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LOT 3461
Factory Engraved George Gibbs Sidelock Double
Rifle with Scope and Case - Serial no. 17873, 303 British cal., 26 inch solid rib bbl.,
black/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Completed in 1892 according to page 108
of Nigel Brown’s “British Gunmakers Volume One: London”. Built with blued steel
chopperlump barrels featuring a ramped beaded blade fore sight, three-leaf (one
standing, two folding) rear sight graduated to 300 yards, rear quarter rib, single extractor, and a period scope in a set of quick detach mounts. The barrels show scroll engraving flanking
the signature on the sunken part of the rib which reads “GEORGE GIBBS 30 CONN STREET BRISTOL HAMPTON SIR JOSEPH WHITWORTH’S FLUID PRESSED STEEL” as well as at the breech.
The barrels are fitted to the casehardened sidelock action which displays near full coverage classic English bouquet and scroll engraving surrounding “GEORGE GIBBS” signatures on
either lockplate and the serial number on the lower tang. The rifle features bushed firing pins, a Kersten crossbolt, gold centerlined cocking indicators, double triggers, and a tang
mounted bolted safety with gold inlaid “SAFE” indicator. The rifle is fitted with a nicely figured and checkered splinter forend with engraved iron and a pistol grip stock with casehardened and engraved grip cap, rear sling eye, blank
inscription oval, the initials “EMC” attached to the right side of the stock, and a checkered steel buttplate. Includes an ill-fitting period flat case. Length of pull 14 11/16 inches. Weight 10 lbs. (with scope).
CONDITION: Very fine as professionally restored, retaining 99% black and casehardened finishes with minor handling evidence, some minor spotting, high edge wear on the wood, and crisp checkering on the stock and forend.
Mechanically excellent. The case is fair with detached spacers. Scope optics clear. A good opportunity to own a classic English double rifle!
Estimate: 7,000 - 10,000
LOT 3460
Factory Engraved Joseph Harkom & Son .450 Express Sidelock
Double Rifle with Case - Serial no. 2362, 450 Express cal., 28 3/16 inch
solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Completed circa
1904 according to page 135 of Nigel Brown’s “British Gunmakers Volume
Three”. Built with a white beaded blade fore sight and a two-leaf (one standing, one folding) rear sight
on the matted flat solid rib which is signed “JOSEPH HARKOM & SON./30 GEORGE STREET EDINBURGH.” flanked by flourishes
of scroll engraving. The barrels also show light engraving at the breech and doll’s head extension, chambers with ejectors, and
London nitro proof marks listing a 325 grain bullet over a charge of 45 grains of Cordite, indicating that the rifle was proofed for “Nitro
for Black” loadings. The barrels are fitted to the casehardened sidelock action which displays near full coverage tight scroll engraving surrounding “J. HARKOM & SON” signature banners
on either lockplate as well as areas of braided rope borders at the rear of the lockplates. The engraving flows off of the action and onto the toplever, triggerguard, and both tangs. The
rifle features gold centerlined cocking indicators, double triggers, and a tang mounted automatic safety. The rifle is fitted with an attractively figured and multi-point checkered forend
with engraved iron and an Anson button release as well as a pistol grip stock with tear drop carved drop points, a horn grip cap, blank silver inscription oval, raised cheekpiece, rear
sling swivel, and a horn buttplate. Includes a period maker’s leather flat case. Length of pull 14 11/16 inches. Weight 8 lbs. 10 oz.
CONDITION: Very fine as professionally restored, retaining 99% blue and casehardened finishes with a protective coat of varnish on the action, minor handling evidence, some minor spotting, a few light marks on the wood, and
crisp checkering on the stock and forend. Mechanically excellent. The case is good.
Estimate: 9,000 - 15,000