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LOT 483
Factory Engraved W. J. Jeffery & Co. Sidelock Ejector Double Rifle in .450/400 Nitro Express with Case - Serial no. 25574, 450/400 N.E. 3” cal., 24 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Manufactured between 1929 and 1939 per Nigel Brown’s “British Gunmakers Volume One: London”. Blued steel barrels with a ramped beaded blade front sight with flip up moon sight, three position (one standing, two folding) rear sight on the raised rear quarter
rib, “W. J. JEFFERY & Co. Ltd. 9 GOLDEN SQUARE REGENT STREET. LONDON. W.1.” on the smooth rib, and chambers with ejectors. The casehardened sidelock
action displays beautifully executed extensive scroll engraving surrounding “W.
J. JEFFERY & Co. Ltd” on either lockplate as well as attractive nitre blued pins.
The engraving continues onto the triggerguard, both tangs, toplever, and the nicely sculpted fences. This rifle is a piece of artwork which exudes class from the glory days of hunting in India and Africa. The rifle features bushed firing pins, double triggers, and a tang mounted automatic safety switch with gold inlaid “SAFE”. Attractively figured, multi-point checkered forend with engraved fittings, including the Anson button release, and pistol grip stock with tear drop flats, casehardened trapdoor grip cap, shadowline cheekpiece, inscription oval marked with three letter initials, and a checkered buttplate. Includes a leather wrapped takedown case marked “S. ROSEN” on the lid with Jeffery internal label and a pair of nickel snap caps. Length of pull 14 9/16 inches. Weight 9 lbs. 13 oz. CONDITION: Very fine overall as masterfully restored, retaining 99% blue finish and 95% case colors with minor handling evidence, a few tiny dings in the wood, and sharp checkering on the stock and forend. The case is very good with mild wear. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 35,000 - 55,000
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