Steven,
Right church wrong pew, try Guns and Ammo 1972 Annual pg64.
Profile of a Custom Gunsmith "Jules La Bantchni" ,a couple of full engraved Mausers with a short story of his life. He was a craftsman at MGM Studio miniature dept in 1931 when he made his first custom mannlicher stock 6.5 mauser. No formal training in wood or steel engraving, nor custom gunsmithing. After two yrs he was the custom gunsmith to the Hollywood Stars, including Hemingway, Gable, Fowler, Roy Rogers,& Robt Taylor. All his pieces designed along the classic lines with each rifle designed to point like a high grade shotgun. He was an ardent hunter and while many of his custom guns were ornate, others were very plain, yet skillfully put together.
I guess since he was west coast craftsman thats why he was highlighted by G & A and Peterson Pub Co back then. The also show quite a bit of the work of Walter Abe.Hope this helps
Bob
Thanks for the information, I knew there was an article out there but was not sure where. I'm updating my information and have a packet of stuff on the way. If that issue is not there I'll try to locate a copy. I appreciate the heads up.
I've been so consumed with the origins of his last name that I now need to get back to some basics.
