I have the Owen Savage 23-D .22 Hornet. As Mike's article says, it is marked #1, despite the fact that he'd been building guns for years. Last year I was told by a man (another well-known gun builder) that knew Owen this was his (Owen's) own gun that he built for himself. I suppose that answers the question about it being #1-- he was the "main man" so number one was most befitting. It also makes sense that he would choose an inexpensive Savage since he definitely wasn't wealthy. It has a beautiful piece of wood and is Kornbrath engraved-- possibly as a favor for the friend that had given him so much work. It has to be the nicest Savage in the world. I doubt Kornbrath engraved another.
I also have a 20 bore shotgun he built on a Westley Richards droplock action. It has 28 inch German steel barrels and has deeply-chiseled Kornbrath engraving. I'm pretty proud of it as it's a really outstanding example and much nicer than I deserve--but I'm keeping it!
Until recently, I had a Mauser-actioned .375 built by Owen. I haven't seen too many other Owen Mausers but have been told of one other .375 and two .257s (counting Mark's.) I'm sure there were a few more and I imagine their whereabouts are secrets well-kept by Mike.
I also have two unengraved Springfields and two Kornbrath engraved Springfields, all .30-06s. I guess I've gotten a bit "Owen-crazy" the last few years but really feel his "best" guns (not to be confused with many guns it seems he just put his name on and "retailed")are among the finest ever built. I'd really like to have an Owen Bros. gun if anyone has the urge to sell!
