Ackley had several shops, actually almost factories, in several cities and employed many, many workers over the years. I've seen utilitarian rifles with his logo and I've seen more of his rifles that were so ornately done with such poor taste that I'd be ashamed to show them. The workmanship on this one appears to be at least as good as the best of his work that I personally have seen. AAMOF the examples of his work that I've seen have been pretty pitiful IMO.
Traditionally at Trinidad, one or two especially-skilled members of most graduating classes are offered the chance to build a fine bespoke rifle. Usually for a presentation award, sometimes for other purposes. The school has always accepted some outside work for both pin money and shop demonstrations for the students, and I'm sure this is the practice mentioned in the post above. Ackley himself was associated with the Trinidad school only very briefly during the formative years of the program, soon moving his operation to Utah. Can't say that I blame him, Trinidad is kinda bleak at the best of times (VBG).
Regards, Joe
