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LOT 3459
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 black powder 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 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: 20,000 - 30,000