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LOT 1403
Factory Engraved John Lyell Backaction Hammer Double Rifle
in .500 Black Powder Express with Case - Serial no. 1503, 500 Black
Powder Express cal., 25 15/16 inch solid rib bbl., brown/blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock.
Completed between 1874 and 1878, during John Lyell’s rather short time recorded in the trade, according to page 157 of
Nigel Brown’s British Gunmakers Volume Three”. Built with browned Damascus barrels featuring a ramped beaded blade fore sight
and a two leaf (one standing, one folding) rear sight on the partially matted solid rib, single band of engraving at the breech, period London
proof marks, and chambers with a single extractor. The barrels are fitted to the casehardened Jones Underlever hammer fired back action which
displays attractive scroll engraving surrounding “JOHN LYELL” signatures on either lockplate. The rifle has double triggers, non-rebounding hammers, and bar safeties. The rifle is
fitted with an attractively figured and multi-point checkered forend with engraved iron and wedge fastener as well as a straight hand stock with pistol grip adapter on the lower tang,
rear sling eye, blank inscription oval, and a lightly engraved blue steel buttplate. Includes a period leather trunk style case containing a plethora of loading tools and a pair of molds. Also includes
a hand written ledger giving a description and inventorying many of the items present. Length of pull 14 3/8 inches. Weight 9 lbs. 1 oz.
CONDITION: Very fine overall as refurbished during the period of use, retaining 98% brown finish on the barrel with strong Damascus patterns, 70% case colors, bright blue on the trigger guard and
lower tang, light handling evidence, minor spotting, slight chip at the right rear of forend, and sharp checkering on the wood. Mechanically excellent. The case is fair. A great chance at a classic British double rifle!
Estimate: 6,500 - 9,500
LOT 1402
Factory Engraved R. B. Rodda Retailed Alexander Henry 12 Bore
Dangerous Game Double Rifle - Serial no. 6840, 12 Bore cal., 24 inch
solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Completed in 1894
according to page 115 of Nigel Brown’s “British Gunmakers Volume One: London”.
Built with browned Damascus steel barrels featuring a beaded blade fore sight
with flip-up moon bead and three-leaf (one
standing, two folding) rear sight on the matted
flat solid rib which is marked “ALEXr HENRY
EDINBURGH AND LONDON/MAKER TO THEIR
ROYAL HIGHNESS’ THE PRINCE OF WALES AND DUKE OF EDINBURGH”,
“MADE FOR R. B. RODDA & Co” and “7 & 8 DALHOUSIE SQUARE CALCUTTA” marked on the right
and left tubes respectively, indistinct English proofs on the flats, and chambers with ejectors.
The barrels are fitted to the elaborately engraved backaction hammer fired action with Jones
underlever, rebounding hammers with bar safeties, and double triggers. The engraving consists of
beautifully executed intertwining scrollwork with leafy ends all around “ALEXr HENRY” banners on either lockplate
and continuing onto the underlever, lower tang, and the extended lollipop upper tang. The rifle is fitted with an attractive well-figured and multi-point
checkered forend with engraved iron as well as a pistol grip stock with casehardened and engraved trapdoor grip cap, pancake cheekpiece, rear sling swivel, large
inscription shield with initial monogram, and a Silver’s style recoil pad. Length of pull 14 15/16 inches. Weight 11 lbs. 14 oz.
CONDITION: Fine overall as professionally restored, retaining 99% brown finish, attractive grey patina on the action, most of the blue on the hammers, trigger guard, and lower
tang, some repairs on the wood, a crack on the underside of the forend, and crisp checkering on the stock and forend. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 8,500 - 12,000