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November 19, 2006
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I’ve often pursued some odd pieces over the years and on that list of yet to acquire is a Blake rifle. To me at least, these are very interesting and unique pieces.
Two are coming up on auction and unfortunately, both are marked Winchester. Why, I can’t fathom. Given the non-originality, I can’t help but conclude it’s a detractor.
The detachable magazine set-up on the Blake is very cool. Originally, they sold an ammunition belt with slots for loose rounds as well as pockets for six magazines.
Here’s the .405:
https://bid.poulinauctions.com/BLAKE-ROTARY-MAGAZINE-BOLT-ACTION-RIFLE_i59097032
Here’s the .30 Blake (.30/40 Krag rimless):
https://bid.poulinauctions.com/BLAKE-ROTARY-MAGAZINE-BOLT-ACTION-RIFLE_i59097031
January 20, 2023
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Those may belong in the Ripley’s museum.
- Bill
WACA # 65205; life member, NRA; member, TGCA; member, TSRA; amateur preservationist
"I have seen wicked men and fools, a great many of both, and I believe they both get paid in the end, but the fools first." -- David Balfour, narrator and protagonist of the novel, Kidnapped, by Robert Louis Stevenson.
October 14, 2024
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That .30 is a handsome looking rifle, Steve. Thanks for posting the link. I was not familiar with the Blake rifle. I guess that I’ll be doing a dive down the rabbit hole. LOL.
May 23, 2009
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I’m somewhat confused. Did Blake use Model 95 barrels to make up these rifles? Or did Blake (or someone else for that matter) mark them up as having been made by Winchester?
A interesting rifle design indeed, but you can see why it was not very popular.
Sincerely,
Maverick
WACA #8783 - Checkout my Reloading Tool Survey!
https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-research-surveys/winchester-reloading-tool-survey/
December 9, 2002
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A very interesting post Steve!
John H. Blake was a master rifle smith with his rotary design rifle. Some pretty rare stuff, that you shared here, and have educated me on in the past!
For those who are interested.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blake_rifle
Anthony
October 14, 2024
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It would certainly be the only one at deer camp! The Winchester barrel marking is interesting. I also wondered about how that came to be.
December 9, 2002
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Definitely in the rare category. IMO!
An extra rotary magazine is a rare item, as I recall, one went for a lot of $$$ at auction last year!
Anthony
October 14, 2024
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I wouldn’t even want to guess how much a spool magazine would cost. I’ve been trying to find a spare magazine for my 30-40 Krag Remington Lee sporting rifle. I don’t really need one but it would be nice to have. Unfortunately, they never seem to come up for sale in that caliber and I probably would have to dish out $300-$400 for it.
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