This wonderfully Master Engraved Mauser rifle is from the collection of the late Jim Wilkinson of Prescott, Arizona. Wilkinson grew up spending his summers working the family Granite Dells Ranch in Arizona and returning to his native Illinois for school in the fall. Wilkinson attended the University of Illinois and began his career in his families Central Illinois lumberyards. In 1946 he permanently moved to Arizona to work his own ranch in Granite Dells, and establish the Rifle Ranch a gun store specializing in custom rifles, hand loading, and shooting supplies. Wilkinson was an avid hunter with expeditions to Canada, and Alaska as well as more exciting destinations such as Africa, Afghanistan, India, and Nepal, all in the pursuit of mountain sheep. Wilkinson would become the 10th person in the world to achieve the "Super Slam" which is a collection of 16 different types of wild sheep found on four separate continents. Wilkinson passed away in 2001. Medium weight tapered barrel without sights, inscribed "NO. 700 RIFLE RANCH - PRESCOTT. ARIZ." on top and ".338 MAG" on the left side at the breech. Magnum Mauser action with French gray Redfield swivel scope base, Redfield 4x scope, polished bolt body and extractor, knurled bolt handle knob, and two position low profile wing safety. The masterful embellishment on this rifle starts at the scope rings with a leopard on the front roaring male tiger on the rear, fully engraved trigger guard assembly with borders of flowing scroll and stalking tiger on the floorplate, American mountain lion in repose on the trigger guard, nude woman and male lion in repose on the grip cap, and a leopard in a tree on the cartridge trap. The right edge of the floorplate is signed "F. MACK" for Ferlach, Austria Master Engraver Franz Mack. Attractive checkered walnut pistol grip stock with rosewood forend cap, two reinforcing plugs, raised cheekpiece, and solid rubber Old English recoil pad.

Exceptionally fine with 99% bright polished blue finish, crisp markings, mild handling marks, and slight plum coloration on the bolt shroud. The engraving is very sharp and detailed. The stock is very fine with crisp checkering, and a few very small scratches visible. Mechanically excellent. A stunning tribute to big cat hunting on three continents!