Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters Anyone know O.H. Elliott & Co gunsmith? New 7x57! (pics added)

Nice rifle! I think you're right about the barrel band.

- Tom

efw,

I recently picked up a custom .243 from the late 50's or early 60's, by the looks of it. It's a heavy barreled varmint rifle, with typical California-style stock made out of BEAUTIFUL American walnut, with nice checkering, fittings of paler wood (probably maple, and what appears to be an old Timney set at right around one pound. It's on a Mexican Mauser action (the cocking-knob model) and everything was done just right. I paid $350. It shoots great. No markings as to maker or barrel.

Last year I bought a genuine Bill Sukalle sporter. Yep, the barrelmaker who did work for Jack O'Connor. A .257 "Rem." on a good military 98 action, with a nicely made stock (he farmed those out), and a Lyman 48 underneath a K4 Weaver in a Griffin & Howe side mount. The military trigger was remodeled to a crisp 3-pound pull. Price: $700. It shoots into well under an inch.

Yeah, I'm a rifle loony!

O.H. Elliott was born in Michigan in 1903.

Served an apprenticeship in Indianapolis, Indiana 1919-1920.

University Michigan School of Engineering 1920-23.

Apprenticeship gunsmithing in London 1923-25.

I don't know if he made stocks or not but employed one stockmaker (name unknown) after 1946 in Williamsburg, Michigan.

That is great information; thank you very much!

That is purdy! Thanks for the message, made my day seeing a classy old rifle like that. You're a lucky man to have that follow you home.

Yours appears to be caustic blue to me. Below is one of mine that is rust blued and you will note the almost grey-like color, not deep blue at all. Nice rifle and story to boot.

Thanks for answering that question, Tony.

That is observably different from mine, which is slightly different colors; the barrel one, the shroud another, and the reciever/BM yet another.

That is a beautiful custom job you have there. Whose BM is that? What cartridge is it chambered for?

I likey.

The aperture sight is a Lyman 48, a superb sight.

Admitting you have a problem is the first step.
And thanks to efw and GH for a great thread. There's something about the older customs that just seems right.

efw - careful, someone will accuse you of having a rifle that was "butchered" from the original now-collectible military version!

That is one terrific looking Mauser. I like the old customs myself. Sometimes a guy can find a real nice one at a bargain price. Yours is a beauty.

Regards, Guy

The action and bottom metal were made by Pete Grisel before he and Don Allen landed on the Dakota action. He made just 50 of them, this one is stamped #49. It is pretty slick with quick detachable rings and all. It is a 280 Remington. Thanks for the comments.

Guilty as charged.

Here is what Grasshopper's rifle looks like. The pictures don't completely do it justice but you can see it is a rifle well worth owning.








Edward, I'm sorry I didn't know about this thread sooner, but we have been gone and just recently got back home. My brother let me know about it last night. Larry

My apologies for not getting back to your PM, Grasshopper.

I scanned all my photos from that day and didn't find one of your O.H. Elliott..........so I presumed Larry had taken them.

I do have one of you clutching a ratty old Springfield however.

Larry,

Thanks so much for posting those pics... Hope you had a good time on your vacation...

Grandview,

No apology necessary. Thanks for looking...

GH

Man, you guys are giving me the mauser bug again. Something about the classic lines and simplicity. Thanks all for sharing.

Maybe someone will start a new classic Mauser sporter thread. I always enjoy looking at them also.

I say a new thread because I really hate to take away from the thought of this thread. I'd enjoy seeing more of O.H. Elliott's work if anyone has more.

GV,

That "ratty old Springfield" was one of the highlights of my trip....

Dang Ed that is indeed an amazing rifle! I absolutely love the full length stock...

Oh, and "ratty old Springfields" are another of my joys in life, too!

Maybe a "classic Mauser sporters" thread is in order along with a "ratty old Springfields" one ?

Ok, when I was a little girl my father was a friend of Mr. Elliot's and Mr. Elliot made ALL my father's guns.....he made a 30 06 gun for my mother to hunt with and she still has it. The REASON I am posting here is this. DOES ANYONE HERE know the "value" of this gun? I can send anyone pics if you can help me. She has terminal cancer and I need to KNOW the value of this gun so I can pay for cremation expenses. ANY HELP would be appreciated. I figured since you all were interested in his guns someone would know? Thanks.......

Lopiekitty,

First off I'm very sorry to hear about your mother's health. I just trudged down that same path with my father in Feb so I know exactly how you're feeling.

I'll shoot you a PM with my email address, but it is really hard to price a custom rifle like this because the value really is only what a person is able/willing to pay at the moment you need to sell.

On the other hand, you've got an audience here that is more likely to offer you a fair price than most other groups of people.