesting & I am sincerely going to try & get my hands on their books (as funds allow).

Bob F, I don't recall you mentioning what work was done to the rifle? Was it just a cleanup?

Regards.

I have a rifle that has been rechambered to 9.3x338 which totally ruins the historic value but it has the exact writing on the barrel and same sights. Shoots very tight groups but I have no need for it since I have a 9.3x62 ,375 HH and several more heavy caliber rifles. To bad it was rechambered and drilled and tapped but it is what it is.

Yeah, that's basically it. Nothing was done that would detract from the collector value or historical importance / significance of the rifle. A good cleaning of the metal, repair of some oil damaged wood (in the internal stock inletting), the end cap was coming unglued and that was repaired, a good cleaning of the stock... those types of things.

Cheers!
-Bob F.

Bob,

By the way, I haven't seen mention of it, but the story is in the 2012 edition of Gun Digest. If I missed it earlier, I apologize.

TT

Hey! Thank you very much for that heads up!! I had kind of forgotten that the article was supposed to be published in the 2012 edition of Gun Digest. I didn't realize the new edition was out. I'll have to get a copy.

Again, much thanks for that info! Most appreciated!!

Cheers!
-Bob F.

Bob
I will have to get the Digest too. Way too interesting a rifle and a life to let go unwritten or unremembered.

Resurrecting this thread to say thanks again for the pictures.

I've been asking around for pictures of classic 'tween-the-wars Mauser sporting rifles and this Type A is about the most definitive one I've found.

I saved these pictures and am going to take them to a stockmaker to see how close he can come to this for stocking the left hand Zastava Mausers a bunch of us are getting. The finished product won't do full justice to this genuine Oberndorf but perhaps the use of it as a pattern will offer due homage to its memory.

Without a doubt..

yep this is prolly my favorite real hunting or rifle thread on the whole site, i bought the copy of Gun Digest especially cause i wanted the article on this rifle....

I enjoyed reading this thread. What a treasure that rifle is. I was aware of the Johnsons from my interest in photography and reading about safaris. I knew nothing about their origins or when they passed so this has been both educational and quite interesting. I agree with several who think this is the best thread on the whole site.

Great thread. I hope this rifle doesn't become a safe queen. Guns were made to be used, and there's nothing worse than seeing a fine rifle languish over worry if it might get a few dings and scratches.

Bob,

Don't forget about me if you decide to sell it. My daughter is a huge Osa fan and she'd love to shoot her first buff with that rifle!

Bob,

Thank you for this thread! I just finished Osa's book, "I Married Adventure" (first edition copy) and am still in awe of the things that she and Martin were able to accomplish.

As to the rifle, I am glad that you are keeping it "as is". From her book, it is not always clear which rifle she preferred, but there were several double rifles in .450 cal as well as magazine rifles mentioned.

She was evidently quite a good shot as she was responsible for obtaining quite a bit of the camp meat and stopped several charges of DG while Martin filmed.

A remarkable woman in a remarkable time.

Ed

It truly warms my old heart that this thread is still being read and receiving a "bump" after I started this thread several years ago.

Thanks to all for your most kind remarks and comments!

The rifle is still safely in my possession although I have to very shamefully confess that I haven't shot it yet even after all these years. (Hanging my head in shame.)

Regardless, I'm very happy that folks are still enjoying this thread about Osa and one of her rifles.

Cheers!

Most sincerely,
-Bob F.

Ye Gods, Bob!

Find out when Osa's next birthday is, then set aside this date to shoot that rifle!

Take pictures for us. Post them here!

John