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LOT 479
Scarce Factory Engraved J. Rigby & Co. Rising Third Bite Sidelock Dangerous Game Double Rifle in .500 Express - Serial
no. 15719, 500 Express cal., 26 1/8 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Manufactured between 1885 and 1890 according to information given on page 128 of Nigel Brown’s “British Gunmakers Volume One: London”. The rising third bite was designed by John Rigby and Thomas Bissell as patent number 1141 of 1879, and is an excellent example of the art of gunmaking. Though it was replaced by the much easier to produce doll’s head type extensions, these early rising bite guns are a must have for any collector of 19th century British sporting arms. The rifle is built with blued steel barrels featuring a beaded blade front sight, a two leaf (one standing, one folding) rear sight on the matted solid rib, rear rib section with dovetail scope mounts, scroll engraving on the third bite extension, bands of engraving at the breech, front sling eye, chambers with a single extractor, and period London blackpowder proofs.
The barrels are fitted to a casehardened rising third bite
sidelock action which displays highly attractive scroll engraving covering much of the surface and surrounding “J. Rigby & Co.” signatures on
either lockplate before continuing onto the triggerguard, both tangs, and the underlever. The gun features bushed
firing pins, double triggers, and a tang mounted manual
safety. The rifle is mounted with a beautifully figured and multi-point checkered forend with a Deeley & Edge
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1873 patent fastener and engraved fittings as well a pistol grip stock with teardrop carved drop points, horn grip cap, rear sling eye, and steel heel and toe plates around the checkered bare butt. Length of pull 14 5/8 inches. Weight 9 lbs. 9 oz.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 90% professionally reapplied blue finish, attractive silver patina on the action, scattered minor spotting on the barrels, a few pin prick pits under the surface, some thinning on the triggerguard, and overall light handling evidence. The replacement wood is also very fine with some dings and scratches and sharp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A great chance to own a classic English double rifle utilizing the rare rising third bite action! Estimate: 25,000 - 37,500