Popularly known as "Mister Rifleman," Colonel Townsend Whelen was an avid hunter, competitive shooter, Army officer, and a prolific writer who contributed thousands of articles to well known American firearms publications, as well as publishing several of his own books, before his death in 1961. Throughout his career as an outdoorsman, Col. Whelen continually sought to improve upon the bolt action sporting rifle to match his own ideals, which were reflected in the various rifles he used, as well as engaging in experimentation with cartridge and load combinations in the pursuit of greater performance. This Mauser 98 rifle served as one of his test beds, and is specifically detailed in Col. Whelen's autobiography "Mister Rifleman" with a two-page spread starting on page 266. Per Colonel Whelen: "F.N. Mauser action, engraved floor plate, Circassian walnut stock by Bill Humphrey, with Monte Carlo comb, cheek piece and Niedner butt=plate, bedded by Humphrey with bolt reinforcement to recoil shoulder. Barrel free floating. Originally had a Douglas barrel for rimless .219 Donaldson case, which was replaced in February, 1960 with a 26-inch medium weight stainless steel barrel made by Ted Holmes and chambered for the .243 Holmes case.". The book further notes this as the only known rifle from Colonel Whelan's personal inventory with a "white" barrel, and given the timing likely would have been among the last projects he worked on in his life. With the exception of the removal of the original Unertl scope and bases and addition of a one-piece Redfield base, this rifle is virtually identical to the one in . Features a tapered barrel drilled and tapped for rear sight mounting and without sights, Redfield adjustable base and rings on the receiver, polished bolt, blue extractor, engraved magazine floorplate, adjustable trigger with serrated trigger, and serrated flag type safety. The barrel is left unfinished, and marked "shop - Mattoon Ill." Fitted with a multi-point checkered pistol grip stock with checkered plastic grip cap, raised cheekpiece, and checkered steel buttplate. Includes leather soft case.

Very good overall as professionally refinished and specially outfitted, retaining 95% plus blue finish with light scattered handling marks and crisp stock checkering. The safety will release the striker if it is pushed into the fire position after the trigger is pulled, but otherwise mechanically excellent.