In 1935 Colonel Townsend Whelen had A.O. Neidner build a heavy-barreled .257 Roberts for him on a Springfield 1903 action. Thomas Shellhamer stocked it. The dark walnut stock is unusual in that it has cheekpieces on both sides. Perhaps Whelen was starting to have the eye problems that later plagued him? It has a Model 70 style horizontal safety. The floorplate is engraved “Colonel Townsend Whelen, Ordnance Department, U.S. Army”.
Late in life, Colonel Whelen retired in St. Louis, MO, to be with his daughter. He then joined the Benchrest Rifle Club of St. Louis. His eyes had become a problem, but he did shoot regularly, and offered shooting advice to the younger members. He eventually gifted several of his personal rifles to local members, which is how I eventually acquired this one.
Several years ago, I took the rifle to Wyoming and killed an antelope with it; about 22 years after the Colonel’s passing. The rangefinder said it was a 287 yard shot. I thought he might look down from Heaven and be pleased that one of his rifles was still hunting.
gold40
Last edited by gold40; 08/28/16 08:32 PM.
