I just picked up a nice fully engraved Kessler Martini rifle. I will have it next week and when I'm home on March 29th I will take some pictures and post them.
Since I started collecting these Martini's are getting addictive. I have one plain System Aydt that is an antique that I will be selling here soon. I'm working in Colorado some it takes time to work stuff out going back and forth. If anyoneis interesed in a System AYDT rifle let me know, bore is like new 8.15x46r.
Happy Collecting
Mike

Here is a picture of the rifle.

well thats pretty cool. is it going to stay as is or restored?

A good, moderate approach.  Turn the old girl into a well-experienced, comfortable shooter without trying to make her eighteen again.

Good.  Any sensible man prefers an experienced woman, anyway.

Hey Mike, I was wondering about that idea. Here awhile back a friend of mine picked up an old rifle that the stock we thought for sure was a gonner as it was loose as a goose on the action. 2 piece stock at that. Anyway someone else mentioned that since it may not be salvagable that he shoud try the dishwarsher trick. Someone had told him it woud remove all old oil, maybe the finish but not damage the stock. He tried it and I'm still amazed when I look at that rifle with what looks like an almost new stock. And the wood swelled up to a perfect fit. Imagine that. So know I know your #2 in the water trick with these old things. I may try that trick yet.
If I do I will post before and after pics.
Mike

  Mike, I've read that dishwasher method here. I suppose the heat might add some help, but my way worked, besides, I don't want to let the wife know I know how to use the dishwasher.     By the way, when I buy a gun that's the first thing I do, , wash the wood down with a teaspoon of TSP in a bucket of water, then if it needs  I'll rub in a coat or two of Tru-Oil (no sanding or repairing of any kind, unless there's cracks or toe is missing; you get the picture).       ...MIKE...

Tsp is??