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LOT 529
Fine and Rare Engraved Cased Pair John Rigby & Co. Best Quality Double Barrel Rotary Underlever Big Game Hammer Rifles -A) Rigby .577/.500 (No.2 Black Powder Express) Rifle - Serial no. 16029, 500 cal., 26 inch bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. The makers have kindly confirmed that this pair of rifles were completed in December 1890 at a cost of £52. 10 shillings each. With blued barrels signed “JOHN RIGBY & Co. DUBLIN & LONDON” on the raised flat file cut matted rib. Bead front sight and rear sight of one standing notch and one folding notch leaf each with platinum inlaid center line and graduated to 250 yards. Each barrel is engraved with a band of stylized foliage at the breech end and respectively engraved “CASE – W.R. No.2 POWDER 132 GRS.” and “CANNELURED BULLET 400 GRS.”The underside of the barrels struck with London black powder proof marks and Rigby trademarks. Casehardened border and scroll engraved action with carved percussion fences, the water table struck with Rigby trademarks. Casehardened rebounding back action locks each signed “J. RIGBY & Co.” in Gothic script. Furniture comprising blued border and scroll engraved trigger guard and checkered blued heel plate. Well-figured 14 1/2 inch pistol grip stock with checkered grip and forearm, dark horn pistol grip cap, engraved rear sling stud to the underside of the butt and the right face of the butt is stamped with the rack number “13”. Weight 10 lbs. 1 oz. CONDITION: Fine. The barrels retain 95% thinning older reblued finish with clear engraved details, signature on rib slightly softened. There are some storage scratches to the finish, mostly light. Action, locks and furniture retaining 95% original casehardened finish and 99% renewed blue finish with crisp engraving. Stock has been refinished to a high standard, some minor evidence of age staining, pistol grip cap replaced. Mechanically excellent. B) Rigby .500/.450 (Black Powder Express) Rifle - Serial no. 16030, 500/450 cal., 26 inch bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Of similar form to “A”. The barrels are respectively engraved “CASE 500/450 POWDER 132 GRS.” and “CANNELURED BULLET 350 GRS.” and the right face of the butt is stamped with the rack number “10”. Weight 8 lbs. 10 oz. In recent Huey brass cornered oak and leather double fitted case lined in green baize with some accessories.