Help, please: Musgrave History

[AlS]

I have a Musgrave 375H&H "Afrika Supreme" engraved by Armin Winkler which I got in the 1980's. Does anyone know anything about the history - how many made. etc? The only other one I ever saw belonged to was in Bostwana which belonged to the late Peter Capstick (author). Low res pics attached.

 

[Martin Strolz]

Armin Winkler graduated as an engraver in Ferlach in 1977 or 1978. So this is an early sample of his work. I do not think that he worked in South Africa. Quite likely the rifle was sent to Austria for engraving or it even was built there. Look for the proof marks. In case these show a stylized eagle, a sign NPF (Nitro Proof Ferlach) and a combination consisting of three capital letters (code for the month of proof testing) the rifle was built for Musgrave in Ferlach. In case it was exported "in the white" there will be some South African proof marks too.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Musgrave_rifle

 

[Marrinan]

Armin Winkler is or was in South Africa in 2004 and 2008- Not sure if there now or in between those dates. He was working with Johan Morkel and Danie Crouse, both gun and rifle makers he was the engraver in the custom gun work. He was also doing a few custome knives and many of that period considered him the preeminate engraver in South Africa. Google armin winkler engraver for more information. Fred

 

[AlS]

When I got the rifle I was told:
It was made locally by Musgrave
They brought Winkler out to SA in the 1970's and 80's.
They intended to export this series.
But I was never able to confirm the accuracy of the info.
According to christiaan he is still in SA in Paarl. I will try to contact him tomorrow.

 

[AlS]

Managed to track down Armin Winkler - the engraver. He's in South Africa at B Laubscher & Assoc. Paarl. Spoke to him today and sending him pics to jog his memory.

 

[ChrisB]

Hi Als,
Yup he is still in S.A. and still engraving. The Musgrave License was bought by J.J. Wapens in Ermelo, and they are now producing these again, Locally. Before that it was made in Bloemfontein Free State. I Actually are doing all there Engraving for Them.

 

[Arnaud Van Tilburgh]

great to see that you know that much about other engravers

arnaud

 

[Martin Strolz]

Armin was a regular student while I was a host student; Mr. Johann Singer was our teacher. I am very pleased to learn that he still works as an engraver and that he is doing well.