doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion Classic & Custom Single Barreled Sporting Rifles @ doublegunshop.com Did anyone here get these Hart '03s?

That is nice, how many times has that happened to you? And
for those of you who don't understand Michael's post, on
page 143 of Custom Gun Maker's of the 20th Century,
there is a picture of Harvey W. Rodgers at his workbench,
in the background you can see a rack of rifles. And
in the rack is the one Michael just purchased.
Did you know that before you bid on the rifle?

Thanks John, I might have a better understanding if I could stream...
Buying this way online is even more of a crapshoot the GB, and I'm neither brave nor wealthy enough. I can't imagine wanting to send a gun back??

Probably a good auction to be at on-site, you did very well for both of you guys!
Again, thanks for the vicarious view!

No, I laid out the Rodgers-Hart file last night and went over everything I had. I was surprised to see it in a picture that I had published. There are other interesting things in the "Rodgers Rack". More to follow.

See the long, skinny, light colored rifle to the left of the double barrel. This is a poor picture of that rifle send by a family member.

While I will admit the two guns are certainly very similar, I don't believe it can be said with any degree of certainty that the rifle in the rack is the EXACT SAME rifle purchased by Mr. Petrov at auction. I am sure that there were numerous rifles with the white stock fittings, to come out of Hart. In fact, I saw one on auction a few years ago, that had been sent to Emil Koshollek and Alvin Linden for additional work at a later date. It may be the same rifle in the photo, but to state THAT IT IS, is a little presumptious. Wishful thinking perhaps? JMHO G'DAY

You are right, there could have been dozen of them, but I don't think so.

I would love to see a picture of a Hart rifle with Ivory (or white) fittings. If you have a picture please post or for that matter would love to see any Hart rifle picture.

Can you tell me what auction you saw the Hart in and I'll try to locate the catalog.

I am trying to get a loan of the original picture that I used.

This is a blowup of the copy I have.




"Wishful thinking perhaps?" You bet, everyday!

PS: I just noticed this is your first post, Welcome to the Forum.

Mr. Petrov: Thanks for your kind and fraternal Welcome.It is much appreciated. However I did not say there may have been DOZENS of such rifles, I am quite sure there wasn't, however the odds of there only being one, are even more minute. The particular rifle I speak of was not on a firearms only site but was on an antique auction of guns, western collectibles, and other hunting collectibles. It was not a large auction but was prime material with also a rifle that had belonged to W. Herbert Dunton built by Ol' Scratch. I believe the auction house was called Berniers (sp.?) and the auction was approx. 2 to 2 1/2 years ago. The rifle was a Hart in 30 GOVT.. I did not bid because there was a ridiculous reserve on it of over $5000, in fact noone bid, it went unsold. GOOD LUCK IN THIS ENDEAVOR MM

Could it be Berner's Auction Gallery, 4785 East National Road, Springfield, Ohio 45505?

Thanks,

welcome Mr. Montana Man,
As an introduction here I would suggest you search some of Mr. Petrov's previous posts before you doubt his notions of period photo interpretation or his knowledge of Rogers rifles. I would also suggest you inquire about purchasing a copy of his book Custom Gunmakers of the 20th Century if you are interested in vintage American Sporting rifles and there makers.
I can honestly say, in my 35+ years in the custom gun business I have never met a more reliable source for historic information, nor been more frequently surprised at the depth of knowledge and serious collecting of guns, historic paper, anecdotes, related accoutrements and ephemera involving one focus of gun collecting than I have in Michael Petrov. Nor have I ever met any man more likely to reliably recognize the makers of pre-war custom guns from the features of the existing examples.
To doubt that the Rogers Rifle in the auction and the one in the photo are the same, in Michael's estimation, is simply foolish. If you are interested in the guns and stick around this venue, I'm sure you will come to agree...
BTW: Where in MT are you from?

Mr. Hughes: First let me say I am a little disappointed in your less than collegial tone. Mr. Petrov whom it is his rifle that is the subject of this discussion, was a gentleman in his discussion though we may not agree. First I am thoroughly aware of Mr. Petrov's work and in fact I have owned his CG20thC book for years, A FINE WORK INDEED. I have enjoyed Precision Shooting Magazine and his, as well as other's contributions for many years, as well. However this doesn't have one thing to do with, if his rifle is the one in the picture. The fact Mr.Petrov is an authority [granted, but not without his human prejudices as he admits] on Pre-War Sporters does not make the one he purchased, the one sitting in the rack! Anymore than if you stand in a Garage it will make you a Car! I have been collecting fine firearms for over 45 years and while I am aware of Mr. Petrov's fine collection [Wonderful indeed!], I and my close friends have been buying along side he and Monte Mandarino, Terry Buffum and the other older fellows that have been around a good number of years. Accordingly I don't think I will be lectured to by a single shot gunsmith who prices a 1903 Remington Sporter for $875 that can be be purchased on the auction sites frequently for $450-$550. Because, I can only assume, it was YOURS. It certainly wasn't because it possessed any special quality or even an above average degree of workmanship. If my memory serves me, Mr. Petrov comes from the oil fields an occupation not for the meek or weak of heart. He can as we say " Carry his own water " I have read this blog for years and have refrained from joining in because of this very reason... syncophants... and rah rah boys that break their arm patting each other on the back, but can't take polite discourse that is not in agreement with the "IN CROWD". I have always been reminded of the quote
Do Not Walk Behind For I May Not Lead
Do Not Walk Ahead For I May Not Follow
Walk By My Side So That I May Be A Friend