Johann Springer, Vienna       Model 40 Matched Consecutive Pair Sidelock Ejector     12 Gauge, 2 1/2" Chambers

                          In each of the following pairs of photos, Gun No.1 is first, followed by Gun No.2

28" SxS chopper-lump barrels of Thomas Kilby Special Fine Steel with concave matted ribs, all choked full and with a touch of engraving at the breeches. 14" length of pull from articulated front triggers to striated horn buttplates. 1 3/8" - 2 1/4" drop at comb and heel. Trace of cast-off. Fully figured, dark, oil-finished European walnut stocks to the fences with Anson-release splinter forends, classic point-pattern checkering with mullered borders, and diamond-section straight English grips. Holland & Holland-pattern bar-action sidelocks with bushed firing pins, concealed third fasteners, intercepting sears, gold-washed internals, Springer's signature elongated toplevers, barrel lumps concealed within action bottom plates, automatic ejectors and automatic top tang safeties with SAFE inlaid in gold, fully engraved in Springer's Holland & Holland-type scroll. Weights: 6lbs, 12oz each. All components numbered 1 & 2; barrels & actions being in gold. CV inlaid in silver on underside of forends. Built 1934. Gun No.1 retaining 98% blue and 30% casehardening colors. Gun No.2 retaining 99% blue and 60% casehardening colors. Tight, and with excellent bores. In original double motor case that has spared no sacrifice to protect the guns..  $19,750. for the pair.

The Model 40 as shown in Springer's 1936 catalog:

Provenance: Constantin Vișoianu (born February 4, 1897 in Urlați, Prahova County, Romania - died January 4, 1994 in Washington, D.C., United States) was a Romanian jurist, diplomat and politician.

He studied at the University of Bucharest and earned his doctor's degree in Law at the Sorbonne.

Constantin Vișoianu was technical advisor at the League of Nations. From 1931 to 1933 he was member of the Romanian permanent delegation to the Conference on Disarmament. He was thereafter appointed minister plenipotentiary to The Hague (1933–1935) and Warsaw (1935–1936)

He was the last Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania, under King Michael, from November 4, 1944 to March 5, 1945. Forced to flee from Romania when the Communist party rose to power, Constantin Vișoianu was chairman of the Romanian National Committee from 1948 to 1975.

            ...Wikipedia

Copy of the page in Springer's order book showing the guns, sold to Mr. Vișoianu in 1936.

European Shotguns             English Shotguns               American Shotguns          Combination Guns

Custom Rifles                       Double Rifles                      Single Shot Rifles             Magazine Rifles

Winchester                           Smith & Wesson                 Colt                                    Other Handguns   

Antique Guns                       Custom Knives                    Other Neat Stuff               New Arrivals

Who We Are                         How to Order                     Sell your Guns                  Fine Gun Gallery

Firearms Dictionary            Magazine Articles              Useful Links                       Store Photos

Hallowell & Co., Inc. PO Box 1445. Livingston, Montana  59047   USA  

Tel: 406 222-4770    Fax: 406 222-4792     Email: morris@hallowellco.com

Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 10 - 6.   (Mountain Time)  

Our inventory is constantly changing. Please bookmark this site and return often.

Contents © 1996 - 2016 Hallowell & Co., Inc.