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LOT 1412
Extremely Rare and Fine Factory
Engraved E.J. Churchill Boxlock
Ejector Double Rifle in Desirable
.22 Hornet with Case - Serial no.
4792, 22 hornet cal., 22 inch bbl.,
casehardened/blue finish, walnut stock.
Valerie Masters, the custodian of the
Churchill records, has kindly confirmed
that this rifle was ordered by Major (later Lieutenant) General
HRH The Maharaja of Patiala circa 1931-1932. The Maharaja
of Patiala was a renowned sportsman and collector
of fine items, with a particular love of English goods
such as Rolls Royce cars and rifles like this one. Built
with blacked steel barrels featuring a matted ramp mounted beaded
blade front sight with tunnel cover as well as a folding two-leaf rear
sight regualted for 50 and 100 yards on the matted rear quarter rib. The
barrels are signed “E.J. CHURCHILL (GUNMAKERS) LTD.” and “ORANGE ST.
GUNWORKS, LEICESTER SQUARE, LONDON.” on the left and right tube
respectively, London nitro proof marks dated 1987 on the flats, chambers
with ejectors, and a spray of scrollwork at each breech. The barrels are
fitted to the casehardened scalloped boxlock action which is profusely
engraved with fine best quality scrollwork surrounding “E.J. CHURCHILL”
signature banners on either side as well as “22 HORNET” inlaid in gold
on the blued floorplate. The engraving continues onto the blue toplever,
trigger guard, and lower tang as well as the casehardened triggerplate
and upper tang. The rifle features double triggers (front articulated) and a
tang mounted manual safety with gold inlaid “SAFE” indicator. The rifle is
fitted with nicely figured and multi-point checkered forend with engraved
iron and an Anson button release as well as a straight hand stock with
blank gold inscription oval and a checkered bare butt. Includes a maker’s
lightweight leather motor case containing a brass oil bottle, cleaning tools,
and a tag stating that the rifle was refurbished by the famed John Rigby &
Co. of London, England. Length of pull 14 inches. Weight 3 lbs. 13 oz.
CONDITION: Very good as professionally refurbished. The barrels retain
95% plus black finish showing only very minor thinning on the at some
high points as well as scattered collector type handling marks. The action
is excellent with crisp engraving and a very slight loss of gold inlay in the first “2” on the floor plate. The stock is very good with very minor storage/handling
blemishes and sharp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The case is very fine. An exceptionally rare and highly desirable E.J. Churchill small bore double rifle with a
wonderful ownership pedigree!
Provenance: Lieutenant General HRH The Maharaja of Patiala; The William J. Feldstein Collection; The Robert M. Lee Collection; Private Collection.
Estimate: 20,000 - 30,000
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