That checkering in the OP's pics is no more factory than my Aunt Fannie. Look how crude it is, and the diamonds are square instead of lengthened. Definitely aftermarket. The work of Bubba who maybe knew how to wield a checkering tool but was clueless how to lay out a pattern. (And if a factory checkerer caused an over-run at the end of every line like what you see here, he/she would have been out of a job. Those folks weren't the most accomplished checkerers in the business but even this is worse than any I ever saw.)
Also, the full length pic shows the checkering pattern on the fore end to be asymmetrical, unlike every pattern Savage ever used. The pic is too poor to clearly show the checkering on the wrist, but I get the impression it's dodgy too from the little I see.
Last edited by gnoahhh; 08/23/16.
"You can lead a man to logic, but you cannot make him think." Joe Harz "Always certain, often right." Keith McCafferty
Thanks for the kind words. I kind of thought it looked sort of crude myself the first time I pulled it from the shipping box. I think I'll still letter it just in case.
Gotta agree the checkering is after market, at least the forearm. Pic is kind of dark to see the buttstock, and some Spiegel guns had the buttstock checkered but not the forearm... But from what I can see it doesn't look quite right either.
Still, it's an EG in 30-30.. the only one I have is refinished and reblued and I'm happy to have it.
“The Savage 99 Pocket Reference”. All models and variations of 1895’s, 1899’s and 99’s covered. Also dates, checkering, engraving.. Find at www.savagelevers.com
Just got my letter back from Mr. Callahan today. I'm sure glad I lettered it. This rifle was shipped to Spiegel Inc. on September 10, 1937. So, third year of EG production. Mr. Callahan attached a hand written note saying that the little compass is also factory original. I didn't think that was going to be the case. I'm pretty happy with that bit of info. So, it looks like I've just got an oddball factory EG ordered by Spiegel with a rushed factory checkering job to get it out the door.
I'll try to get some better pics up in the next few days. I'm working night shift for awhile so my schedule is all off. I'll get a picture up of the letter soon.
As for a "buy now" price I'm still figuring that one out:)
wyo1895 With Savage never say never. For a copy of my book on engraved Savage lever actions rifles send a check for $80 to; David Royal, p.o. box 1271, Pinedale, Wy., 82941. I will sign and inscribe the book for you. [email protected]
I'm planning on taking some real photos of the rifle with an actual camera (not a cell phone) as soon as I get a chance.
I am going to sell it because I don't shoot it and I don't hunt enough to warrant keeping it. I've got other rifles I don't mind dragging through the woods on the few occasions that I do get. I just want to figure out a fair price for both buyer and seller. More to come soon. Thanks for the help guys.